We were the only ones to have this perspective on the incredible light show that lit up the lake and gallery.
Sally and I often find ourselves the only ones doing something. Since moving to Benalla, we have made a point of riding our bikes whenever we can. We try to commute by bike. These trips can be for shopping, work, to meetings and to functions. We’ve been to plenty of events as the only people who have cycled. It is not always practical, but when we can manage it, it is often easier and quicker than going by car, especially because there are never any parking issues.
I once rode from Clarke St up around the lake to a night showing of a special movie at BPACC and was the only cyclist there. The ride home was the only time I’ve not encountered anyone on the track. It was quite magical riding through the bush in the dark.
We sometimes take our kayaks out on the lake and up the river and, almost always, we have the water to ourselves. We have learned where to look for platypus and even know of a bird rookery where we have seen night herons and spoonbills nesting. Often, we can see people walking or running along the track as we sit and observe nature.
Last Monday, when I asked Sally, “How would you like to do Diwali by kayak?” she was all for it.
We parked our truck near the boat ramp at the end of Benalla St and walked up to the celebrations to meet with some friends and to get some of the delicious food that was on offer.
Walking back to the car we decided to take the kayaks around to under the library as there was more lighting there for when we returned to put them back on the car.
As soon as we launched, we knew it would be magical. The wind had dropped and the water was like silk.
Sally and I often find ourselves the only ones doing something. Since moving to Benalla, we have made a point of riding our bikes whenever we can. We try to commute by bike. These trips can be for shopping, work, to meetings and to functions. We’ve been to plenty of events as the only people who have cycled. It is not always practical, but when we can manage it, it is often easier and quicker than going by car, especially because there are never any parking issues.
I once rode from Clarke St up around the lake to a night showing of a special movie at BPACC and was the only cyclist there. The ride home was the only time I’ve not encountered anyone on the track. It was quite magical riding through the bush in the dark.
We sometimes take our kayaks out on the lake and up the river and, almost always, we have the water to ourselves. We have learned where to look for platypus and even know of a bird rookery where we have seen night herons and spoonbills nesting. Often, we can see people walking or running along the track as we sit and observe nature.
Last Monday, when I asked Sally, “How would you like to do Diwali by kayak?” she was all for it.
We parked our truck near the boat ramp at the end of Benalla St and walked up to the celebrations to meet with some friends and to get some of the delicious food that was on offer.
Walking back to the car we decided to take the kayaks around to under the library as there was more lighting there for when we returned to put them back on the car.
As soon as we launched, we knew it would be magical. The wind had dropped and the water was like silk.
We paddled under the bridge past the Diwali celebrations to the two islands in the lake. The setting sun provided a wonderful backdrop as the birds came in to roost.
A couple of guys were at war on the tennis courts. We took some photos and, as the sun dropped below the horizon, we headed back towards the light show.
We found a spot amongst some lower tree branches opposite the art gallery and watched the light show become more and more distinct. Looking at Sally I could see she had an ecstatic smile on her face.
Paddling around we took in the show from a variety of perspectives. It was absolutely wonderful. The gallery and the buildings on the other bank were lit up with a kaleidoscope of changing colours and displays.
Paddling around we took in the show from a variety of perspectives. It was absolutely wonderful. The gallery and the buildings on the other bank were lit up with a kaleidoscope of changing colours and displays.
We probably stayed on the water for about an hour. An amazing experience and we were the only ones to view this amazing spectacle from the water.
John Holschier,
November 2024
John Holschier,
November 2024
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