Pardon the poor quality of the pix. Not easy getting a good shot even with a telephoto lens when you're being squashed by the excited crowd. I was one of the paparazzi! woohoo!
Someone once said, "If your child has a dream, give her wings to chase it."
In the case of Jessica Watson, her dream was to sail around the world, alone. Her "wings" is her yacht the 160-ft long Ella's Pink Lady.
After seven months and tens of thousands of nautical miles, 16-year old Jessica Watson is home. She started off her solo unassisted sail around the world from Sydney Harbour 210 days ago and today, she crossed the Finish line at 1355hrs and arrived at the harbour at approximately 1500hrs. Jessica was originally scheduled to arrive at around 11am but the swells around the heads delayed her return. Nevertheless, the delay didn't deter the thousands who thronged the harbour to join in the welcoming party. There were people everywhere, on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, on benches at Mrs Macquarie Chair, standing for hours in the cold at Bradleys' Head....even Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and NSW Premier were patiently waiting for her.
We were among those squashed among the thousands that gathered in Kirribilli, on the opposite side of the Opera House. It was cold and Mama was not well but if Jessica could do it all alone, who are we to complain?
Sherlock Holmes would have said, "Well done, Watson!"
The flotilla of vessels that went out to greet Ella's Pink Lady at sea. The number of vessels increase as the hours went by.
Jessica on stage with the PM, NSW Premier and mum Julie.
The crowd and stage at the Sydney Opera House.
Jessica upclose.
Jessica addressing the crowd with her VVIP fans giving support.
Angelina reporting from Sydney Harbour. Note to self: need more powerful zoom lens. purrr....meow!
15 comments:
Great post! Can't imagine how she will adapt to life on land again after rocking to the tempo of the waves for so long. Take care and have a great weekend!
Aunty Paula,
We have to salute her tenacity. She wants to learn how to drive a car next. My kind of girl!!! purrr....meow!
"If your child has a dream, give her wings to chase it." How very true.
MRH Monyet King,
And she did very well during the Press Conference, all grown up and confident. The TV presenter joked that she is the most powerful person in Australia today coz she kept the PM and NSW Premier wait for her for hours. har har har *evil laughs*
So, when is YOUR solo sail? No need to sail around the world laa... just sail from Sydney to Port Klang pun okay oredi...
well done!..
:-)
Attagirl, Jessica! Jessica Watson is a credit to young women everywhere! Let's show the men that whatever they can do, we can do better, and YOUNGER! I think it's a great excuse for skivving school, though. I'd like to take a year off school to ride my bike or to skate ;)
Aunty Pi,
I always sail solo....in the bath tub. har har har *evil laughs*
Cheqna,
What were you doing when you were 16? I know...prancing around singing "I am 16 going on 17"... har har har *evil laughs*
CO78,
Easier to do if you're home-schooled like me. I nap more than study. Oh, the government and TV station Channel 10 have now sponsored her driving lessons. purrr.....meow!
Cats dear...
"prancing around singing "I am 16 going on 17" "...
true true true...but only b'cos i was following the group that u lead..
gotcha! ha ha ha...
:-)))
Cheqna,
i know what you did last summer....har har har *evil laughs*
which month?..u know its summer all year round over here...
hihihihi....
"16 going on 17"...again n again n...,
:-)))
Cheqna,
You pick. Check your house for hidden cameras...and your office....and your car....and your.... har har har *evil thoughts*
Thanks, Angelina's Mom. Gotta share this with Cruikshank and the girls...
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