Getting All the Boats Together

[paddlesteamerman1]

Hello Everyone...

I know I feel very strongly about this!!! I really think that we need to get a large festival happening where we can get all the paddle steamers on the River Murray to get together, not just bits and pieces all over the place. I think we should really make a go of it, but if it hasn't been done already maybe it is not possible!
It would be great to know what you think. I believe it would be very very good for the sustainability of the paddlers on this majestic river!!

Regards,
James McDougall

[michael]

www.nangilocps.vic.edu.au/PaddleBoatNews.html has all the info for next years 'Get together' but the way the water issue is looking I reckon they will struggle to get past Mildura, another 2001 trip!
I reckon even if we have weekend trips away with all the Private Echuca boats would be good to Barmah or Deep Creek, Mildura boats do it all the time.

[paddlesteamerman1]

Definantely Michael!! That does actually sound really great... get all the private boats from Echuca and go on a 'road trip'!! If Mildura does why cant we!! And yes I have been talking to Roderick about the water issue and he mentioned a few hard to pass ares between Echuca nd Mildura!! But still I think we could organise something like that eh??

[michael]

I spoke to Adam(Ranger) Sunday night about the idea and he said as long as you can supply the wood and give the owners plenty of time before hand, so they can get time off work, it should work. Need to cut wood as the last thing you want to do is cut wood for a couple of hours.
Maybe see if Murray River Sawmills will 'donate' their off cuts or get the township of Barmah to donate some, in return take them all for a cruise on the boats?!
Also allow 3 days. 1day to get there, 1day relaxing, .5 day to get home

[paddlesteamerman1]

Yeah!!! Well if we could get all the wood and organise it, it sounds fantastic! I am all for it!! Sounds Great!!! With the Sawmills, would you write a letter or just ring them?! Because hopefully they would like to support a Paddler related event, like the good old days!!

[michael]

Okay I've finally got my bum into gear and written an 'expression of interets" letter for all the riverboat owners for a trip to Barmah. At the moment it has been planned for either the 1st or 2nd week in January, mostly because people will have holidays, and will most likely donw the family get togethers and because Roderick will be up with JesseII!
I have been cutting firewood so will have something at Barmah when the boats arrive. Also a dinner at the Barmah pub. Most likely boats will be mooring around the caravan park area, after I check with the owner. So its not that far away so things must run swiftly.

[paddlesteamerman1]

Ahhhh, Wow!! Nice work Michael!!!
First or Second weekend in January... Sounds good..
Hopefully a few people say yes.. keep the fingers crossed!!