I was up early yesterday as I had to post a big parcel back to the UK and this was my last chance to do it. Then it was off to do the bridge climb!!!!!!!!!!!! I had managed to persuade Richard to do it with me and on the way there I got the impression that he wasn't too good with heights - too late now. The Harbour Bridge Climb has been running since 1998 and it was very organised and conveyor belt like. A group of up to 12 left every 20 minutes and was herded through various stages, the first being the alcohol breath test (got through that one, phew) and the signing of the waiver. From here we moved through to get our suits, belts and other bits and bobs. Everything we took up had to be clipped to our suits, including sunglasses, caps and hair ties, but we were restricted from taking anything else, so sadly no cameras. This is probably because the climb is over a freeway and railway line running over the bridge and if anything is dropped it could have devastating conesquences. Once kitted out we had to do a practice climb up and over a small platform, before heading out onto the bridge itself. From start to finish we had to negotiate just under 1500 steps (my calves have just stopped aching) and get up to a height of 150 metres. At points we were walking on metal meshing which you could see through and when climbing up the ladders we went up and down between the traffic and the trains travelling over the bridge, before reaching the summit. The conditions were perfect and the view was impressive, with the Opera House below us and the cruise ship Sapphire Princess back in harbour. Our guide took photos at the top and we were given a complimentary group picture and I purchased one of Richard and me, but these are now winging their way home, along with my climb certificate. Apparently on Monday (St Valentine's Day) there will be about 100 proposals on the bridge!! By the time we returned to solid ground we had been gone about 2 hours and were ready for some sustenance. Luckily, Rich and Bryan had already planned a surprise sunset picnic as a farewell and so after meeting Bryan from work we drove over to Milson's Point, opposite the Opera House. It was a beautiful spot with the city skyline, Opera House, Harbour Bridge and cruise ship right in front of us. We settled down to Champagne, oysters, king prawns, bread, dips, olives, smoked salmon, etc - it was perfect, even the sunset complied and was spectacular. Then to finish off the evening the cruise ship, which was taller than the road level of the bridge, went out of the harbour. A huge thank you to the boys for putting up with me for so long and making Christmas, New Year and everything else so memorable. Shes xxxxxxxxx