Great Big Paddle Murray River Expedition ~ October Newsletter

I write from Albury, New South Wales, Australia. Tomorrow the Great Big Paddle’s first expedition begins when I step out into the Australian Alps armed with a paddle, several cameras and an inquisitive nature.

Two days on foot should take me to the source of the Murray River, and from there another 5/6 day hike along the river will take me to a spot sufficient to launch my kayak, which is bright yellow. You’ll be just as delighted as I am to hear that I won’t be dragging my boat through the mountains, it’ll be locked up in a safehouse not too far from Biggara, Victoria, where the paddling begins on October 12th.

Although I’ll be solo for much of the journey I won’t be alone for all of it. For the first five days of paddling I’ll be joined by Peter Dowling, MP for Redlands in Queensland, and not long after I’ll have the pleasurable company of Gael Evans, friend and photographer, for not far off two weeks. Rest assured his images will find a home on www.thegreatbigpaddle.com. Also, a big thanks to Ro Privett from www.murrayquest.com. Ro paddled the Murray in 2005 alongside Josh Smith, and has been instrumental in setting up this expedition. I daresay he’ll find his way onto the water at some point to teach me how to paddle.

There are several aims to this expedition. We have a charity project implementing solar and water systems into schools in East Africa and will be raising money throughout, to donate a small amount to the AV Foundation safely and securely please pay a visit to www.justgiving.com/greatbigpaddle

I mentioned the cameras. Four of them in all will help document this trip from beginning to end, to highlight not just the adventure and the beauty of the Murray River and South-Eastern Australia but also to investigate the current crisis facing the Murray, which is sadly drying up and no longer reaches the sea. I’ll be editing footage in the field and uploading regular ‘webumentary’ episodes which will hopefully bring the expedition a little closer to all of you.

The weather in the Australian Alps has been somewhat grotty recently, with heavy rain and snow falling up the top. Great news for the Murray’s flows, and for the sake of positive thinking we’re likely to have a wonderful contrast between the source and mouth come the end of the journey. It promises to be the biggest adventure of my life, I hope you all enjoy sharing it as the expedition progresses.

Please see www.thegreatbigpaddle.com for full details, and if you live in Australia and think your local newspaper, radio or TV station would be interested in covering this story I have attached a press release for general use.

Here’s to adventure, limited snake encounters and safe paddling.

Thanks for following

Dave Cornthwaite

Many thanks to the following Sponsors and Supporters, whose generosity has made this expedition possible.

The Family Adventure Store – http://www.familyadventurestore.co.uk
Nat Geo Adventure - http://natgeoadventure.tv
Palm Equipment - http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/
Cotswold Outdoors – https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
AV - http://www.aventure.co.uk
Exploroz.com – www.exploroz.com
Extreme Drinks – http://www.extremedrinks.com
Clic Sunglasses - http://www.clicproducts.com.au
PowerTraveller Australia – http://www.powertraveller.com.au
Landcare Australia – http://www.landcareonline.com
Coastcare - http://www.coastcare.com.au
South Australian Tourism Commission - http://www.southaustralia.com
Wilderness Systems - http://www.wildernesssystems.com
Extreme State - http://www.extremestate.com
JVC - http://www.jvc.co.uk
Buffwear – http://www.buffwear.com
Murray Quest – http://www.murrayquest.com
Pietra – http://www.bathflooring.com
The Blue Project - http://www.theblueproject.org
This Is Your Freedom – http://www.thisisyourfreedom.com
Emily Joy Green Music – http://www.myspace.com/emilyjoygreen
Discover Murray – http://www.discovermurray.com.au

Click Image to Enlarge

Great Big Paddle | Murray River Source to Sea Expedition 2009 http://www.thegreatbigpaddle.com Mobile: 0429 010825 Please donate @ http://www.j Member: My Profile  My Blog  Send Message