#1 River Views

I’m joining Becky in her February Square Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules of the challenge are simple: most photos must be square and fit the theme word Odd, referencing one of these definitions: different to what is usual or expected, or strange; a number of items, with one left over as a remainder when divided by two; happening or occurring infrequently and irregularly, or occasionally; separated from a usual pair or set and therefore out of place or mismatched. Look for #SquareOdds.

While we didn’t travel as much as usual in 2021, we were fortunate to enjoy several holidays in our home state of Queensland and one short trip over the border in New South Wales. Join me this month in a retrospective look at the very odd year of 2021. 

Brisbane, January 2021

We started the year with a few days in Brisbane to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our hotel, located at Hamilton on a bend of the Brisbane River, was aptly named View Brisbane. And our river views didn’t disappoint – downstream in an easterly direction towards the Gateway Bridge and upstream towards the CBD.

While there is nothing odd about these gorgeous late afternoon river views, my panorama shot looks a little unusual. In an effort to capture the broad expanse of the river, my camera gave this straight stretch of Kingsford Smith Drive a distinct curve.

It doesn’t really look like that!

On The River

Fondly known as the River City, Brisbane is defined by the broad stretches and tight bends of the Brisbane River. The 76 year old Story Bridge is one of 15 crossings connecting both sides of the city. Many watercraft use the river each day, including the paddle boat Kookaburra Queen: the view from her deck is perfect.

Weekly Photo Challenge ~ H2O

Weekly Photo Challenge – In The Background

The Brisbane River divides the city of Brisbane in two as it makes its way from its source near Mount Stanley to Moreton Bay, a journey of 344 kilometres. It is crossed by sixteen bridges within the city boundaries. One of the newest is the Kurilpa Bridge, completed in 2009 for use by pedestrians and cyclists. Its cables, masts and spars create a dramatic effect but they are almost overshadowed by the city skyline in the background. Kurilpa means “place of water rats” and is the Aboriginal word for the area around South Brisbane and West End.