The Long Pier Of St. Kilda
The sea wind was strong that Saturday morning. I had to hold my cap to prevent it from being blown away. As I was moving towards St. Kilda Pier, I noticed seagulls perched on a wooden ramp, seemingly unmoving as sail boats moved about. Teenage boys and girls were busy watching participants display their sailing skills while others waited for their turn. I began taking pictures.
Moving to the inner part of the long pier, I saw several men fishing near the rails, with great expectations of catching snapper and pilchard. At the breakwater, some men were preparing baits while others were simply enjoying the sights.
As I walked near the old Kiosk, which is at the end of the pier, I heard an old man uttering something. He was wearing a fuchsia shirt that matched the colors of his knee high socks and cap. He had blue shorts and was holding a stick. The old man was now yelling while looking at the direction of the bay. It was like he was chanting or doing a morning ritual as he gestured from time to time. I could not understand the dialect or language and I walked past him. Enough of the old man.
At the right side of the Kiosk was the marina where countless boats and yachts were moored. There was a ramp where visitors were boarding a boat for a short trip around the bay. A few meters away was a speed boat with a very powerful engine. I took my time inspecting it and taking pictures. At the entry point of the marina, which is managed by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, I saw the old man again. He was chanting and this time, it was louder.
From the boardwalk, I had a great time enjoying the view. The sailboats were moving gracefully and seemed to be moving around an imaginary oval. And sometimes back and forth. Whatever, it was a sight to behold.
Suddenly, I got a glimpse of the old man again as he was making his way back to the foreshore. I quickly grabbed my backpack and jogged a little as I wanted to talk to him. To know more about him. But I lost him at the area where people were milling. I looked again and again but could not find him. He was walking with a cane, how could he have outpaced me? Anyway, chances are that he will be back next week and I'll try to be at St. Kilda Pier earlier than usual. Just to quell my curiosity.
Meanwhile, St. Michael's team was leading comfortably in the sailing competition, much to the delight of the team members. Trailing were Haleybury and Peninsula. It was all over but the shouting. Cheers then to all of you.
- Konted
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| View of Port Phillip Bay from St. Kilda beach |
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| A sailing competition is going on. |
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| Students of Haleybury School are watching from the foreshore. |
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| The long pier of St. Kilda |
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| View of St. Kilda beach from the pier |
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| Standup paddle boarding |
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| Clear view of the sailboats from the pier |
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| Teams from various schools in and around Melbourne participate in the sailing competition. |
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| Demonstration of sailing skills |
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| Participants heading towards the pier after showing their wares. |
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| Students are trained in sailing and taught to be competitive. |
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| The famous Kiosk at the end of St. Kilda Pier. |
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| Common sight at St. Kilda Pier |
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| Patiently waiting for the big catch |
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| Snappers and pilchards are common at the bay. |
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| The original Kiosk was built in the early 1900s. It continues to serve food delights. |
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| The old man uttering something. |
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| The old man starts to yell as he gestures. |
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| It is as if he is chanting as he looks towards the bay |
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| Dinghies near the marina |
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| Countless boats and yachts are berthed at the marina. |
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| The extended boardwalk at the right side of the Kiosk that leads to the marina. |
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| There are benches near the landing barge. The old man is seen chanting again at right. |
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| The marina is under the management of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. |
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| The old man chants and he does it seriously. |
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| With powerful engine |
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| On standby at the landing barge |
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| For fishing enthusiasts |
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| Boats at the marina are systematically arranged. |
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| Lady Daka is a nice pleasure yacht |
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| A unique name for a boat -- How Bizarre |
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| Built to withstand any kind of weather |
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| Another beautiful name -- Knee Deep |
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| Expensive yacht |
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| The old man doing it again |
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| Beautiful view of Melbourne's skyline |
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| An Australian bird perches on the stainless railing |
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| The long pier of St. Kilda as viewed from the Kiosk |
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| The breakwater at St. Kilda |
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| Big rocks at the breakwater. |
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| Fishing buff readies his equipment and gears at the breakwater. |
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| Two men at the breakwater with high expectations of a bountiful catch as a seagull watches. |
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| The old man chants at the breakwater which is near the Kiosk. |
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| View from the Kiosk and from the breakwater |
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| Waiting for the results of the competition |
