Twelve. It's a good number when it comes to divvying up a cake for supper. It's also a good turnout for a night paddle when the forecast was for showers increasing throughout the day to rain.
The sandy beach at Colmslie was the start for tonight's paddle up to the park under the Story Bridge. The idea was to have a BBQ dinner, although no one could be definitive as to whether any BBQs were still there. A handy wind blew those with sails from Quarries to Hamilton Reach. The incoming tide made for an easy
cruise up the Bulimba Reach as the sun set over the city skyline.
A ferry avoidant crossing of Humbug Reach took us around Kinellan Point. Hugging the bank to stay out of ferry mischief some went along the inside of the riverwalk. A couple of attempts at rabbit ears in front of the spotlights illuminating the cliffs
resulted in night blindness instead of attitudinal Donny Darko rabbits.
Arriving near the top of the tide the boats were pulled well up onto the shore where a surprising amount of coarse sand persisted in spite of the constant wash. We crossed what was like a grassy meadow to find electric BBQ in good working order on the far side of the park. Chris had plans for a DIY portable BBQ but moved in on the hot plate after it failed to impress. In the interim we took up residence at a couple of tables nearby. Hope the couple didn't think they were in for a secluded romantic night on account of the weather.
For those who had not paddled this section of the river at night, the lights did not fail to impress. As the last vestiges of the cake disappeared the rain moved in as a soft mist gently smudging the city glow and drifting through the pergola over the table. As a cue to leave we packed up and headed back along in front of Dockside. Each year the boats seem to get a little bigger
including a diesel consumer called 'Bullish' - there were suggestions for an alternative title with a 't'.
Parties a plenty in the apartments and along the foreshore towards Mowbray Park saw a stubby flung in the direction of the kayaks. The rain then came as promised. Maybe a dampener for, and a degree of cover from the yobs, but hopefully not too much to obscure the lights from the party cruisers waiting to pick up
their charming payload.
Moving with the outgoing tide it was an easy return paddle. Most people had dried out as they approached Colmslie Beach, but a rain squall moving up the river from the Gateway ensured that everyone had a final rinse before
heading off after an enjoyable night on the river.
Tip: Try the singing loo at Colmslie Beach - it is just something else.
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