Normally when we leave the boat ramp we cut loose across the dam and head like a “bat out of hell” for the rapids, the further we can go the better! Today was to be very different. We veered in an Easterly direction across the dam and explored the perimeter in three different coves, before heading to our usual grassy landing site. Bathed in sunshine this was an ideal spot for an early lunch, with lots of discussion about the merits of this site for an overnight camp. Paddling after lunch was a treat with the glassy water offering a myriad of reflections. We explored the Western embankment on the return trip, checking out the rock face and Avenel steered us to a diving board cleverly crafted into an old dead tree….no takers for a chilly splash. Paddling home across the dam seemed surreal, usually it is a very rough trip, to my surprise and absolute joy it was perfectly flat - easy paddling.
Thank’s Avenel for your organisation. Great paddle and great company.
I was interested to learn that the dam was commenced in 1979 and completed in 1984.
“The dam was built to provide cooling water for the thermal power stations of the Latrobe Valley and to supplement domestic water supply”.
Pat W