PS Marion cruises on Aus Day W/E

[Roderick Smith]

Just arrived as I am about to lock the door and head to Echuca.  I'll do the detail when I get back, but it should be on the websie.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

Historic PS Marion Cruises to Mildura in 2012
For the first time since 1951, the PS Marion will set sail for Mildura on a 13 day overnight cruise from Mannum to Mildura on 28th August 2012.
The historic paddle steamer “Marion” is a fully restored heritage vessel built in 1900. This vessel is one of the last operational, original, heritage, steam driven; wood fired overnight passenger carrying side paddle steamer remaining in the world!
New for 2012 will be the inaugural “Christmas Lunch Cruise” on the 1st and 2nd of December with a 5 hour cruise and special Christmas Buffet. 
The Marion will make its way to Morgan in March and offer day cruises. Priced for a great Christmas Gift idea!
The Marion will also cruise from Mildura to Redcliffs and make the return trip from Mildura to Renmark providing many cruise options in the magnificent reaches of the river not regularly visited by the PS Marion.
There will be many short cruise day opportunities next year out of Mannum, Morgan and Mildura.

2012 is certainly the year to experience cruising on the Murray on one of our Nation’s icons, the PS Marion.

The Marion is lovingly operated and maintained by over 100 volunteers who are thrilled to be taking the Marion to sections of the Murray into Victoria and New South Wales.

Visit our website www.psmarion.com to access full cruise itineraries.

(All itineraries and arrival / departure dates and times are subject to change at any time dependant on river conditions and at the discretion of the Captain).  Correct at time of printing.

[Roderick Smith]

The website has the cruise summary, and links to download all four pdf files.
I will reproduce the summary here.
From:
www.psmarion.com
www.psmarion.com/html/marion_cruises.html
P.S. Marion January to December 2012
Cruise Calendar

Short Cruises are conducted from Mary Ann Reserve, Town Wharf, Mannum at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
Download 2012 SHORT 1 HOUR CRUISES - PDF
Download 2012 OVERNIGHT CRUISES - PDF

26 January 2012 Australia Day 1 Hour Cruises
28 & 29 January 2012 Australia Day Weekend 1 Hour Cruises
10 & 11 March 2012 Adelaide Cup Day Short 1 Hour Cruises
16 – 18 March 2012 Short Overnight Cruise (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Mannum – Morgan (download brochure PDF)
24 & 25 March 2012 Short 1 Hour Cruises at Morgan
26 – 28 March 2012 Short Overnight Cruise (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Morgan – Mannum (download brochure PDF
7 & 8 April 2012 Easter Short 1 Hour Cruises
5 & 6 May 2012 Houseboat Open Day – Short 1 Hour Cruises
7 – 11 May 2012 Long History Cruise (5 Days, 4 Nights)
Mannum – Swan Reach (download brochure PDF)
28 August – 9 September 2012 Long Overnight Cruise (13 Days, 12 Nights)
Mannum – Mildura (download brochure PDF)
16 – 20 September 2012 Long Overnight Cruise (5 Days, 4 Nights)
Mildura – Renmark (download brochure PDF)
19 – 26 October 2012 Long Overnight Cruise (8 Days, 7 Nights)
Berri – Mannum (download brochure PDF)
1 & 2 Devember 2012 Christmas Lunch Cruise (5 Hours)
(download brochure PDF)

Bookings and enquiries can be made through
Mannum Visitor Information Centre
Phone: (08) 8569 1303
Fax: (08) 8569 2383
email: info@psmarion.com
or SECURE ONLINE BOOKING
or Download Overnight Cruise Booking Form

Note: Crusing schedule & dates subject to change without notice
   Rockford Steam Powered Dinner Cruises
For more than 10 years Rockford Wines has worked with the best chefs in Australia to present some truly memorable dinners. Rockford Steam Powered Dinner cruises offers 29 people the chance to indulge in a beautiful, relaxing weekend enjoying the finest wine and food imaginable, while quietly steaming along the majestic Murray River.
Cruises depart at 6pm Fridays and return 2.30pm Sundays.
25, 26, 27 May 2012 Rockford Steam Powered Dinner
22, 23, 24 June 2012 Rockford Steam Powered Dinner
27, 28, 29 July 2012 Rockford Steam Powered Dinner
24, 25, 26 August 2012 Rockford Steam Powered Dinner
The Rockford Steam Powered Dinners are part of Rockford Wines ongoing sponsorship and all proceeds go to the maintenance of PS Marion.
Rockford Steam Powered Dinner enquiries
Phone: Pam O’Donnell
Phone: (08) 8563 2720 or 0407 937 487 
Fax: (08) 8563 3787 
email: pam.odonnell@rockfordwines.com.au
 
