A leisurely paddle carefully planned by Roz to coincide with the tide and distance turned into a character-building challenge.
We were on the water one hour early in an effort to beat the heat, it was to be a very hot day. Paddling the river upstream to take advantage of the rising tide. There was lots of chatter and the usual catching up with those not seen for a while. Bird life was scarce, just the odd heron, a few ducks and one swan. Most of this river is flanked with reeds, a safe haven for small birds like the reed warblers. As we moved upstream there were glimpses of farmland and the Bald Hills Windfarm towers.
There was a great sense of achievement when we all reached our “pull-out” point some eight kilometers up stream (where the Fish Creek Drain meets the river). Paddling through a barrier of dead reeds we managed to find a spot to exit on the bank for a well-earned rest and a bite to eat. This was a first for me, other times I have exited on the opposite bank which is part of the famous Tullaree property “Lady of the Swamp” territory. After a longer than usual break we ventured back on the water initially thinking we were going to have a cruisy paddle home, that was not to be! The tide was still rising, added to that the head wind had picked up (stronger and earlier than forecast) making for challenging paddling. It was a constant slog to get back to the Tarwin Lower Jetty, where we had to pack up in very hot conditions.
We all appreciated lunch under a shady tree, having had a real work out. A great effort by all, especially Catherine for her first paddle with the Club, well and truly a PB. It was a delight to have Jean, (a young gentleman from France) paddle with us. Jean is completing his gap year before returning home.
Thanks, Roz, for organizing and well done to all participants who rose to the challenge.
Pat.
Particpants: Roz Spratt (Leader), Maree Mills, Christine Oliver, Josie Lomagno, Gerhard Grasser, Jean Deleage, Avenel Casson, Catherine Nakken and Pat Williams.
