River Murray paddle

An attempt to paddle from Albury to Goolwa in +/- a couple of months Read more

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Day 53
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 7:24 AM
🌧 16 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Australia Jaeschke Lagoon -34.17602, 139.989134°10’34” S 139°59’21” E
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Day 51
April 26, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
Distance 1824 / 2195
Next town Morgan
2 days ahead of schedule

Made it to Waikerie and set up camp on the riverbank opposite the town next to the Jaeschke Lagoon. Into town tonight via the ferry for a pub meal and to check out the night life. Expectations are low...!
Morgan in a couple of days.
MRead more
Traveler great picture!
4/25/22Reply
Traveler And look at that tree behind it! Your next project I think Mark
4/25/22Reply
TravelerYes, the photos are great and complemented by the expert commentary. Nice for the rest of us to do the trip down the River from the comfort of our phones!
4/26/22Reply
TravelerYes indeed!
4/26/22Reply
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Day 54
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 12:06 AM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Australia Mid Murray -34.06776, 139.8562334°4’4” S 139°51’22” E
Day 52
April 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Distance 1857 / 2195
Next town Morgan
2 days ahead of schedule

A dismal day where it drizzled almost non stop from mid morning to midnight. I was warm enough while I was paddling, but when I stopped to set up camp about 5pm in my wet clothes I was absolutely freezing from the wind chill. Put up the tent in the rain, straight into the sleeping bag at 5.30pm without dinner. To make matters worse the solar panel wasn't charging due to the overcast conditions so the phone died. Had to recall Ernest Shackleton's ordeal to keep things in perspective!
MRead more
TravelerI’ve been meaning to ask if you’ve named your kayak? Maybe Endurance 2?
4/27/22Reply
TravelerNo, I haven't got around to naming the kayak yet Pat. Thanks for the Endurance 2 suggestion, but after the original Endurance got crushed and sank I would worry it could be a bad omen!
4/28/22Reply
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Day 54
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 5:16 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Australia Brenda Park -34.09619, 139.6786434°5’46” S 139°40’43” E
Day 53
April 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Distance 1896 /,2195
Next town Blanchetown
2 days ahead of schedule

Much better day today, overcast but no rain. Also have developed a "recumbent" paddling style which helps my back. Kayaking purists would be aghast!
Lots of houseboats at Morgan and a massive number of upmarket riverfront shacks that extend nearly continuously 10kms downstream from Morgan. I've seen nothing like it on the whole trip.
The river turns at Morgan from basically heading west to heading south. On the home straight!
Onto Blanchetown tomorrow.
MRead more
Who cares what the purists might say, as long as your style makes the paddling easier! Heading south to Goolwa - has a great ring to it. [Eileen]
4/28/22Reply
What a fabulous trip Mark . Michele gave us the link over Easter . We’re really enjoying following you . Definitely on the home stretch now . Helen and Bruce Benton [Helen Benton]
4/29/22Reply
TravelerHi Helen and Bruce. Thanks for your interest. Yes, on the home stretch with only about a week to go (phew!)
4/30/22Reply
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Day 55
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 4:38 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Australia Blanchetown -34.35406, 139.6171834°21’15” S 139°37’2” E
Day 54
April 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Distance 1932 / 2195
Next town Swan Reach
2 days ahead of schedule

A nice relaxed paddle into Blanchetown. Went through Lock 1, the last of the 13 locks since Echuca. I was going to have a rest day here, but I didn't want to miss the northerly (tail) winds on Friday so a one night stop only to have a long awaited shower and shave (think Tom Hanks in Castaway).
MRead more
TravelerSounds like it might be time for a selfie.
4/30/22Reply
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Day 56
Friday, April 29, 2022 at 6:18 PM
☁️ 19 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Australia Sunnydale -34.64448, 139.6250334°38’40” S 139°37’30” E
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Day 55
April 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Distance 1971 / 2195
Next town Nildottie
1 day ahead of schedule