Here is the text just for the Mildura voyage.  You cannot make a steam voyage on this scale anywhere else in the world now that Maxim Gorkiy is decommissioned.  Even the Mississippi one didn't offer this length; AFAIK it is still out of service, it did not regain dispensation.  Every time Australia has a major Murray event, I recommend that you come. This one will be the grandest.  High water and lock 2 out of use prevented the planned Mannum - Renmark voyage; this one is longer.  It is not just a steam adventure, but showcasing our scenery, history and culture.  I have done all the aspects of this voyage, and will be short of time.  My plan is to launch Jessie II at Mildura for the middle week, with lots of joint participation with the many paddlesteamers and paddleboats based in the region.

P.S. “MARION”
28th August – 9th September 2012
Mannum to Mildura
13 days 12 nights
Tuesday 28th
Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Walker Flat
Embarkation aboard the PS Marion commences at 8:00 am for 9:00 am departure from Arnold Park, Mannum. We cruise upstream past Bowhill to our overnight mooring at Walker Flat. A popular holiday retreat for well known celebrities from Adelaide. Benjamin Walker established the Mannum Flour Mill in 1876.
Wednesday 29th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Blanchetown
Depart Walker Flat this morning and head towards Swan Reach. Join guides on tour through the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site and experience aboriginal culture as you journey through the ancestral home of the Nganguraku people. Journey past the magnificent Big Bend cliffs as your back drop as we move towards Blanchetown where we negotiate through Lock #1 at approximately 3:30 pm. Enjoy a tour of Burke Salter Winery before dinner.
Thursday 30th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Morgan
This morning we depart Blanchetown at approximately 10:00 am to the township of Morgan. The overlanders and the first coaches came this way from Sydney and the railway came from Adelaide in 1878. Morgan was instantly a port, the greatest on the Murray in South Australia. Visit the Morgan Museum located in the historic Landseer Building and Town Heritage Walk tour as the crew load wood.
Friday 31st
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Waikerie
Depart this morning as we head towards Waikerie and negotiate through Lock #2 at approximately 1:00 pm. The name “Waikerie” is said to mean “many wings” which is quite appropriate considering the teeming birds of the lagoons and wetlands that edge the river. Take time out to explore the town.
Saturday 1st
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Kingston
This morning we depart Waikerie and head towards Kingston on the Murray. We negotiate through Lock #3 at around 2:00 pm. Arrive Kingston on the Murray and whilst wood is being loaded, enjoy a tour at Banrock Station of the Wetlands and Visitor Centre / Wine Tasting.
Sunday 2nd
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Loxton
Relax and enjoy the passing river scenery and listen to the slap of the paddles as we make our way to Loxton. After lunch enjoy an excursion to award winning Loxton Historical Village. A recent extension to the village provides a visual and tangible history of Loxton’s development and irrigation practices that is now a recognised leader in the implementation of sustainable landscapes.
Monday 3rd
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Lock #5
Depart Loxton as we make our way past Whirlpool Bend and through Lock #4 at approximately 11:30 am. Cruise past Berri and Lyrup on our way to Lock #5 where we will load wood and stay overnight. Berri gets its name from the Aborignal description of the big bend on which the town has grown. Berri began as a fruit growing area in 1911. The little distillery that was set up by a handful of growers in 1918 grew to be the Berri Co-operative Winery, one of the nation’s biggest.
Tuesday 4th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Wiela
This morning we travel through Lock #5 on our way to Renmark – Australia’s oldest irrigation settlement founded In 1887.Watch in awe as the bridge at Remark rises to give us passage to Renmark. After wood loading we journey further upstream past Chowilla which is rich in Aboriginal lore, said to mean a place of ghosts & mystery and was an Aboriginal burial ground. Overnight Wiela
Wednesday 5th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Yambray Creek
Depart Wiela this morning and travel through Lock #6 at approximately 8:30 am where we enter Bunyip Reach, a stretch of the river named for a tragedy on 8 December 1863. The sternwheeler, “Bunyip” with 2 barges in tow and Captain William Randell in command, caught fire in the bow. Randell tried to turn Bunyip out of wind to quell the vigour of the flames but had to leap for his life when fire engulfed the wheelhouse. 4 of the 20 on board died and Randell was run over by one of the barges but survived. Secure for the night at Yambray Creek
Thursday 6th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Crozier Rock
Depart Yambray Creek this morning and travel through Lock #7 at approximately 8:30 am (first lock out of South Australian waters!) Travel past Ned’s Corner that is a favorite spot for campers, fishermen and bushwalkers. We travel through Lock #8 at lunch time. At dinner time we arrive at our overnight mooring of Crozier Rock which is part of the Murray-Sunset National Park and is located far North-West corner of Victoria, on the border with SA & NSW.
Friday 7th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Wentworth
Travel through Lock #9 at approximately 8:30 this morning as we travel towards Wentworth. Navigate through Lock #10 at approximately 4:30 pm. An hour later we arrive at our overnight mooring of Wentworth. The outback town of Wentworth lies at the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers.
Saturday 8th
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Mildura
Depart Wentworth as we make our way to Abbotsford Bridge. This bridge crossing the Murray River is one of only two bridges in the Sunraysia area that enables you to pass from one state to another. Passing through Lock #11 at approximately 3:00 pm. Arriving at our overnight mooring at Mildura at approximately 4:30 pm The region of Mildura is known for its wineries and citrus groves, its river-centered recreational opportunities and its proximity to several national parks. Mildura means “red earth”. Known as the centre of Victoria’s Food Bowl, most of Australia’s dried fruit, grapes, citrus, almonds, pistachios, olives, carrots and asparagus are grown in the Mildura region. The first wine grape varieties were planted in Mildura in 1888. The first vintage was established in 1891.
Sunday 9th
Breakfast
After 8:00 am breakfast passengers depart by coach back to Mannum at 9:00 am. Lunch stop enroute.
Cost: $2299.00 per person twin share (including GST)
Note: All itineraries and arrival / departure dates and times are subject to change at any time dependant on river conditions and at the discretion of the Captain.
Overnight cruises costs include all meals and secure car parking at Mannum. Only 14 cabins twin share available.
For bookings please contact:
Mannum Dock Museum, 6 Randell Street, Mannum SA 5238
Tel: (08) 8569 2733 email: museum@psmarion.com
More details: www.psmarion.com

