Day 11 - Psyche Bend to Mildura

I heard Simon moving around at 6.00 am and although there was no rush we decided to pack up an get going. We had breakfast and were on our way by 7.25 am. We were just cruising as our final destination was only 15 km down the river. The river winds it ways around Kings Billabong and there  was still lots of bird life despite being so close to Mildura. There was lots of evidence of campsites along the way, some occupied, some with fixtures that indicated use.

The Chaffey Pumphouse at Psyche Bend

We had to consult the map a couple of times to ensure we went in the right direction on a couple of bends. Eventually we found our way to Gol Gol only 5 km from the finish. We pulled up here next the boat ramp and had a chat with a concreter who was working on the foreshore redevelopment. Simon mentioned that he remembered a sandy beach from a previous visit. The concreter said they had added another 5 tonne of sand but that it would not survive the wash from speed boats and water skiers. He sounded less than happy about water skiers and their manners of the water.

We made our way over to the “Golly” Bakery Cafe where we had morning tea. The homemade pies, pasties and sausages rolls looked irresistible and we indulged. I also had a coffee and a pastie and sausage roll although they did try to sell me a pie as well, I must have looked hungry. Simon went for a pie and ginger beer. I was happy.

A paddlesteamer restaurant near Mildura

After morning tea we paddled past a lot of expensive waterfront properties, many had their expensive toys on display. It seemed like their owners were flaunting the wealth in a competition to show who had the biggest .........wallet! This seems to be the spot where the ‘well-to-do’ of Mildura live. It was a contrast to what we had been seeing over the last 10 days where nature was the dominant theme.

Roun

Back into the kayaks for the final 5 km. The George Chaffey Bridge came into view and nearby a large boat ramp where we ended our journey. I went off and collected the car and backed it up into the middle of the very large boat ramp and then had another attempt to move it closer to one side. Just as well as 3 firetrucks turned up to pump water from the river. It would have been embarrassing if I hadn’t left room on such a large boat ramp.

Have a look at how much gear came out of Simon’s kayak. Good thing they are so big. We wouldn’t be able to carry that much gear on the bike or backpacking.