Day 3 – Turner Bend to Halfway Bend 52 km

At last a nice day! Forecast was a sunny 21 degrees. About 5.00 am the “flocking” birds started to make a racket. Then at 5.45 am Simon stuck his head in the tent however I told him I wasn’t getting up until 6.30 am. It was a bit chilly so I was in no rush to get moving.

After breakfast we packed up and took the kayaks back to the river and lifted them down to the pontoon. It was lovely sunny morning and there was very little wind. We had a short break after 2 hours and then had only 6 km more to Torumbarry Weir where we pulled out on a boat ramp a short walk from the weir.

We saw a paddle-steamer coming towards us just before Torumbarry and we saw another on the other side of the weir, They were returning from an event downriver.

We went to the Information Centre but could not find anything to tell us how to find the Lock Keeper. We went to the caravan park kiosk and bought some supplies and found out where the Lock Keeper’s office was. Simon was ringing the mobile no. On the door when Darren arrived. We arranged to go through the lock at 12.00 noon.

Back at the kayaks we floated down to the lock and waited. Just as Darren opened the gates the other kayakers we met yesterday appeared. They joined us going through the lock. It was all an anti-climax as I expected a lot of rushing water but it was nothing of the sort. The drop was only 3 metres because the river was so high. After the lock the current seemed slower than before. We paddled on for an hour before stopping for lunch.

Simon sinking in the mud while getting stuff from his kayak

The lunch spot was a nice bend in the river however the get-out was very muddy  and we sank to half-calf height. We enjoyed a hard boiled egg each and some wraps with cheese.

Back on the water we paddled for 2 more hours before having another break. We has already done 38 km so our goal of 50 km was in reach. At 4.00 pm we passed the 1612 marker which signified 100 km for the trip so far. We paddled onto 5.30 before finding a campsite at Halfway Bend just past the 1596 marker.

Another muddy get-out saw Simon get wet while getting out of his kayak. We set up camp and had dinner before retiring to the tents to get away from the mozzies.

All day long we have seen abundant birdlife. Lots of cockatoos, kookaburras, ducks, darters, ibis and spoonbills as well as a few kites. A great day paddling on the mighty Murray going through the Gunbower forest.