Brisbane Story Bridge Climb

Saturday 28 November 

It was to be the climb of the 65's!

During 2016 we had all reached the ''pension' milestone. Our good friend Jill decided that we needed to celebrate with a 'birthday bash' together.

We were to meet at 4pm. I took the bus to the city and then walked through the Botanical Gardens to take a small ferry across the river to Kangaroo Point and the base of the bridge.

The climb starts on the far right hand side of the bridge. It drops down to the centre, where a walkway takes one across to the opposite side, for the return climb.
As you can see, there were ominous clouds about. Lightening flickered in the distance, but we managed to get our full time on the bridge. The group after us had their time cut short.

 

I was a little early, so I had time to stroll under the bridge and through its parkland, where many people were enjoying picnics and BBQ's.

I wasn't sure I really wanted to be up there.

Before we could climb we had to sign forms and take an alcohol breath test.

  

We all passed so it was time to don the oh so fashionable, climbing suit. 

Next we had to remove any loose items from our body. Glasses were attached to straps, cameras and phones were banned and we were kitted up with a harness, to attach us to a line on the bridge at all times.

As we reached the first official photographic point [cameras are permanently mounted], the sun was setting in the west.
Southern view.

The twilight that followed was magical, especially with the brooding storm clouds to the north.

Midway

Just the descent to base to go.
Northern view.

An exhilarating experience. I recommend the sunset evening climb. Thanks Jill for all your organisation. I wonder what you have in store for our 70th!

I would love to read your comment.