We have been wanting to get Della back into a pack-raft by herself in case we get the opportunity to Pack Raft the Remote Wonnangatta this summer. She needed a bit of practice paddling by herself again after all these Double Pack Raft trips. I took along the double (paddling it alone) in case she wanted to pull up lame – but she did not. It is surprisingly easier to paddle as a single person boat and tracks much, much better. This is one of our favourite sections which we have done so many times over thirty years with the kids and without them. See: Black Snake Creek Revisited
Eager to set out at the Black Snake Creek confluence.
And likewise.
Off we go.
Waiting for Della to catch up.
Paddling those small rapids masterfully.
Lunch stop.
Spot and Honey are impatient to be off again after a lunch stop.
Gliding by some of the local denizens.
Some majestic gums. The bush is still beautifully green – a wonderful season here.
Powering along.
But with many quieter pools which Della adores.
Towering river gums.
There are always flowers in the Australian bush.
One last rapid.
Catch up Della.
Looking backwards to take photos has its dangers. I wrapped this very long raft around a submerged stump. A shorter raft would just roll away from it but this one decided to bend in half, submerge and completely flood. It paddles perfectly well as you see if completely full of water though.
PS: We have ‘discovered’ a beautiful one day pack rafting trip on the Mitchell River (lower Wonnagatta) which we intend to canoe next. Watch out for this post before the New Year.
And Merry Xmas.
See Also: Fourteen Days of White Water.