Drizzled most of today, but cool conditions and a slight tail wind so happy days. Went past Moorunde, which is the settlement set up by Edward John Eyre to help the local Aborigine tribes assimilate into the new order. I read his biography and it really is an interesting story.
Had a great lunch at the Swan Reach Hotel, a great pub in a picturesque little town. Will need to return at a later date to reinvestigate. Ditto the Blanchetown pub!
Looking forward to the family weekend coming up.
MRead more
Traveler Whoa! That's one for the mantlepiece!
4/30/22Reply
Yes, gorgeous sunrise! [Eileen]
5/3/22Reply
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Day 57
Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 5:49 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Australia Tapoo Lagoon -34.84157, 139.5863734°50’30” S 139°35’11” E
Day 56
April 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Distance 2012/ 2195
Next town Bowhill
1 day ahead of schedule

Great to catch up with Claire, John and Johanna at Nildottie, then a 5 hour non stop paddle with John to Caurnamont. Thought I would have to go slowly so he could keep up, but it was actually the reverse! Oh to be young again!
Clocked up the 2000kms today which was a long awaited milestone.
Staying in our very basic rented shack at Caloote tonight and sleeping in a bed for the first time in 8 weeks!
MRead more
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Day 58
Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 3:12 PM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Australia Bow Hill -34.88429, 139.6216634°53’3” S 139°37’18” E
Day 57
May 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Distance 2018 / 2195
Next town Mannum
1 day ahead of schedule

Pretty much a rest day today with only a few kilometres paddled between Caurnamont and Bowhill. Rob and Elizabeth coming up tomorrow to stay for a night which will be nice.
MRead more
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Day 59
Monday, May 2, 2022 at 4:28 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Australia Teal Flat Lagoon -34.87261, 139.544634°52’21” S 139°32’41” E
Day 58
May 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Distance 2032 / 2195
Next town Mannum
On schedule

A nice group paddle today, with Rob and Elizabeth in their double kayak, Claire in my old one and me in mine.
M
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Day 60
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 5:55 PM
🌙 20 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Australia Sanders Creek -34.86724, 139.3911334°52’2” S 139°23’28” E
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Day 59
May 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 20 °C
Distance 2046 / 2195
Next town Mannum
1 day behind schedule

A massive brunch for all 6 of us at Caloote this morning after a late night last night of revelry and board games.
I restarted my journey from Teal Flat early this afternoon, and struggled to get 16kms or so downstream due to headwinds. This section of river includes "Pellaring Reach", which is a straight about 10kms long heading south west, and even Captain Charles Sturt apparently had to sit tight for 3 days before the wind and waves died down enough for him to continue. Sounds like he might have been a bit soft mind you...
MRead more
Hi Mark, it was great to see you and Claire, we loved our paddle with you and the games night. We admire your commitment and perseverance to your Murray River adventure, it's a wonderful achievement. All the best for the last leg. Lv Elizabeth and Rob xxx [Elizabeth and Rob]
5/3/22Reply
TravelerAwesome foursome !
5/3/22Reply
Traveler Great photo
5/4/22Reply
Stunning sunset view! [KL]
5/5/22Reply
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Day 61
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 5:34 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Australia Sunnyside Recreation Reserve -35.05302, 139.3609535°3’11” S 139°21’39” E
Day 60
May 4, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Distance 2080 / 2195
Next town Murray Bridge
1 day behind schedule

A long day yet again with headwinds ever present. The scenery here is rather uninspiring, with levee banks covered in willows, cleared farmland behind and the odd rolling hill. If you hire one of the hundreds of houseboats in Mannum, don't go downstream!
I discretely camped on a patch of lawn in front of someone's shack last night. About 1am the irrigation system came on and the sprinkler head was about 2 metres from the tent. Sounded like machine gun fire on the tent! Everything got a thorough washing with river water for half an hour. Lesson learnt...
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Day 62
Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 5:04 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia Monteith Lagoon -35.19506, 139.3513135°11’42” S 139°21’5” E
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Day 61
May 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Distance 2106 / 2195
Next town Wellington
1 day behind schedule

