MAQUARIE
HARBOUR-GORDON RIVER
Jan 2020
(Scribe:
David Connell)
What
an adventure in so many ways, with a rag-tag crew of Expat Tassie’s, one proper
Tassie, and a Qlder.
Duration
was dictated by ferry booking times and obviously weather too, but mechanical
issues can also play a part in these things.
It
all began with me (from Emu Park, 20km from Yeppoon, Q) picking Toby up from Ballina (northern NSW) and enjoying a
leisurely cruise to Melbourne town and
so onto the Spirit of Tasmania ferry for a daytime crossing, which I wouldn’t do again as
it means early start and late finish at the Tas end. Smarter to sail by night,
leaving the days for finding your way around.
After a day with Laurie, at his fascinating off-grid home, Toby, Laurie and I went down to Kerry and Roger’s “shack” at Cockle Creek, where we settled in till they arrived a couple of days later.
Next
we’re off to Strahan, via Huonville for last minute stock up of necessities,
which were depleted on our layover days.
All
going well till Derwent Bridge where Laurie’s snobby little Euro vehicle decided
“no more”. Bugger, but after a quick shuffle we ended up with three paddlers
and three kayaks at Strahan, unfortunately minus Laurie who was obliged to
accompany the sick vehicle to hospital (who couldn't revive it)!
Captain
and crew were vey helpful describing suitable, legal, campsites within reach,
but after a quick vote, we set up camp on the raised walkway (very raised).
Day
2. Early
start as we had no idea when another tour boat could arrive, but we were 3m
above the water!!
May
have been a compulsory seal launch if Laurie was with us, but we sooks
carefully lowered the boats to a pontoon and reloaded them, then off at last!
We
carried detailed maps, plus we had Toby who had been here before…Way before,
maybe 30 years before?? So a bit of flying blind involved for the whole trip,
but that’s what makes life interesting?
Thinking
about 18k till we came across the best ever camp site with a beautiful sandy
beach and protected camp sites from pretty much any direction, and only one
snake.
Day3. The
plan was to go up river to Franklin falls and camp in the hut there, or return
, so we loaded the boats and paddled through amazing scenery, with not a soul
in site, about 8klm to find the hut in a state of disrepair, perhaps undergoing
some needed maintenance. The walkways were also in a sad state, with sections
completely collapsed. It would be a great spot to camp when it’s open and there
is the pontoon for flying boats, which apparently no longer visit due to lack
of demand. Chatted with two white water paddlers who had just come down the Franklin/Gordon
rivers.
Arrived
back at last nights camp to find it still vacant so settled in again and had an
interesting visit by “Stormchaser”, a steel ketch with captain Trevor hosting a
family group for an overnight trip to the falls. The sandy banks here and most
of the river are so steep “Stormchaser” was able to nose onto the beach so all
on board could climb down onto the beach to stretch their legs and chat a
while.
Back
to the hut and everyone decided to camp inside, in luxury. It’s really well
cared for by a local group and the log book shows all the maintenance, plus
visitors, and there have been lots of those/us
Kerry
was already gone when Toby and I woke, which is not at all the norm, so a quick
search found her sleeping peacefully on the verandah. She gave a great
imitation of Toby’s snoring, breathing both in and out!!
Wind supposed to be building tomorrow, so
earlier start planned
The
last of his words were whipped away as the wind kicked in, and stayed in for
the full distance, making a hard slog and 4hrs to cover about 15klm.
Paddlers:
Kerry
Reid-Searl (Mirage
580)