Lift Off!

There it was - the most wonderful sight in the world - the Parks Victoria punt service rounding the bend in the river to take us to Herring Island.

First run of the Parks Victoria punt to Como Landing this summer - hooray!

And we had amazing weather for our opening: mild and overcast in the morning breaking to a sunny afternoon. A few people got lost - the pathways amongst the earthworks are a bit confusing but the aim is to reinstate the vegetation on the river bank so it will all be worth it.

We had a small crowd for the opening - ably performed by Councillor John Chandler representing Stonnington Council - but after that and through the day visitors kept coming, many not realizing that this was the first day this summer that the island has been open.

The sculpture was admired, the festival launched and a good time was had by all... now to make the rest of the festival as much fun - come and join us on the island - there's a lot to see.

The view to the "mainland" from bush-clad Herring Island

Underneath the Freeway - and what is in the boxes?

image courtesy Suzie Ashkenazi

All these sculptors were waiting to go across to Herring Island - so what is in the boxes and bundles? It looks good in the gallery so be there for the launch of the festival at noon tomorrow!

Soon, Soon but can we get there? YES!

Construction work around Como landing looks pretty scary still - but we have access - the work will continue but on the weekends we can use a lovely gentle ramp from the cafe outside area, down to river level and from there to Como Landing - here is what it looks like on a screen shot from Google maps:

When you look from Herring Island, as you will be able to in a week or so, you can see the path that's been made for us:

Follow the stars to Como Landing and Herring Island

And just imagine what the end result will be! The whole area should be a delight so come and check on progress when you visit the Festival through 2014.