General Information
The paddle steamer Marion, a fully restored heritage vessel (hull built in 1897), is one of the last operational, heritage, original, steam driven, wood fired, with overnight passenger carrying side paddle steamer in the world and was fully restored by volunteers over many thousands of hours. Her crew are all volunteers.
Marion has three deck levels and passengers will need to negotiate stairs. Bottom deck is the entry point to the boat on most occasions, although at times, e.g. steep banks or wharf; entry is then made to the middle deck. The bottom deck houses the steam plant, this being the original steam plant fitted to the vessel in 1900. Also found on this deck are the galley and passenger dining room. Middle deck is the main accommodation deck. The passenger lounge with bar is on this deck along with cabins 7 to 20 and the shower and toilet facilities. Top deck is made up of the wheelhouse, a further passenger lounge (formerly the gentlemen’s smoking room) and cabins 1 to 6.
Passenger accommodation aboard the PS Marion is in the form of bunk style twin share cabins and can accommodate a total of 40 people (including crew). Sole occupancy for twin cabins incurs a 50% charge on top of the cruise price.
Four separate toilets and four showers are available for passenger use on the middle deck. Toilets are equipped with wash basin, mirror and power points. Electric razors and hair dryers can be used. A further crew toilet and shower is situated on the bottom deck. Two cabins located on the top deck have power points which can be used for sleep apnoea machines.
Neat casual clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
Linen is provided. This includes bedding, towels, face washers and bathmats.
All meals are included in the cruise price quoted and detailed in the itinerary. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included. Bar facilities are available. No alcohol is to be carried aboard by passengers.
Secure car parking is available in Mannum and is included in the cost of the cruise.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, passengers must follow the instructions issued by the crew. Life jackets are stowed under the bunks of each cabin as well as in lockers on each deck. Smoking is prohibited in all areas except outside of the middle and top decks. The wheelhouse and galley are restricted areas and entry is only available by invitation from the Captain or the Chef respectively. If passengers require help in any way on board they should refer to the Purser.
To confirm your reservation a deposit of 20% of the total fare or $100 per person (whichever is greater) must be paid at the time of the booking. Balance of payment is to be paid 30 days prior to cruise departure. In the event of cancellation the following fees are applicable: Written notice of cancellation at least 60 days in advance of cruise departure date, no penalty. Passenger will be refunded full deposit paid. Written notice of cancellation from 59 days to 30 days before the cruise departure date the passenger will forfeit the deposit paid. Written notice of cancellation 29 days to 15 days before the departure date the passenger will be liable to pay 50% of the total fare. Less than 14 days before the departure date the passenger will be subject to a cancellation charge equal to 100% of the total fare.
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
For bookings please contact:
Mannum Dock Museum, 6 Randell Street, Mannum SA 5238
Tel: (08) 8569 2733 email: museum@psmarion.com
More details: www.psmarion.com

