We were early, so they let us go on the 10:45 tour. There were 13 of us with a guide. People from Australia, Scotland, Germany, and Canada. First, a breathalyzer and questionnaire about health issues. Next, special jump suit and since it was hot, no clothes underneath. No watches, rings, loose glasses, cameras - nothing loose. Then, harnesses that attached to the safety line, holders for our glasses, holders for our hats, hankie for perspiration. They had a microphone, head phone system so we could hear the guide, but his strong Irish-Australian accent made some of it difficult.
We had some training on going up and down the ladders to get to the top of the bridge. Then we were off. Up stairs, down catwalks, stopping for commentary. Then up, up, up the ladders, where there were monitors stationed to insure that we moved safely. Once on the arch, the walkways were stairs, but at a shallow pitch that took us to the top. Along the way, Billy, our guide took lots of pictures to prove we did actually climbed the bridge. And, multitalented guide that he was, he gave information on the history of the bridge and its construction. We walked across the top of the bridge to the other side. Then it was back down to reality and down, down, down the ladders. The guide was very good, very professional. Pictures turned out well.
Here are 2 pictures of us on the bridge.
After the hot climb (that burned an estimated 650 calories) we had a cider and a New Tooheys at the Hero of Waterloo Inn.
The Observatory was nearby, so we went in to check out night star viewings and stayed for a 3D movie about Mars and a tour of the building. Looked through the telescope, but it was too cloudy to see much on the sun. 1800's building looking just like observatories of old and a very nice young astronomer was our guide.
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