Boats And Bridges...

Being part of a somewhat caring and supportive family, Lil Chicky and I decided that it was time that we do a little window shopping to find the next lucky man in my life. Fortunately, the family had decided to take a ferry ride over to Williamstown yesterday so at 12.30 the family Hamer (including those with a myriad of other names) gathered at Southbank, boarded our ship of dreams and set sail.

 

The one hour cruise took us along the Yarra River and out through The Docklands which has developed significantly since I last lived Down Under - there are lots of interesting buildings to ooh and aah at on the way but for now, let's maintain some focus on the purpose of this post and leave architectural meanderings for another time.

The title promises bridges and we headed under many of them - here are my top three:

The Bolte Bridge, named for Henry Bolte who remains the longest serving Victorian State Premier (17 years from 1955). The bridge was opened in August 1999) and also forms an integral part of the entrance into Melbourne by car from the airport. The view of the City from here always feels like a big 'welcome back' to me. 

This bridge is a new one since my departure - it was difficult to capture the whole bridge but I loved this side, looking like one of those hooped underskirts from yesteryear.

The clean lines of this bridge and the Australian flag fluttering in the breeze typifies the clean, stark lines of the Australian landscape for me - no idea what this bridge is called either but I loved it all the same.

The weather was gorgeous - a pleasant mid 25C - and a gentle breeze cooled our sun-kissed noses and cheeks as we motored along. There were many boats out of all shapes and sizes, some puttering along at a more sedate pace...

Before we knew it, we had arrived at Williamstown Pier so it was off the boat for a stretch of the legs, something to eat and a hearty discussion about our plan of attack (which mainly revolved around ice-cream).
 

Docking at Williamtown foreshore...yes, that bright shiny object is the sun...

One of the great things about Williamtown (apart from the ice cream) is the fantastic view of the City of Melbourne so here's the shot, complete with the millionaire shopping arcade boats in the foreground... 

After a pleasant few hours we decided to head back but finding a millionaire/boat had not gone so successfully so we decided to keep our eyes peeled on the way back. A single girl's work is never done, you know...

As with some of my past experiences with you critters from Mars, this one seemed to over promise (Global Dream? Really?) and under deliver. I know it's a working boat and all but a lick of paint wouldn't have gone astray. There's always something to be said for making an effort.

Now this is more my style: Sleek and white and celebratory even in name. Unfortunately a small child appeared as we chugged past which is just going a bit overboard (pardon the pun) with the accessories I feel....

This one has a spot in the boot for one's jet ski. Very handy!

Suddenly the Bolte Bridge loomed above us again, signalling that our sea adventure (well the combined waterways of the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay in any case) would soon be over...

The Bolte Bridge with the bright shiny sun-thing again...

So that was the Day of the Family Hamer, seven intrepid wanderers out to see the world of Williamstown and conquer it with ice cream.

 

Which brings me (not so neatly) to the end of this post, my last for 2012. And all that remains is to wish you a Happy New Year wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate it.

 

There's one 'sleep' left peeps - let's show 2013 we mean business!