Regrettably, time constraints prevent us from strolling across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The views from the pedestrian walkway at the edge of the deck just have to be spectacular.

The other day I noticed the arch of the bridge appeared to have grown bristles. A look through the Nikkor 200mm zoom lens revealed that the bristles were people.

Later I read that one of Sydney’s tourist entertainments is something called BridgeClimb. For $189 Australian Dollars, you can make a guided ascent on top of the arch, safely tethered against an accidental fall.

Climbers are not permitted to carry loose objects, presumably so they won’t drop things on commuter traffic below. Unfortunately, the proscription includes cameras—a deal killer for me. That, and the $189.

Before making the BridgeClimb, participants are given a BridgeSuit. (Cleverly coined compound words with interior capital letters are so ’80s.) Protected thus from the elements, everyone then has to pass a breathalyzer test (for protection from each other) before they can set off in tow behind the ClimbLeader. (OK. I made that last one up.)

The climb takes 3½ hours and doesn’t seem to be particularly strenuous. I’m sure that people thoroughly enjoy it.

Personally, I dislike group tours. I become impatient waiting for the inevitable group member who causes delays for everyone else. Nor do I like canned patter from tour guides. And I’m generally suspicious of heavily promoted attractions. Like BridgeClimb.

Probably I should loosen up and have a little fun. But I’ll be 68 this month. Set in my ways. So I probably won’t.