December 31, 2006
Our New Year's Eve started on a ferry, departing from Circular Quay.
We leave downtown Sydney behind us and head out towards Manly.
Fairlight, the tallest skyscraper on the Manly beachfront.
Their yacht is only a short walk from Bryan's and Laura's Fairlight apartment.
shuttle dinghy out to the boat
Bryan grabs the helm, and we head out!
blue sky, warm wind, cold beer
Laura has developed a method of safely pouring champagne on sailboats.
After a nice lunch stop, Scott and Peter work the windlass to take the anchor back up. (274 kB movie file)
Steve prepares the headsail
Scott and Steve hard at work on the main
John, ready on the jib sheet
Peter, pole position
Name the tourist that wouldn't settle for this view!
Steve and Laura getting a good shot
Peter getting a good shot
behind the wheel
Me, enjoying a great new year's eve!
Watch out for icebergs.
Christine, me
passing under the Harbour Bridge
5pm in the afternoon, and already crowded with boats on the harbour.
Around the whole harbour people are staking out good spots - on both water and land - for watching the fireworks.
On the bridge, you can see the clothes hanger structure that will be lit at tonight's fireworks.
The bridge is sometimes referred to as just that, "the clothes hanger".
[somewhat surprised that somebody stuck a camera in my face]
Time to head back to Manly and start our New Year's party.
Christine is downstairs....supposedly washing dishes....?
clearly the best seat on the boat
a good view of Vagabond Blues making her way through the waves (734 kB movie file)
having fun steering
water splashing in on "the wet side"
enjoying an excellent day trip
healing big time
The bustling city...so close, yet so far away.
sneaking a snuggle
Thanks for making this a very special New Year's Eve!!
Now let's party...