Dubbo Photo News

Massive Murray River Paddle

- By GEOFF MANN

THIS story is best to start with some texts received a few days ago from Orana Dragon Boat paddler, Rhonda Betts:

“Day one done, only 311km to go! Everyone holding up well.

“Over halfway now – 211km behind us and heading to SA. All still holding up well. Weather has been kind.

“Arrived Swan Hill at 3.25pm. All doing well and still in great spirits.”

Me: “Brilliant! Just in time with the rotten weather forecast for the weekend.

Rhonda: “Rotten weather for the weekend ahead? What rock have you been under, Geoff? We’ve had shocking weather for the past two days. It’s been character building!”

I like the attitude of Rhonda Betts and her Outback Dragons.

After kissing the Dragon’s head at Yarrawonga last Monday morning, the twenty-strong crew of western area dragon boat club friends paddled off to Tocumwal (93km). The next day it was another 94km to Picnic Point and on the third day, a shorter haul of 78km to Echuca.

Then the weather really set in and the 62km from Echuca to Torumbarry felt like the full 90-odd!

The last day of the relay, with ten paddlers in the morning and ten on the afternoon shift, was tough but more manageable in the knowledge that it was the

 ??  ?? This photo was taken at the Checkpoint on the first day of the Massive Murray Paddle. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
This photo was taken at the Checkpoint on the first day of the Massive Murray Paddle. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

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