After exploring the cathedral itself, Laura and I decided to climb up the bell tower to check out the view from the roof. Let me say right now that Laura is scared of heights, and I am claustrophobic - maybe that will give you a vague idea of how hard our hearts were pumping when we started, and how much adrenaline was coursing through our veins when we finished.
Start climbing these stairs. Not too bad, right?
Pause to look out the window. Not the best view,
but better than facing what comes next...
No camera deception - they really are that narrow.
Turn sideways and suck your stomach in.
These stairs were sturdy and wide (in comparison),
but the rafters overhead were dangerously low.
You've made it to the bell room!
I should have said this at the beginning, but make sure to time your
climb well before or after the hour, or else you might go deaf.
Climb up a ladder that reminds you of rickety attic steps. Almost there!
Cross this little platform, and there's the door out.
The view that greets you is undeniably spectacular. Walk around all four sides
and check out the different scenery. An old castle, green fields, waterways,
red roofs, the graveyard from up high.
Don't be afraid to lean against the stone wall when the wind blows so
incredibly hard, you're sure you'll fly away with it.
Make sure you check out the alternative views.
OMG I am a little claustrophobic AND deathly scared of heights. Even looking at the pictures in this post made me dizzy. Lol
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. I love exploring these types of places!
ReplyDeleteKinda looks like the catwalks I run around in at work everyday. But the view? Holy crap, spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI've climbed several towers, and yes - they are that narrow! Cool photos.
ReplyDeleteKatie - Glad I'm not the only one who was freaked out by the idea of it!
ReplyDeleteTom - It's so much fun to explore stuff like that.
Stephanie - How do you DO that every day? Kudos to you, tough chick.
Alex - This was my first, and as cool as it was, something REALLY amazing needs to be at the top of the next for me to go again.
I understand the two friends with fear of heights and clausterphobia. My friend and I were in Mexico a few years ago touring the Mayan ruins and at Chichen Itza I refused to go to the top and she refused to go inside. Now I wish I had made myself do it. Did you visit Stone Henge while in England? I have been to Foam Henge in Virgina, which was fun, but would love to see the real thing.
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