More Marvelous Mitchell

It’s months ago now (I have fallen behind on my posts) when Della and I took three delightful days rafting a section of the Mitchell River (Gippsland) back in autumn (April), of course with the dogs. Last time I pack-rafted this section (by myself Mitchell River Overnight) I took only two days but the double pack-raft (with all those extra passengers) is slower – and what’s the hurry, anyway? This was our second three-day trip on this great river. The first trip starts with this post: Waterford to Angusvale Day 1

The trip from Meyers Flat – downstream from the Waterford Bridge – or the Cobbanah Creek confluence (where we put in) is a very pleasant weekend trip largely on just pebble races but there are three Grade 3 rapids in a row within a couple of hundred yards just downstream from the old Scott’s homestead. The first of these is the Surprise Rapid at the end of an incredibly long still  pond. We portaged all three. The first two on the right the third on the left. If you don’t want to get hurt I suggest you do too. The river height was about .7 on the Glenaldale gauge.

Putting in at the Cobbanah Creek confluence.

Canoeing Mitchell River

And off we go.

Canoeing Mitchell River

If these photos make the trip look utterly idyllic, that’s because it is. i hope to complete it again and again.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

There are still some beautiful European trees allowed by our masters.

Canoeing Mitchell River

They make a wonderful contrast to the many majestic gums.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Spot rides up front and Honey just in front of my knees.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

The river was often carpeted with lovely autumn leaves.

Canoeing Mitchell River

I do so love the reflections – don’t you?

Canoeing Mitchell River

An eagle soars on high.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Cooling off during a break.

Canoeing Mitchell River

A delightful grassy spot to camp there just behind me. There are hundreds of such.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

Paddling along.

Canoeing Mitchell River

There are wild cattle in the National Park. This was a herd of approx thirty bulls.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Canoeing Mitchell River

There really are some rapids but (except for the three Grade 3 already mentioned) mostly just little ones.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Honey enjoying a break ashore.

Canoeing Mitchell River

While Spot is wanting to travel on.

Canoeing Mitchell River

This old bathtub at a pleasant lunch spot must have a story to tell. It has been there many years.

Canoeing Mitchell River

People ask whether we see deer. This photo is a bit of a ‘Where’s Wally?’ but there is a deer in it.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Our second overnight camp spot above Scott’s. This 50 acre flat too would once have had a name. This is our $50 Chinese ‘Trailstar tent.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Della gets so many treats from me. During the night this fellow made his way into her balaclava!

Canoeing Mitchell River

There are literally hundreds of acres of river flats along which folks could camp except Parks Vic has closed all Scott’s old access track so that no-one but canoeists may enjoy them.

Canoeing Mitchell River

Scott’s old homestead now converted into a camping centre for 4WD bogans.  It is only about 15 minutes to those three rapids and about an hour to the end of our trip at Angusvale from here.

Canoeing Mitchell River

See Also:

Mitchell River Overnight

Marvelous Mitchell River Day 1

Marvelous Mitchell River Day 2

Marvelous Mitchell River Day 3

Waterford to Angusvale Day 1

Waterford to Angusvale Day 2

Waterford to Angusvale Day 3

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