Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge was high on my priority list. But Hubby wouldn’t even let me do the tree top swing thing and so imagine what watching me 134m above sea level would do to his nervous disposition. Of course I didn’t have the slightest bit of fear and would have done it in a beat if I hadn’t been so concerned about his anxiety! The high price of the high climb justified me chickening out on this one too! I envied those brave souls up there though but settled for second best and walked across on the footpath instead. There was after all the pylon climb which Earl declined to do but said it was okay for me.
So after a slightly different breakfast at Kantine – we ordered egg and bacon rolls but were presented with a starter of fruit salad to share just before it arrived – thank you kind hosts – we took the bus to Circular Quay, finally found the start of the walk in Cumberland Street.We kept having to turn around to see the view toward the city and realised that coming the other way would be more picturesque. So we finished the walk and then walked back again! On the return trip I climbed up the pylon paying the “senior’s” fee of $8.50 which for a South African was a big saving on the regular $13. There are some advantages to growing older!
Bridge From the foot path
Cyclists are catered for
There is a cycle track over the bridge – here a cyclist is coming down from the bridge
The pylon I climbed
Breathtaking views from the top
Looking down on the bridge
Tall ship in harbour
After the double walk – it was about more than 2km there and back – we took a hop on hop off ferry to Taronga zoo which included the entry fee. The ferry ride itself was interesting as we got to see Fort Denison, Shark Island and Watson’s Bay en route and being on a boat is always a highlight for Earl. The zoo is lovely but we only did the Australian animals – Africa in Australia did not appeal to us. The best was the bird aviary and being able to see the birds up close – just sitting there watching was a lovely experience.
One of the more unusual birds we saw – Noisy Pitta
The weather today was overcast and chilly at first so fortunately we took our jackets – it rained slightly on our return ferry trip so we were grateful for them.
In the evening the cousins got to together for a fabulous meal at Alpha – a Greek Restaurant in Surry Hills. Not only was the company warm, friendly and stimulating the Greek food was to die for! Thanks Cuzzies for an amazing evening.
Wayne, Tamara, Bruce, Kath, Helen, Earl
Diary of an Adventurous Retiree 