It had been almost four months since i last crept through or climbed the unknown. The fear of legal repercussion grounding me, causing my inaction, the suffering forever engraved in my mind. It was something that i could not, and still have not shaken. For me, the adventures in London were over, my trump card used, as were my excuses. Yet something still remained, that desire to once again risk it all for that unique experience and reward. I know now that only one thing could cleanse that from my mind, and that’s death. I needed an outlet, some way to satisfy this desire but with London’s capital now off limits i was forced to look further afield. America.

In the states my slate was clean, although the consequences would still be unforgiving should i be caught, i felt safe in the knowledge the punishment wouldn’t bare the same damage multiplier the British justice system now reserves for me. Unfortunately exploring isn’t just about desire, it also requires a certain level of fitness, something i had now lost. Months of restriction under curfew without my usual avenue of exercise had caused my health to dive bomb, i was unfit, unable to climb as i once could nor evade security should the chase escalate further than a casual jog. I blame discount junk food and my inability to adapt.

Where is this digression into my health going you ask? Well today’s target, the Manhattan Bridge, doesn’t exactly require the ability to flee the scene. Sure, it might come in handy but nine times out of ten, by the time you’ve realised you need to run, its already too late. From there you have two options, give up and face the consequences or take the 135ft plunge into the East River. Assuming you don’t instantly die on impact you then need to ensure you don’t drown, get caught by patrol boats or the not so friendly officers waiting on either bank. In other words, its not worth it.

Designed by Leon Moisseiff, the Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge in New York City, constructed in 1901 crossing the East River. Although construction was not completed until 1912 the bridge was opened to traffic on December 31st, 1909 and connected Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn. The bridge measures 102m high and 2,089m long and sits between the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges.

New York bridges embody the phrase “roll the dice”. There is simply no way to control or oversee all the variables and factors that make a bridge climbing what it is. You’re exposed, the fall is lethal, the climb nerve wracking and your chance of arrest extremely high. I guess that adds to the experience, both in positive and negative way. Either way it was the perfect location to cast away the bad memories and mental shackles and a perfect warm up for things to come.