Nature Euphoria

A rare barista coffee and bagel started my day in Swanhill, before launching my boat and paddling away from this urban landscape. Feeling clean and fueled by town food, I set out paddling solo and eager to return to the sparsely populated river realm I had become accustomed to.

There is a lovely feeling about paddling in the rain, the water drops falling from the sky bounce off the surface tension and the movement of air cast patterns across the water. It is peaceful and the solitude increases, the veil of water that now surrounds you holds you present to the place. 

From Goulburn Weir (the dam that forms Lake Nagambie), the River that flows out, I refer to it as the Lower Goulburn, whether this is technically true, I’m unsure. However, there is a distinct change in character; the banks are much higher, the water swirls slowly around snags, flowing down the constantly meandering riverbed and the trees on the banks are old and gnarled with age and weathering.

Arriving at Murchison East, I found Leigh camped by the river, in amongst some young river red gums, with a hammock strung up and his feet all muddy. This was to be the state of our feet for the next little while as a release from the weir had covered everything by the banks in silt. We embodied our inner mud gremlin.

From Ghin Ghin, I started my journey down the Goulburn River (Warring), the fast-flowing waters carried me down through the still mountainous valley. 

The journey began with the descent of the Yea River (Kayigai) to Ghin Ghin, where the Yea River meets the Goulburn River (Warring). Having paddled this section of river before I knew what to expect! Although time tends to mellow things out.

I am on the eve of finally leaving on my ‘Backyard to the Sea’ journey, where I paddle from my childhood/family home and my current residence since the Covid pandemic, to the ocean! Whilst packing all the essential items I require for the trip, I felt to share and reminisce on the significance of this journey I have chosen.

After much contemplation, I have purchased a new boat for my ‘backyard to sea journey’. This beautiful, green Prijon sea kayak will now be the boat that takes me down the Goulburn and Murray rivers on my way to the ocean,  and as you can tell from the photo, I am very excited.

After a few days of resting and contemplation by the river, I had some big decisions to make. With a broken canoe and stage three restrictions coming into place (to prevent the spread of COVID-19) the potential to continue my paddle journey down the rivers was dwindling.