Day 8 Purnong to Mannum 40 km

Day 8 Purnong to Mannum 40 km

Last night we decided to push hard to get to Mannum today. 40 km is a big day for us in this part of the river particularly if the wind gets going. This means another early start - we were on the water just after 6:00 am local time.

Steady paddling saw us passing Bow Hill and its General Store more than an hour before opening time. No bacon & egg roll and coffee today! 7 km done 33 to go - next Young  Husband which is more a locality than a town. Young Husband is the name of the station property of this area.

We saw a kayak ahead in the distance - we weren't aware of any other expeditioners ahead of us so it was likely to be a day paddler. Eventually we caught up to a couple in double sit-on kayak as they climbed back onto a houseboat. The couple were just mucking about. They had hired the houseboat with relatives who were out from the UK.

We took a break from the river after 2 hours and 20 minutes. Rum & raisin chocolate for snack.

Steve and Monk (Peter)

Shortly after we were hailed by Steve and "Monk" (shortened for Monkey - actually Peter). Offered coffee we stopped for a chat. I introduced Simon as my father - good laugh for me! With 2 other guys they lease some waterfront from a farmer. Great chat, nice guys!

After 5 hours we reached the Young Husband caravan park and store where we topped for lunch. The store was closed and is up for sale. Noodles and cheese and crackers for lunch.

The last 15 km were a slog - as we got closer the wind was in our face for a long stretch. We hopped out to stretch our legs at the Kia Marina. Simon had a chat with some fishermen who advised him to crossed to the other side of the river to get protection from the wind and to cut the corner approaching town. I had come to the same conclusion.