Three ladies, three boats and three hours paddling on the tranquil waters of the Macalister River.
The Macalister River at Maffra/Newry is a river of striking contrasts at the moment. Home to a colony of Nankeen Night Herons that seemed to follow us for part of our journey. Two different kingfisher sightings are always a treat and of course there is always plenty of birdsong at our pull-out point on Bellbird Corner. Magnificent trees and cattle grazing down to the water’s edge add to the tranquility.
Sadly, this section of the river has been savaged by the recent floods. The three of us were shocked and saddened to see the extent of the degradation of the banks. Large washouts and landslides have caused trees and fences to fall in the path of the river, exposing large swathes of crumbling, scarred earth. Whilst the three of us recognize the importance of water to this farming/agriculture area, it is a stark reminder of how interference by man can have an adverse effect. It will be a long time before the banks regenerate if ever!
Lucky Avenel, Roz and I have memories of the river looking much more appealing in its pristine glory in days gone by.
Participants: Avenel Casson (Leader), Roz Spratt and Pat Williams.
