For this month’s walk, six hardy walkers started at Southern Cross and followed the Yarra River down to the Kanteen Coffee shop, near Como House, a distance of about 5.5 kilometres. Whilst the weather was heavily overcast (no good for photos) with a cold wind, there was no rain, so it was great day for walking.
Along the way a few landmarks took everyone’s attention.
Spike led the group to a plaque to a murdered swan. The swan was a lovely, tame and very large black swan which lived near Batman Park. Unfortunately, one day somebody came through with their unleashed dog which attacked and killed trusting Papa Swan. Soon after the incident, a plaque appeared, donated and attached by an anonymous admirer as a tribute.
The group went past the Constellation statues on Enterprize Wharf (z is correct spelling after Fawkner's schooner). They look like figureheads from sailing ships, but officially they were inspired by the 28 constellations of ancient Chinese astrology.
The Morell Bridge is also very significant, it is built from reinforced concrete built over land then river was diverted under it to straighten the Yarra. Interestingly, it was constructed in 1899 by the firm of Monash and Anderson, the Monash half being General Sir John Monash of WWI fame.
All in all, good exercise, good coffee and some interesting facts discovered.