Every once in a while, the ducks line up, they certainly lined up today ensuring we had a good day.
Pat got us started with coffee & treats (thanks Pat) and briefing at 9.55am.
Launching was “one at a time” off a sloping ramp not the easiest but we managed to get in without any mishaps. The wind was up and gusting in the trees but the river gave us protection with the occasional slog. The wattles were losing their blossom and it gave the river a golden hue in protected corners. We paddled for about ¾ of an hour through farm lands before our first stop of the morning on a sandy, grassy bank. After refreshments and chats about the performance of Shane’s new boat we headed off to Bellbird Corner. Again the river winds mainly through farmland and its banks are dotted with huge magnificent gums, providing habitat for a variety of birds and ducks.
Lunch was at the reserve at Bellbird Corner. After lunch and a short walk it was decided to push on upstream to see how far we could go as the water level was high enough for us to proceed. River flow picked up and we paddled until our progress was blocked by two enormous gums that had recently come down blocking the whole river.
We turned for home and enjoyed the flow in our direction. We paddled without a break back to the Port of Maffra to end our day on the water. Distance covered was about 15km. We arrived back at 2.30pm and it was interesting to note that the river had dropped about 10cm from the time we left to when we got back making our exit onto the sloping ramp even a bit more tricky, but with a bit of team work, all exited safely.
Another good day on the water enjoying the company of fellow paddlers. Thanks for organising Pat and turning on the weather. written by Don.
Participants: Pat Williams (Leader), Don Creed, Roz Spratt, Shane Bright, Sue Ratcliffe, and the following SBWC members Kate Haines, Noel Haines, Michael Haynes and Denise Stranger who is also a member of BCBWC.
