Christmas Colour

19 December, 2018.

It has become a tradition that my Wednesday Bush Walking group, now officially known as the Hungry Hikers, meet in the city the week before Christmas, to enjoy Brisbane's Christmas colour.

In past years we have met at the historic Plough Inn, Southbank. [1864]. Our venue changed this year with the completion of the renovation of the old wharf area beneath our wonderful Story Bridge. This area has been an eyesore for far too many years. We discovered, along with hundreds of others, that the Howard Smith Wharves have come to life again. Finding a table to sit at was pure luck. Thanks Steve from Birmingham for sharing with us. This was the perfect vantage point to enjoy a cold one and watch the twilight descend and the city lights turn on.

                                                    

Jocelyn entertaining us with Christmas trivia.

Sunset to Twilight.

     

At about 7pm we set off on our walk, passing under the colourful Story Bridge, along the Riverside to  Creek Sreet and the nearby St Stephens Cathedral.

The Custom House building. [1884]

Courtyard of St Stephens - church on right and Mary McKillop Chapel on the left. This is the first year that St Stephens has been illuminated. 

Watching the changing patterns on the chapel.

Note the 3/4 dark circle or pram shape - it was the countdown for the children's animation. A happy story highlighting the need to share and take care of those around you. 

When the childrens animation was completed, nativity scenes were screened until the countdown recommenced. 

It was all just wonderful.

Our path now took us through Queen Street Mall, [city centre] where we took a right turn to join the crowds enjoying the City Hall illuminations. 

It was a warm evening but not too sweaty. I don't think I have seen so many people, politely crowded together, moving everso slowly along, creating an amazing happy atmosphere. The crowds were as thick as a football stadium emptying after a match. These crowds stayed with us for the remainder of the evening, but it was worth it.

Laurel snap.

Joc snap.

My snap.

Looking back to City Hall as we make our way to the Enchanted Gardens of the Roma Street Parklands.

Finally the entrance.

Above is Laurel's pic. I went above the crowded path and snapped this one.

I dream of a white Christmas, but it's pretty good down under too, when the temperature is kind. A wonderful evening with friends. Given the excessive temps we had been experiencing, our Christmas weather has been just perfect.

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