The wind is now kicking up, accompanied by the roar of vehicular and rail traffic. Compared with the ladder, the long, gradual walk up the wide, shallow steps to the top of the eastern arch is a breeze, and it's the real payoff. Little green ferries trail meringue wakes. There's an eagle's view into the prime minister's waterfront garden and, in a distant suburb, of new stadiums rising for the Olympics to be held in 2000. I did not see the pair of peregrine falcons or the lone raven said to nest at the summit of the bridge.
Descent is via the western arch.
One highlight is a 50-yard crosswalk vibrating from the traffic speeding 250 feet below. I did not loiter, although I was in no hurry to reach the final ladder. The down ladder is next to the rail tracks. It did and I did. No one under 12 permitted.