Afternoon update: I have posted lots of photos of Marion before.  Here is one not posted before, the 2010 voyage to Berri for survey slipping.  Marion is at the Berri floating jetty, opposite the hotel and visitor centre, with local cruise launch MV Missy sitting behind, having returned from a hens' lunch party.    Sat.18.9.10.  (Roderick Smith)
Also have one in the cliff section, taken during the fleet voyage for the centenary of PS Oscar W.  Thurs.25.9.08.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

I received my Friends of Marion newsletter on Tuesday.

In late March the historic paddlesteamer PS Marion will visit the riverland town of Morgan.
It arrives on Fri.23.3 with a lunch cruise departing from Morgan Riverfront at 10.30.
Price of $69 per person includes luncheon of cold chicken, crusty bread with delicious buffet dessert & afternoon tea.
Returning to Morgan at 16.00.
 
Sat.24.3 there will be 1 hour cruises throughout the day.
Following the final cruise of the day, which returns at 17.30, the Morgan Community will host 'Dinner under the Stars' on the historical Wharf with a wonderful homestyle meal and live entertainment. Passengers have the option of cruise and dinner at a cost of $49 per person or just  dinner at a cost of $29.
 
Sunday 25th there will once again be 1 hour cruises.

Also attached is the schedule of short cruises.  With the cancellation of the Houseboat Open event in May we have released short cruises for the Queen’s birthday weekend in June. Sunday 10th of June coincides with the inaugural Truck and Ute Show 2012 being held in the main street of Mannum.

Mannum Dock Museum
6 Randell Street MANNUM  SA   5238
Ph: 08 8569 2733
Fax; 08 8569 2383
museum@psmarion.com
www.psmarion.com

I have attached the three flyers.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

Enclosed is the press release from PS Marion regarding 25 yo Eric becoming qualified as an engineer.
I have photos up already of Eric during his training hours: he was aboard the PS Ruby Wentworth - Renmark voyage in Mar.-Apr.11.
See the thread http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5353.30;
the photos are with replies 30, 31 & 37 (on page 3 of the displays).

Here is just part of the text from the press release:
SA’s YOUNGEST HERITAGE VESSEL ENGINEER’s, FIRST CRUISE
This weekend, Eric Wolverson, the youngest volunteer to take on the role as Chief Engineer on a heritage vessel in South Australia will take the paddle steamer “Marion” out for the first time.
Late last year Eric successfully passed his exams with the SA Transport Department and is now a qualified Marine Engine Driver (Steam). As far as can be ascertained he is the youngest Engineer to operate the PS Marion and heritage vessels in South Australia. The oldest retired in the early 1940’s in his mid eighties.
He is currently engaged in assisting in the restoration of a 1916 model Steam Wagon, this has involved extensive boiler and engine repairs.
Eric will be crewing in his new role as Engineer on the PS Marion where short cruises will be steaming for Easter on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of April.
Eric enthused, “I have been working towards becoming an Engineer on the Marion since I first set foot on the deck 18 years ago and I am excited and looking forward to my first trip as Engineer”.
John Norris, legend River Boat Engineer stated, “Eric is a quiet young achiever and I am very proud of him”.
“In a world of old traditions it is encouraging to see youngsters like Eric, who already owns his own steam roller and a separate steam engine, keen to gain the knowledge that will ensure that remaining paddle steamers and steam trains can continue to operate in the future”, said Chairman Rob Bowring.
“Eric’s knowledge is incredible for his young age. I remember him coming on the boat at 8 and at the age of 12 was the most competent operator of the steam winch on the Marion. He is truly amazing with his understanding of steam”.
“The old skills required are dying out with the passing of the masters who have kept them alive and younger volunteers like Eric are the hope for the future, the continuance of the traditional old trades that will keep PS Marion, and other similar vessels, plying the Murray, something she has been doing for over 100 years.”

