Paddling is so weather dependent that leaders notoriously have alternative plans “up their sleeve”. Remarkably Roz executed her A plan on all four days. Well done, Roz!
Day 1
After settling in at the Eagle Point Caravan Park
we decided to go for an afternoon paddle in the Paynesville Canals as it is sheltered there.
We put in at the boat ramp on Slip Rd, we enjoyed looking at all the expensive houses & mega boats how the other half live….hey I wonder where they get all that money? On our return we saw the Raymond Island ferry ⛴️ The afternoon sunshine sparkled upon the water, a great way to finish off our first day.
Michele Timmins.
Day 2
After breakfast we met up for our usual briefing, the speed of the wind, weather conditions, everyone armed with lunch we were off. Starting point at Duck Bay.
We all went about our business getting our boats into the water. A few introductions were made for some of us who didn’t know each other then a way we went.
Conditions were outstanding for this time of year.
We were keen to locate a big eagle nest that we spotted on a previous trip, and we succeeded to find it. Our morning tea stop was at James Point. Surprisingly to find a flush bush toilet. Out came the portable chairs, thermoses, and yummy food. We lazed around on the beach as the sun was just lovely. Back into our boats we went and headed towards Paynesville and Raymond Island with Metung in the distance. We turned and headed back to lunch destination, James Point again.
After a lazy lunch we back tracked a little and headed to Point Turner which is located on the end of the Banksia Peninsular, where we found so much bird life, amazing.
It was time then to head back with a lovely gentle paddle to Duck Bay.
The usual organised chaos after a paddle, washing down boats, loading boats, tying down boats and getting changed and head back to Eagle Point Caravan Park.
Many thanks to Roz for organising such a great paddle but most importantly ordering great weather. Very much appreciate your skills.
Josie Lomagno.
Day 3.
A perfect day…sunshine and no wind.
We launched at the boat ramp and paddled through the cut into Jones Bay. There were lots of swans on the water and it was so clear we could see quite a few jellyfish swimming along.
We turned into the river between the silt jetties to paddle back to the boat ramp. The birdie was amazing: swans, shags, pelicans, ducks and waterhens. Brian, (Noel’s mate) regaled us with some of the paddling stories while we stopped for morning tea.
Back into the boats and we returned to the ramp for lunch. Following lunch we did a final paddle up to the cliffs, passing quite a few houses (including two tiny cottages named ‘Do Me’ and ‘Me Too’).
Thanks to Roz for leading the paddle. and thanks to all the participants: Roz, Pat, Josie, Michelle, Yolanda, Don, Noel, or ring in Brian, and Sue.
Day 4.
With breakfast over it was time to pack up and drive to Bairnsdale for our morning paddle. Only four takers today. Don went home last night, Josie had no boat, Michele chose to rest, and Yolanda and Sue were both feeling poorly-I think it may have been all those G&T’s. Soooo Roz, Noel, Brian and I paddled upstream on the Mitchell River from the Rowing Boat pontoon. Lovely still water, beautiful reflections, and some serenading from the local bat colony. Picnic Point was the turnaround spot for Roz and me, which left Noel and Brian to continue upstream. From all accounts they had a great time. Roz and I made it back to the car and managed to load just before the gusty gale force winds arrived. After a quick lunch with Yolanda and Sue it was time to head for home. Yes Roz…..”Job is done!” You did it well.
Many thanks from all participants.
Participants:- Roz Spratt (Leader),Michele Timmins, Sue Ratcliffe, Josie Lomagno, Yolanda Wilson, Don Creed, Pat Williams, Noel Haines (SBWC) and Brian ( Noel’s mate).
Note:- Sadly we did have members who were unable to attend. This would have to be the best explanation we’ve ever received.
“Sorry we won’t be able to come.
There’s lots of movement round this homestead
cos a bug is going round,
Gastroenteritis I regret has got away,
Makes you run like wild bush horses,
Sorbent made a thousand pounds and
I’m afraid my cracks begun to fray.”
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