Chapter 350
**Sara**
After a practice climb on a small indoor section of stairs and ladders, we were deemed ready for the real thing. Heidi led our group outside and toward the massive steel structure looming above us.
The first section involved walking along a catwalk beneath the road level of the Bridge. Traffic rumbled overhead, and I could see glimpses of the harbor through the steel latticework below. My heart pounded with each step, but the harness connecting me to the safety line provided some reassurance.
"You doing okay?" Tom asked, staying close behind me.
"Ask me again when we're not walking on a glorified sidewalk suspended over water."
We reached the first set of ladders that would take us up to the arch itself. I watched as the climbers ahead of me ascended one by one.
"Just like the practice run," Heidi reminded us through our headsets. "One rung at a time, and remember to transfer your safety line at the marked points."
When my turn came, I took a deep breath and placed my foot on the first rung. The metal felt solid beneath my grip as I began to climb. Tom followed right behind me, his presence strangely comforting.
"Don't look down," he advised. "Just focus on the next step."
Naturally, I immediately looked down. The water seemed much farther away than it had moments ago. I quickly redirected my gaze upward.
"I hate that I listened to you," I grumbled.
"No, you don't."
We emerged onto the lower part of the arch and began our ascent along the curved steel. Heidi paused our group at various points, sharing facts about the Bridge's construction and pointing out landmarks visible from our increasing height.
The sun began descending toward the horizon, painting the sky in deepening shades of orange and pink. The harbor waters reflected the colors, creating a mirror effect that doubled the beauty surrounding us.
"Worth the unflattering jumpsuit?" Tom asked as we paused at a viewing platform.
I nodded, momentarily speechless as I took in the cityscape spreading out before us. The Opera House's white sails glowed in the sunset light, and ferries crisscrossed the harbor like busy water insects.
"I can't believe people get to see this view daily," I finally managed.
"Only the ones who climb the bridge," Tom reminded me. "Or have helicopters."
"Right. Just your average commute options."
As we continued climbing higher, the physical exertion began to make itself known. The steps weren't particularly steep, but the constant upward motion had my thighs burning.
"Doing great, everyone," Heidi encouraged through our headsets. "We're more than halfway to the summit."
"Hear that?" Tom nudged me. "You've already conquered half a bridge."
"Add that to my resume," I panted. "'Bridge-conquering abilities: fifty percent.'"
The higher we climbed, the more spectacular the views became. The entire city spread out below us, buildings catching the golden light, windows flashing like diamonds. The breeze picked up, cooling my flushed face.
"Almost there!" Heidi announced as we approached the summit. "Just a few more steps to the top of Sydney."
When we finally reached the highest point, 440 feet above the harbor, I felt a surge of accomplishment mixed with awe. The 360-degree views were unlike anything I'd ever experienced – Sydney Harbor's glory, the city skyline, distant mountains, and the vast ocean beyond.
"Incredible," I breathed, turning slowly to take it all in.
"Told you it would be worth it," Tom said, slipping his arm around my waist as far as our bulky gear would allow.
A staff member who'd been waiting at the summit approached us with a camera. "Time for summit photos! Who's first?"
Tom guided me forward. "We are."
We posed with the spectacular backdrop behind us, the city now bathed in the deep orange glow of sunset.
I smiled wide for the camera, trying to ignore how the harness was digging into my thighs.
"Beautiful!" the photographer called out. "Now, one more, looking at each other."
I turned to face Tom, his face glowing in the golden light. The jumpsuit might have been the least flattering outfit ever created, but somehow, he still looked handsome in it.
"What?" he asked, noticing my amused expression.
"Just thinking how ridiculous we look in these matching jumpsuits. Like we're about to launch a home cleaning service."
"Parker & Blackwood Professional Cleaners," he announced in a mock-serious voice. "No bridge too high, no stain too stubborn."
The photographer caught us mid-laugh, which probably made for a better photo than any posed shot.
"Perfect!" she declared. "You can view and purchase your photos at the end of your climb."
As the rest of our group took their turns getting photos, Tom and I stood at the railing, taking in the panorama. The harbor had transformed into a canvas of orange and pink reflections, with the Opera House's white sails catching the last rays of sunlight.
"Thank you for this," I said, leaning against him as much as our bulky gear would allow. "It's incredible."
"Worth the three-and-a-half hours?"
"Ask me when we get back down. My legs haven't forgiven you yet."
Heidi gathered us for a group photo before beginning our descent. Going down proved easier physically but somehow more nerve-wracking as the height became more apparent with each downward step.
"Don't tell me you're afraid of heights," Tom teased, noticing my white-knuckle grip on the railing.
"I wasn't until about ten minutes ago," I admitted. "Something about going down makes it more real."
"Just keep your eyes on me," he suggested.
"That's terrible advice. Your butt in that jumpsuit is distracting enough without me staring at it the whole way down."
The older man behind me snorted with laughter, making me realize my comment had carried further than intended. His headset must have picked it up.
"Sorry," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up.
"Don't be," the man replied cheerfully. "My wife says the same about mine, and we've been married thirty years."
By the time we reached the bottom, darkness had fallen completely, and the city had transformed into a glittering wonderland of lights. My legs felt like jelly as we were helped out of our harnesses and jumpsuits.
"Land!" I exclaimed dramatically, patting the solid ground. "Sweet, beautiful, horizontal land!"
Tom laughed, running a hand through his hair to fix the hat-flattened mess. "Drama queen."
"Says the man who didn't warn me about the three-hour workout disguised as sightseeing."
We collected our belongings and stopped to view our photos on the digital screens. The shots were surprisingly good – especially the candid one of us laughing together, with the harbor sunset creating a perfect backdrop.
"We have to get this one," Tom said, pointing to the laughing photo.
"Agreed. It captures our natural habitat – me making fun of you."
We purchased digital copies of our favorites and stepped out into the night air, my legs still wobbly from the climb.
"Hungry?" Tom asked, checking his watch.
"Starving. All that terror really works up an appetite."
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