South Gippsland

Glenmaggie Mystery Paddle 29^th April.

Down a secluded track, over a grassy verge, let the mysterious adventure begin.

......... We could not have asked for better conditions on Saturday for our club's mystery paddle on the Macalister River above the Glenmaggie Weir. Comfortable temperature and no wind. We had the river to ourselves, well almost, apart from the water monitors, birds, fish and a couple of visiting black cattle.

For most of the journey the water was like an expansive bronze coloured mirror reflecting the high, imposing rock walls or the newly greening slopes as they are further exposed with the lowering water level. We paddled up the river over the mirrored surface, sometimes broken by the birds (mostly ducks). They flapped their wings like paddles till take off.

We played spotto with the water monitors that were cleverly camouflaged whilst sunning on the rockface. Unlike the water birds they stay very still. We saw fish and lots of birds. Right on cue two eagles did a fly by just as we finished our paddle.

A highlight, apart from Pat's slice, was getting to know the other paddlers. A most helpful crew, particularly when we had to jump out at the shallow rapids as the river is so low at the moment. 

It was fascinating to see the range of craft now available. On Saturday we had a blow up, one that came in several parts and conventional kayaks.

As a newby at the club all the paddlers were so welcoming and supportive, helping set up the kayak, lending me gloves, guiding through rapids and sharing the delicious slice Pat had baked for us.

Trip Participants: -Pat Williams (leader), Michele Timmins, Sherran Howlett, Rhonda Renwick, Graham Talmage, Don Creed, Sue Ratcliffe, and Avenel Casson.

Written by Rhonda Renwick.