A trip to the opera

Saturday 7am. Another gorgeous day. It's very easy paddling today, no waves and absolutely no wind, just a few seagulls about.

I pass Clark Island. In 1789, a marine on the First Fleet, Lieutenant Ralph Clark, tried to grow vegies on this one hectare island. He abandoned the idea when his crops were repeatedly stolen, but the island has been known by his name ever since. It's a great spot to have picnic.

In the middle of the harbour, in front of the bridge and Opera House is Fort Denison. It sits on top of the remains of what was once a 15 metre high sandstone rock. The rocky island was flattened by prisoners under the command of Captain George Barney, the civil engineer for the colony. It was quarried it for sandstone to construct nearby Circular Quay.

I like the view of the city when it looks like it's rising out of the trees in the botanical garden. The trees cover up the ugly bits and so the shiny high-rises can look their best.

I'm still impressed with the Opera House every time I see it. When I did see it for the first time, in the flesh so to speak, I was surprised at how big the base or podium is. The roof seems to get all the attention.

In 2004 an America's Cup Yacht crashed into the Opera House. Easily done, I suppose, because it isn't really very easy to see.

Heading back I found a creature floating on the water. It's a Puffer fish and it's all puffed up trying to imitate the Opera House roof.

A cruise ship passed me. I don't think I'd like to do a cruise, I found it bad enough catching the ferry to Tasmania, but it must be a highlight of the trip arriving in Sydney on a day like today.

I'm heading back to Rose Bay now, it's 8.30am.

By the way, you can hire kayaks from the kayak shed at Rose Bay every weekend, year round and also during the week in the summer. Go to: www.kayakracing.com.au