Cold, rainy and windy, which makes for hard paddling and miserable camping.
Had a pitstop at Murray Bridge for lunch at the new Bridgeport Hotel. Very impressive! Also bought another blanket at the Salvos Op Shop to try and keep a bit warmer at night.
Weather forecast is looking very promising for a Sunday crossing of Lake Alexandrina and a Monday finish in Goolwa.
MRead more
Looks fairly new too. Always an engineer with keen eyes for details :) [KL]
5/5/22Reply
TravelerHi Kong. Yes, it looks pretty new I always thought Adelaide's water supply came from Mannum, but maybe it's from Murray Bridge now?? For further investigation...
5/6/22Reply
Wow - the end really is in sight. I hope the weather will be kinder to you over the last stretch. [Eileen]
5/5/22Reply
TravelerI was hoping so too Eileen, but alas it has deteriorated! Luckily the weather forecast is looking good for the Lake Alexandrina crossing, a section I have been worried about the entire trip. Fingers crossed!
5/6/22Reply
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Day 63
Friday, May 6, 2022 at 4:27 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Australia Stonewall Park -35.33232, 139.385135°19’56” S 139°23’6” E
1
Day 62
May 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Distance 2130 / 2195
Next town Point Sturt
1 day behind schedule

Another miserable day with long straights, head winds and rain showers. Got to Wellington at about 2pm, found a suitable camp site, put the tent up and covered myself in every available warm item! Dinner optional at this stage...
MRead more
TravelerCome on Mark! You’re into time on in the last quarter of the GF now. You’ve done well now’s the time to grind it out. (Dictated from the comfort of my armchair in front of the fire)
5/6/22Reply
TravelerThanks Coach! Looking forward to hearing the final siren! PS If you get too warm in front of the fire, you could join me for the final leg...
5/7/22Reply
TravelerThat does sound miserable but it’s such an impressive feat. Hoping for calm weather for the last few days. And a comfortable bed at Goolwa or home. Michele
5/6/22Reply
TravelerThanks Michele. Yes, it has been a exercise in endurance. Great weather forecast (finally) for the next couple of days. If your still poolside in Bali, enjoy the warmth while you can!
5/7/22Reply
Traveler OMG!
5/7/22Reply
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River Murray paddle Traveler
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Day 64
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 3:19 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia Murray River -35.36808, 139.370735°22’5” S 139°22’15” E
1
Day 63
May 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Distance 2136 / 2195
Next town Point Sturt
2 days behind schedule

Paddled the last few kilometres of the Murray this morning before it opens up into Lake Alexandrina. Too windy and rough on the lake, so luckily I spotted a little beach in kilometres of reeds, set up camp and have spent thee afternoon reading in my sleeping bag. Quite pleasant actually!
The plan tomorrow is to paddle down the eastern side of the Lake to Point McLeay then across to Point Sturt for tomorrow night. If the wind doesn't ease tomorrow it will be an emergency evacuation to Clayton!
MRead more
Traveler I see the challenge re camping on the lake.
5/7/22Reply
TravelerAlmost there Mark!
5/8/22Reply
TravelerAmazing effort
5/8/22Reply
Fingers and toes crossed that the Alexandrina stretch goes well. [Eileen]
5/8/22Reply
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Day 65
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 3:38 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Australia Alexandrina -35.51269, 139.0247235°30’46” S 139°1’29” E
Day 64
May 8, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Distance 2175 / 2195
Next town GOOLWA!!!
2 days behind schedule

Unbelievably lucky with the weather. It started off slightly bumpy, but as the day progressed the wind died away to nothing. Overcast skies, cool temperatures, no wind and flat water made the Lake crossing so much easier than I had been worried about. Goolwa tomorrow!
MRead more
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Day 66
Monday, May 9, 2022 at 12:24 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Australia Goolwa Boat Harbour -35.49936, 138.7889835°29’58” S 138°47’20” E
Day 65
May 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Distance 2195 / 2195
Next town Royston Park

Done and dusted!
A trip which has been physically and mentally challenging, but one that I am quite proud to have completed.
Thank you to my followers for your interest and encouragement. It made a big difference.
MarkRead more
TravelerCongratulations Mark🥇🍾🥂Massive achievement for anyone. It’s been great following your journey and seeing new pictures and updates each day.
5/9/22Reply
TravelerGreat timing with the weather Mark - in those immortal words ‘winter is coming’.
5/9/22Reply
TravelerA very impressive accomplishment, that u should be rightly proud of. Have very much enjoyed following u.
5/9/22Reply
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Trip end
May 9, 2022