Last night we had our first night paddle here in Melbourne..We planed to meet at the boat sheds on the Yarra at 7pm..It was a bit cool..and very dark.

Only three of us turned up..a few others thought it was a bit cool..but Oliver, John and I had a great time..and we plan to do more.

I wonder if we do the same thing next year how many will turn up?..It will be interesting.

Here's a pic of my car with the city building in the distance..Soory about the quallity.

My little point and shoot camera doesn't cope with these low light conditions.



It was almost 7.30 before we headed off...Two Naish 11'6" boards and a 11'6" Southpoint Kalama.



The ferris wheel across the river looked good all lite up and changing colors.



We were soon off and heading towards the city..It was concentration plus..No one wants to fall in that water..



After paddling for a while we stopped for a rest.





We got ready to head off again..and before we knew it we had lost John..He was paddling at his own pace..thinking we're right behind him..and not game to look back for fear of falling..

Oliver and I just hung around in a lit area and waited for him to return..and he did.



While waiting for John..Oliver was telling me that the Yarra water is sooooo toxic that just one drop could kill 100 people..and he had heard that someone got some water splashed on their face and they were sick for weeks..I tryed to prove him wrong and said..Jeez..It's only water..btw..I'd fallen in once (months ago) and survived to tell the story..

Here ya go Oliver..Catch this..



Once back together we headed for the Crown casino area..this is going under the bridge nearby..It looks like some boats had clearance problems with these low bridges.



We found this real Gondola parked outside the Casino.



We then paddled back with Oliver leading and setting the pace..It was so glassy..and the city lights reflecting on the water looked fantastic..and no brown mullets..

It was a weird feeling not being able to see..and going more by feel..I hit a few lumps of wood floating in the water that almost sent me over the front..

Here we are at the end of our paddle..about 9.30..Me on the left..then John..and Oliver looking like he wet himself..

DJ