I had to miss the November Lake Goldsmith steam rally (Victoria), but Eric and John were displaying some of their steam equipment.
I should be at the May rally this weekend.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

From my Friends of Marion membership.
I doubt that I will be on either Berri voyage, but am considering being part of the final-day fleet.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

CRUISING on PS MARION
• DAY TRIPS:
PS Marion will be offering day trips on her way to and from Swan Reach and will be conducting short cruises on 26th & 27th of April (10:30 12:00, 1:30, 3:00 $15 adults onboard entertainment at Swan Reach) in support of the  inaugural Country Music Festival at Swan Reach.
Wednesday 24th of April  leaving Mannum 10:00 am arriving Walker Flat 5:00 pm (coach return to Mannum).
Thursday 25th of April leaving Walker Flat 1:00 arriving Swan Reach 4:00 pm (coach return to Walker Flat).
Monday 29th of April leaving Walker Flat 10:00 am arriving Mannum 5:00 pm (coach return to Walker Flat).
Bar facilities available, no BYO.
Morning and afternoon tea provided (BYO picnic lunch) $49 per person +$10 bus transfer (each cruise).
• OVERNIGHT TRIPS:
50th Anniversary of PS Marion’s “Last Voyage” Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity whereby the PS Marion sets sail from Berri after a Mayoral farewell on her journey back to Mannum, depicting the occasion 50 years ago when the PS Marion limped to her homeport of Mannum to see out her days as a static display in Randell Dry Dock.
Fanfare and unique experiences are woven throughout the 10 day journey.  Be part of history as the reenactment of the last leg is joined by dignitaries and wooden boats of various shapes and sizes flank the PS Marion from Bowhill to Mannum.  Hear the distinct sounds of the brass band welcoming and celebrations galore on Mary Ann reserve as we arrive in port.
28th May – 1st June  Mannum to Berri  5 days 4 nights  $799 per person twin share.
6th – 15th June Berri to Mannum 50th Anniversary of PS Marion “Last Voyage” 10 days 9 nights $1699 per person twin share.
15th June 50 years of Marion at Mannum – Mary Ann Reserve Mannum  (South Australian Police Band, Marion Brass band, food stalls and wine).
Short cruises also being conducted at Berri 2nd June and Waikerie 9th June.
Contact:
8569 1303.
Mannum Dock Museum 6 Randell Street MANNUM  SA  5238.
Ph: 08 8569 2733 Fax; 08 8569 2383.
museum@psmarion.com.
www.psmarion.com.

[Roderick Smith]

I have decided not to take my unheated boat for the downriver voyage.
I booked to ride PS Industry for the return leg of its Sat.16 Renmark - Berri, and Sun.2.6 Berri Renmark.
I was phoned this morning: that trip has been cancelled (insufficient crew available).

I will be in Mannum for the Sat.15.6 ceremonies, possibly with my boat.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[James.McD]

PS Marion is currently beached near Loxton, SA - now running two days behind schedule on her return trip to Mannum. I have a sneaking suspicion it may be Media Island, as I managed to ground the Murray Princess there for hours - the river is about 1km wide - and the navigable channel is no wider than 18m and 1.8m deep at best! Lets hope she finds her way off soon!

[Roderick Smith]

Thanks for the alert.  I am leaving Melbourne on Thursday to launch at Mannum on Friday, and be at Bowhill for the final Saturday fleet into Mannum.
I am having trouble finishing an issue before I leave, so I'll monitor the rescheduling with care.
I lost the channel at Beach Island too, but noticed in time and backed out on 40 cm.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

A message from the field, from member Bruce, Sat.8.6 evening:
I have spent the last week travelling up to Berri and then returning to Morgan with the Canally hull in tow...I shared the helm on Hama9 which was originally a pearl lugger owned and operated in Broome WA.  The river level had dropped about 180mm in a few days; we took things slowly through the worst section of the river around 'Kamakazi straits', where a houseboat had run aground the previous day.  The houseboat following us also ran aground; the owners spent 2 hours getting it off the mudbank.  Marion suffered the same fate a few hours later; apparently it took 24 hours to get it off the same mudbank.  We are now moored at Cadell and will head into Morgan tomorrow morning...

