Feb. 23

Up early, before dawn, and off to the airport. We come down and find that it's raining, a real downpour. But, by the time we get to the airport, it's stopped. An easy flight, and transfer to our hotel. Mary walks into the room and gasps at the view. We have what must be one of the best views in town, of both the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. We then head down for the Center Quay for a look around and some lunch.

Bill and I continue to walk around, all the way around the Opera House, but Mike and Mary have to leave to go climb the Harbor Bridge. They have to take a breathalyzer test, get suited up in special suits, and spend some time learning how to clip on and climb the ladders before they start. The first stage is to climb up four ladders to get to the arch. Here, they learn that the bridge has two rail lines on side, then six lanes of traffic, and then two more lanes of traffic that used to be used for trams. The ladders that they will climb up come up between the lanes that used to be tram lines. Going down, they'll be climbing between the rail lines. Once on the arch, they clip on and climb the stairs to the top of the bridge, stopping often to look at the view. At the top, there's more viewing and photos (by the guide, climbers aren't allowed to take anything up with them but their glasses, which they have to attach to their suits). Then across the top of the bridge to the inland side, and back down. The whole tour took about three and a half hours.

After they get back, we go out looking for dinner and end up at a pub down the street which is definitely old enough to be historical. I have kangaroo pie for dinner - very tasty. Much like beef, except leaner.