It was ‘All aboard me hearties’ as Y Striders boarded the Crystal Swan to celebrate their 23rd Birthday in style. Sunday the 11th October was a perfect evening for sailing around on the Swan River and enjoying pleasant company and a lovely meal.
It appeared that some were so eager to attend the evening that they arrived nice and early to Elizabeth Quay and had the time to enjoy a pre-pre-dinner drink or two before boarding the boat. As always, clever and resourceful thinking from Y Striders!
The Crystal Swan was waiting for us and Y Striders were early to board. No one wanted to be late for the evening. Soon we were watching the sun set over Kings Park and glass in hand we sailed out of Elizabeth Quay and began our celebrations.
Being on the river as the sun set and then watching the lights come on in the city was a delight. Looking at the city from different locations on the river, made us all appreciate how lucky we are to live in this beautiful place and how privileged we were to enjoy it from this viewpoint.
Watching as the Crystal Swan negotiated sailing under the Narrows Bridge on the way to Crawley, and then again on the way back was an entertainment all of it own. It was worth the trip just to see the captain manage that feat!
Our Club Captain, Ken, started the entertainment with a bush ballad, followed by Wayne who had two more ballads to keep us going. These typically humorous ballads celebrated the lives of the more interesting and resourceful members of the bush community.
It seemed that the time went very quickly and before we knew it, the boat was coming into its mooring at Elizabeth Quay. As always, it was rewarding for Y Striders to have the time to come together to celebrate their club’s birthday, its wonderful members, plus the warmth and the friendships that come from belonging to such a vibrant and dynamic club.
Thank you to Ann R who once again took on the responsibility for organising the evening. Also, to Julie B who handled the finances with her usual dedication and skill. Thank you to everyone else who contributed to making this such a successful evening.
J Freeman