Canoeing Fun

Warm and dry again!

Canoeing the upper reaches of the Brisbane river.

An exciting day out. 


The bus dropped 22 RBWC eager members as close to Twin Bridges near Fernvale as access allowed.. 

Mike is ready to go.

Willing hands transported all of our canoes/kayaks to the waters edge and we launched without mishap.

Launching

Our first leg to Savages crossing went very well. We all settled into the paddling rythm and negotiated our first gravel races, dodging the many trees and stumps. We were travelling well.

Bus driver Dave met us for our tea break. Hot drinks and cakes were devoured with relish. Yum!


Paddling along, cruising the smooth stretches then adrenalin pumping as we rushed through the gravel races twisting and turning, narrowly missing trees and stumps.

So far so good! Laughter and chat rippling across the river.

Then Oh dear!  Carmel and Sue D were first to attempt the fast zig zag through narrow openings in the leftover flood debris. A sharp left turn around a long low branch did us in. Not enough power or skill. We cannoned into the branch. Our canoe was sucked under and overturned.

Cold water!

Sudden shock!

Baling out.

Carmel went right under as I clung desperately like a limpet to the branch. Fast flowing water almost sucking me away. I looked over my shoulder and saw Carmel standing in thigh deep water.... Oh!.... I straightened my legs and found I could easily stand. What a laugh.

As we were pulling the canoe to shore Pedro and Theresa hurtled past downstream to retrieve our lost gear floating away.

Chaos followed as one and then another and more canoes overturned. Helping hands everywhere and then hilarity over the panicked expressions on those unfortunates who received a severe dousing in the river.

Some even went over twice! I guess they liked the experience.

We walked through one difficult section but Leisa thought she could paddle it.

No! She couldn't!

Kevin and Richard were quickly waist deep retrieving her jammed canoe.

Moving downstream again, glad of warm clothing.

Carmel's Canoe style.

A little tension now as we approached more fast water. No need to worry. We were becoming quite accomplished by now.

For lunch we sat on a log watched by curious cows.

Onwards downstream, loving it all.

Cruising downstream

Earlier than expected we reached our destination at Burton's Bridge.
Swimming with a pig! Actually a disgusting foul smelling dead pig which inconveniently died right where we had to haul out. Yuk!

Undeterred we were all eager to change into dry clothes.

A major wardrobe malfunction occurred in the girls changing room. Sheltering in front of the bus and shedding wet clothing the bus door suddenly slammed shut exposing me in a state of semi undress to the mens changing room at the back of the bus. Also a rural fire truck drove past our change area 3 times in minutes. I wonder why.

Thanks to Don and Mike for all of their efforts in organizing a wonderful day out.

Well Done.