It sound as if the hull work has succeeded, and a crew of two could cope with no worries about either steerage or leakage.
There must be enough slack in the voyage schedule for Marion to be on time again at Bowhill next Saturday.
I have no idea how many boats will rally, or how many will be paddleboats.  However, it should be another memorable river event, and worth my long trail from Merrigum.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

I have just been in a large celebration fleet marking the final day of a ceremonial 50th-anniversary voyage from Berri (SA) to Mannum (SA).
In 1963, this was thought to be the last voyage for this paddlesteamer, one of the big four passenger vessels on the river.  Today PS Marion & Ruby survive in working order; PS Gem (the largest) survives static.
After c25 years in static preservation at  Mannum, a dedicated 'Friends of Marion' group brought the vessel back to operating condition, and runs an extensive and varied program.  See <www.psmarion.com>

I had three choices: be a passenger on the Thurs.6-Sat.15.6 reenactment voyage; follow that voyage in my own boat; launch for just the final day and grand parade into Mannum, with afternoon festivities.  For lack of time, the third version won.
I launched Jessie II at Greenings Landing, 11 km above Mannum, on Friday, and got to Bowhill for the night.  I could have kept going in darkness to Purnong and joined the Marion gang, but friends in She'll do us were moored at Bowhill, and I joined them for a private party.
On Saturday, Marion snuck in 8.45 without whistling: I was alerted at last moment by the distinctive knock in the gears.
For the final day, the boat was carrying up to its day-survey capacity with invited guests, headed by the state governor His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR.
Many had been original crew or original committee.
During the gap to the 10.30 departure (delayed to 10.45), I was able to hear of some of the tales of the grand voyage.  Captain Alan Boman had revived traditional river skill when Marion was stuck on a mudbank on a notorious reach upstream of Loxton.  A rope was taken ashore by tinnie, and Marion self-winched off.  Along the way, Marion had paused at major river towns for local festivities and cruises.

For the final day, Wooden Boat Association and River Murray Boat Owners members were out in force to replicate the 1963 fleet: mainly small and large wooden launches, dating from the 1930s & 50s.  Many had crossed the notoriously-rough Lake Alexandrina from Goolwa to be present, exchanging the favour of Marion visiting Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival.
Commercial boats also ran cruises to see the fleet:
MV Proud Mary simply crossed the whole lot while on its normal weekend upriver program.
MV Jester runs morning- & afternoon-tea cruises from Mannum.  For this event it made a longer program, and was lying in wait at Younghusband.
PV Captain Proud runs daytime and dinner cruises from Murray Bridge.  For this event it came upriver to Mannum on Friday (empty), to run a day cruise on Saturday to see the fleet and join it. It then ran short cruises from Mannum, and a lunch cruise on Sunday as it voyaged back to its home base.
I didn't see PV Murray Princess in Mannum on Saturday, but at the end a presentation during the afternoon it let off all of its five-chime marine horns: arpeggio and full blast, goosebump stuff, and not normally done in town.
The only touch of sadness was that John Norris was not the engineer for the final day.  He is a grand old man of the river.  He had owned Marion; he had been the engineer for that 'final' voyage; he has been the engineer on many occasions since, and on other vessels, and has trained many engineers who are keeping the preservation vessels alive.  He had set off as the engineer for this voyage, but was taken to hospital part way.  However, in an equally-nice touch, his godson Eric (who became a fully-fledged engineer only a year ago) took over.  Also aboard was a much younger trainee engineer; all three are associated with steam-machinery preservation at Lake Goldsmith (Vic.).  That is similar to a recent 50th anniversary on the Puffing Billy tourist railway.  The special train was crewed by the youngest qualified people in each capacity: they shook hands with their forebears, and in turn will provide a direct link to the past when the 100th anniversary is celebrated.  During the speeches, John was to have been presented with his honorary life membership of Friends of Marion by the governor.  We were informed that John had made a speedy recovery, and would be discharged next day.  Eric accepted the award on John's behalf.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

Here is a continuing selection of PS Marion, with PV Amphibious, MV Jester, MV (formerly fake SWPV) Proud Mary and PV Captain Proud.
All were taken on Sat.15.6.13, along the reach Bowhill - Younghusband - Mannum.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

Here are the next five, still leading up to the arrival in Mannum and the ceremonies.

