28/12/2002 Well the Christmas celebrations are nearly over and as the New Year approaches the time between today and then is peaceful and quiet here in the Borough.Yesterday as I walked along Sandridge Beach the small sailing boats taking part in the Cock of The Bay race held at the same time each year were crossing Hobsons Bay from Williamstown at the far end of the the two piers,Station and Princes.In years gone by people would gather at the end of these piers to watch the sailing boats as they sailed by with the wind in their sails,but know Princes Pier is closed to all due to a planning dispute with the State Gov and the developer as to what is to happen to the old pier.Due to there being a Naval ship in port we were not able to walk to the end of Station Pier either so we had to be content to watch the boats from the shoreline.Also in dock was a large luxury ship at least 9 storeys high in port for a cruise,quite beautiful and of course the Spirit of Tasmania which had come in early in the morning and would leave at about 8.30pm that same night bound for Devonport Tasmania.So the loud blasts as the ships arrived and departed brought back many memories od my past when Port Melbourne was a throng of life with ships tied up at both piers ,loading unloading freight and passengers the like of which we do not see now or ever will again.
As the summer weather stays fine the pier and the adjoining pathways will continue to be a source of life with young and old walking,cycling,skateboarding etc etc and enjoying cups of coffee outside the many small cafes between Port Melbourne and St Kilda along the busy Beaconsfield Pde.I love being here at this time of year even though some of our main roads become choked with traffic .I love the buzz of life and one never tires of seeing people enjoying our beach and taking in the sea air,the same air as I am blessed with every day......Lois Daley Port Melbourne.