A Morning Walk

It was so cold in Houston last week that a water pipe burst at the house. During that same week in Perth we sweltered in piercing sun and 104F weather for 3 days running. I hope today's blog and pictures will help our friends in cold climates feel a bit warmer.

We generally take our daily walk early (5:30am) to beat the heat and the flies. The peninsula of South Perth is surrounded by the Swan River to the north, east and west, providing plenty of scenery and close-up views of the water. We are bordered by two bridges: the Narrows Bridge to the west (so called because it crosses the narrowest part of the Swan River) and The Causeway bridge to the east. It is possible to walk from south Perth to the Central Business District (CBD), and we know some some people who do. The scenic route attracts a lot of bicyclists, which will be evident from the photos. While the more sporting folks do the whole circle route, we usually confine ourselves to the south bank, and go from our flat to the Causeway and back, about 7.5  kilometers ( 4.5 miles). I've kept the file sizes of these pictures small since there are so many. Let me know if they're too small to see clearly and I'll upload higher res versions. Here's what we see on any given day.

First, a map.

The light blue path on the south bank is our regular route. With a little imagination, you can see that this part of the river is shaped something like a swan, hence the name. I find all the highway number signs amusing -- I have experienced one or two actual traffic jams since arriving here, and both cleared within minutes, even though it was the height of rush hour. FYI, the red star next to the word "Perth" is the location of Vince's office, and the one to the south is our flat. The red line bisecting the river shows the route of the ferry which we often take across the river when we don't feel like driving into town. This revier flows an additional 10 miles west before joining The Indian Ocean.  Interestingly, water from the ocean flows inward to feed the river instead of the usual river flowing to the sea. This phenomenon makes for problems with water. It is salt water like the ocean, but generally calm and slow moving, like a lake.

The building in the background is a café which borders the ferry landing. The dock is also host to a party boat which provides dinner, concert and party cruises on the river. On Friday nights we hear a lot of dance music when the boat takes off and docks again. This playground is a favorite for the children of the hundreds of visitors who come here each day to shop, dine, picnic, etc. .

I took most of these pictures during an actual walk, between 5:30 and 6:00am, and it really is this bright at this early hour. We are not the only people up and walking at this hour. We'll soon be joined by other walkers, joggers, runners, folks with their dogs, and of course the cyclists.

Boot camp exercise classes are popular in Perth, especially since the start of the New Year (all those resolutions!) We can watch this one from our window, but usually it inspires us to get moving ourselves. The surroundings make working out a little more pleasant and the breeze keeps them cool.

They don't know it, but these girls are an inspiration for me. They are the reason I get out there and walk even when I don't feel like it. They are out there every single morning, they start earlier than we do, and not only do they cover about twice the distance, but they run instead of walk.  Behind them is the north bank and city skyline. The long building with the curved roof is the Perth Convention Center.

Until now, the only cockatiel I ever saw up close was in a cage at my sister's house. They're wild and plentiful here, and very noisy early in the morning! In fact there are all kinds of birds around - a birder's paradise. I find them adorable and enjoy their chatter. Vince does not share my opinion :)

It isn't usually THIS crowded with cyclists, but there are enough that they get their own side of the walking path. Cycling is extremely popular here, and cyclists frequently outnumber walkers at this time of day. Helmets are mandatory.

The WACA (pronounced whack-a) Oval, home of the Western Australia Cricket Association. They play a lot of important test matches here, with a big one coming up at the end of the month (Australia vs. Pakistan, I think). I would tell you more, but I just don't understand this sport...

They don't call it the Swan River for nothing :-)  These fellows are probably looking for breakfast.

The birds are accustomed to sharing the river bank with humans, but you can only get so close without scaring them away. That's when the camera's zoom feature comes in handy.

The Causeway Bridge, which separates East Perth from the city center. To the far left is part of a small island which sits in the middle of the river. This is only about half of the bridge. The island is home to kangaroos and other animals.

This is where we turn around and head for home. Note the separate cyclist trail which runs underneath the bridge, and the sign indicating distance (in kilometers) to the city and other points.

Aussies love their dogs as much we we do. They love walking the river bank too!

Weekends are filled with water sport enthusiasts, although swimming in the river is forbidden. The ocean is about 10 miles away, making for an interesting ride. Sailing is extremely popular, and Perth is home to at least 2 yacht clubs. Lately the jetskis have begun to appear, although they tend to be confined to the other side of the Narrows bridge to avoid potential clashes with the ferry.

 

If you don't own your own boat, or if you don't really know how to sail, you can rent one of these mini catamarans and learn/sail in the relative safety of a small part of the river. If you get stuck, a bigger boat will come and tug you home. 

To the far left is the Narrows Bridge, which connects South Perth to the city on the west side. To the west of the bridge are the tony neighborhoods of Subiaco, Crawley and Cottesloe.

 

This is a view from the Narrows Bridge looking toward our flat, which is not visible, but is at the far back of the photo.

This side of the river is less trafficked, and the seagulls seem to like it better.

Peaceful.

Drying off after a swim.

I was trying for seven swans-a-swimming, but could only get five :-)

The older trees are beautiful and provide wonderful shade for picnics and parties. It is not uncommon to see people having dinner or a glass of wine under the trees after dark.

A lovely sunrise to usher us back home. Enjoy your day wherever you are!