Have been press-ganged by some of our Antipodean colleagues into organising 'a run down the Murray'.
Ok, so it's only the world's third longest navigable river - 2500km, with 2000 of that continuously navigable (two weirs to get past in the upper section with short portages).
We are calling it "Summit to Sea" as it will begin in the shadow of Australia's tallest 'mountain', Mt Kosciuszko, and finish at the Mouth of the Murray in South Australia, 2500km away. At this point in time we are negotiating the timing which will be April 2013 at the earliest, and if not then, exactly a year later to take advantage of the 'optimum timing window' on the River (best weather, least idiots). [Will confirm exactly which within three months].
It will take a month overall, at 10km/hr average, running 6-8hrs/day, with a few days worth of off-river activities, so it will be a sight-seeing trip, not a race - but we'll be cutting it into two sections, so people who want to do 2 weeks rather than 4 weeks can still attend, and for those with short attention spans, it will be possible to do either a week at the beginning or a week at the end also.
The Kiwis are going to hire a shed and build a couple of dorys using some sort of quick-setting glue, slap on a bit of paint, attach a Seagull smuggled in their luggage, and hit the river. We Aussies have offered to pick up any boats or motors purchased off ebay Oz, provided expenses are paid, (so confine yourself to purchases in either Sydney or Melbourne for preference) and deliver same to Head of River. We can either store same or sell on afterwards - your preference.
We will hopefully have a paddle-wheeler as 'floating dormitory' for part of the way, and the rest will be riverside campsites, so pack the mozzie repellent, tent and sleeping bag. Food will be communally purchased and prepared, with a road-crew doing the daily shopping, including fuel. Fuel is currently AUS$1.45/L, and will probably be about 10-15% more by the time of the event. Food will be about AUS$20-25/day. Plus you will need pocket money for drinkies, and we will be staying a few nights in either pubs or caravan parks, which will be between AUS$25-50 per night. There will also be a required contribution to cover the cost of fuel for the chase boat, probably between AUS$300-500. Plus you have to get yourself to the Start Line at Albury in NSW, and get yourself home from the Finish Line at Goolwa in South Australia. These costs aren't precise, but should be fairly accurate for an estimate to assist you with budgeting and costing.
So far we have 4 potential International entries, but there is room for plenty more. Anyone interested you have 18 months (at least) to plan, organise a Leave Pass, negotiate with the Holiday Planner and the Finance Minister, and get your snow-white, un-tanned, northern-Hemisphere arse Downunder.
Google "Albury NSW Australia" and zoom in on Hume Weir, about 20km east of Albury. The section above the Weir, from Khancoban down to Lake HUme, is 'optional' as it is seriously fast-flowing and apparently 'moderately' dangerous. The balance of the river varies between shallow and deep, with numerous submerged logs (snags) and hard-clay 'bars' to catch the unwary. Locals who have actually motored the entire length inform me it is eminently do-able - with care - and the lower reaches, separated by locks, are essentially millponds with exceptional scenery included.
Anything could happen, and probably will. All we can promise you for sure is the trip of a lifetime!
Email EOI to ozseagullgroup@gmail.com
Cheers
Mark
PS: If you need to ask 'why' - you're on the wrong forum!!
