February 2008 was the last time I paddled the City Reach of the Brisbane River at night. After our recent sojourn with the ‘Meet Up’ group we decided to join them for a full moon paddle from West End to the Storey Bridge.
This evening’s flotilla was a medley of craft. Sit on. Sit in. More than 5m. Less then 2m. Paddle or peddle. Rudder and rudderless. We played tail end charlie to the cluster of bobbing white lights as we floated downstream to Kangaroo Point. Steve affirmed his credentials as a great host and kindly provided a generous supper for the group.
The first time I paddled the river at night I was entranced by the City Reach. Tonight’s conditions were calm. The light scape had been extended by the addition of new bridges and the projection of imagery onto the William Jolly Bridge. When we gathered at Kangaroo Point it was clear the spectacle had had a similar effect on those who were seeing the city in this way for the first time
I was far from bedazzled or impressed. A combination of a bit of been there done that mixed with a large dollop of preference to slink off somewhere quiet, somewhere far from the bright city lights.
Tick. For another 10 years (at least).