MV Pompoota has had an interesting history.  The major milk factory at Murray Bridge had a fleet of boats collecting milk from riverside irrigation dairies.  Many have survived into the current era, with various modifications.  Pompoota was the paymaster's boat, with a special security strongroom with bars.  It is now a private cruising launch, with a modified interior.  It is based at Goolwa, and was another of the vessels which crossed the lake to attend this event.

PS Minimus has appeared on these pages many times: the owner is a member, and the boat is taken to many ceremonial events.  A couple of years ago, inspired by posts in other threads, he built feathering paddles, and fitted them.  It is surprisingly slow, and was positioned with care so that the whole fleet overtook during the last couple of kilometres into Mannum.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

Now to the arrival in Mannum.
This selection shows PS Marion flanked by the twin punts, then parading past the waiting crowd, then the final approach.
Normally, the river doesn't imitate naval or oceangoing traditions (but commercial skippers do wear full blue, and the purser also was in a formal outfit).
On this occasion, the vessel was dressed very effectively by the passengers who had made the full 10 day voyage from Berri.
In 1963, thick black smoke was provided for the arrival by burning an old tyre in the firebox.  That wouldn't do in today's world, but Eric mustered some smoke (green logs?).
In both river and railway traditions, smoke looks good for photos, but the mark of firing skill is obtaining perfect combustion (ie smokeless).
Music for the occasion was provided by SA Police Band, just as was done in 1963.  Later, a bracket would be played by Marion City Band (from Adelaide), joining its namesake.

I had been skippering solo on this day, which did make getting good photos tricky.  Either leaving the wheel briefly to get a shot through an open section (I didn't think to lower my drop keel to help the tracking; a Tennessee soon drifts in most conditions), or shooting through the windscreen.
I was surprised to see how far back the fleet was holding: Marion was going to arrive unescorted, and not like 1963 at all.  I did power up to the leading spot behind, and also paraded past the crowd (as at a Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival), then rounded up downstream to see how the mooring was being arranged.  I then dived onto a mud bank upstream of the boatramp, and was then invited to raft off an earlier arrival.  They handled my lines, and I got to the ceremonies having missed only a few minutes.  Everything was go go hectic thereafter.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

This selection covers the celebrations in Mannum.
The speeches recognised the 1963 crew (many represented by descendants), the original preservation committee, the restoration committee, supporters, and the links to the past provided by the 2013 voyage.
In 1963, Marion was carrying special mail; in 2013 it was again running as a Royal Mail Ship, carrying souvenir mail.
In 1963, Marion was carrying Riverland cargo; in 2013 it was again carrying Riverland produce (brandy, to be presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II; wine; citrus; stone fruit).
Also in today's selection: the state governor presents John Norris's life-membership certificate to Eric.
On sale were a 60-page 50th-anniversary book, souvenir envelopes, and other memorabilia.
For the balance of the afternoon, Marion was open for inspection; Captain Proud ran one or more short cruises.
On Sunday, Marion ran short cruises, and Captain Proud left at lunchtime, heading home to Murray Bridge as a public lunch cruise.
I headed upstream in fog (tricky), came out of the water, dropped Jessie II at Duck Flat for engine work, and headed for Melbourne.  It would have been nice to stay for the members' evening cruise, but I had a magazine which did not get to the printer before my Thursday departure from Melbourne, and I have to get another one done before Junction Rally (Wentworth).

Included in the selection: my first visit to Mannum, and first view of Marion; the St John ambulance, prepared for Historic Commercial Vehicles Club; the original gst international stamp, featuring Walker Flat.  That just has to be an old photo of PV Coonawarra when it was based at Murray Bridge.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

There is now a great set of four videoclips at youtube, covering the moves Loxton - Berri - Loxton.
The scenes are varied, and cover all aspects.
The maker is an active PS Industry volunteer; we have met at Industry and Melbourne events.
Alas, the Industry voyage to Berri to meet Marion didn't happen (I had booked, but stayed in Melbourne after the cancellation), but that did free the videographer to get these great memories.
Part 1: <www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd6tb2fSnZM>, linking to the other parts in the sidebar.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor