But Ally, it's only 4 o'clock.
'Oh but, the sky is so clear tonight. The stars are so bright. I can see the Milky Way. Not a cloud in sight.'
'But Ally, you need more sleep.'
'Oh but, I really wanted to photograph the Roseville Bridge again. At sunrise.'
'But Ally, you'll be tired for the rest of the day.'
'Oh but, it's Sunday. I can always have a nap later in the day. Besides, there won't be so much traffic. It's the perfect time to GO.'
The conversation abated as soon as I closed the front door. I was on an adventure and felt so at peace under the magical star-filled silent sky.
My journey took me through the quiet back streets of Roseville and Roseville Chase. Streets I'd never walked down before. All was new under the cover of darkness.
Until I approached the Roseville Bridge.
There isn't a pedestrian access on the side of the Roseville Bridge that I had envisaged would give me the ultimate view of the sunrise.
So I slowly made my way from one end of the bridge to the other and then back again. It was too dark to photograph with my Sony. I did try.
And the conversation rebounded:
But Ally, this is crazy. You're not on the right side of the bridge to photograph the sun-rise. You could have just gone back to bed.
Oh but, what other time could one be on the middle of the Roseville Bridge and be more aware of the salty fragrance of the water rather than the deadly fumes of petrol?
But Ally, this is REALLY crazy. You aren't even going to see the sunrise from ANYWHERE on this bridge. That mountain is in the way. And it's still SO dark. How long can you hang out on this bridge, waiting for something that's not even going to happen?
Oh, I think you may be right this time. Maybe we can come back again later.
But Ally, it's way too dark, too isolated, to scary, even for you, to go down that road that seems to lead under the bridge. So where are we going to go now?
Oh, I think you may be right again. But lets just walk on and see where we end up.
Heading back towards Roseville.
From the overpass we were back in the tranquil back streets.
Dawn was almost breaking. The welcoming symphony of kookaburras and cookatoos.
Sweeping streets, high above Middle Harbour now. Although I live in Roseville this area is totally new to me. I understood now after seeing the largest Babbage Palm tree ever, how Babbage Road came by its name. Gigantic palm trees. Monumental estates.
Followed a sign to Roseville Marina. Locked gates. Security cameras.
Recalling another conversation now.
'But Ally, you've just walked up this HUGE hill and the gates won't be open until 8 am. It's so close to sunrise. You're not going to see it. Not from the water anyway. Maybe risk the security camera and find a way in.'
'These gates are way too high for me to climb. Excellent security. If I lived on a boat, I'd feel very safe here.'
'Let's go home. I'm tired. And right now I'd love a kombucha.'
'We just need to back track a little. There was another road, a few hills and curves ago, that may go down to the water's edge.'
Short Story: And there was.
We stayed by the water for a short time: Watching fishermen setting up under the bridge. Watching a Water Dragon. At peace with one another ~ Finally.
Tide was up. It was time to return home. Through Echo Point Park behind the Marina.
In my article Underneath the Arches of the Roseville Bridge I mentioned this spacious garden area that leads down to the marina and the restaurant there.
It was so relaxing walking over the soft grass covered in dew. A balm for our feet and spirit after walking many a rocky trail and roadway.
SONY Mark2 A7: 35 mm:
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