Tuesday we had a look around Kununurra and decided we would do the Lake Argyle to Kununurra canoe paddle if we could go the next day and if it was okay to take the dog. We rang and got an okay on all accounts so we were committed.
We then had to go and pick up 3 drums and an esky to take with us. One drum for sleeping bags, one for cloths and towels and one for snacks and stuff we may want during the day. Then food in the esky for 3 days. That took up the rest of the day.
Up early Wednesday morning to be at the tour operators place by 6.30, we left the van at the backpackers alongside his place. Packed our gear into his Landcruiser with canoe on trailer behind and headed off the 70k's to Lake Argyle. He used the whole trip to fill us in on what to look out for and how to recover from a capsize and all necessary information.
When we arrived at the start of the river he loaded the canoe and we soaked up as much information as we could on how to go about paddling. So we had on board between where we sat the esky and the 3 drums we had filled, another drum with all cooking and eating utensils, plates and stuff (including 6 candles), squeezed in between was one of those cheap gas stoves and down one side the tent. A rope went through the handles of everything so as nothing would be lost if we capsized. On top were strapped our 2 bed rolls and a universal bucket with sponge in it was also tied on. We also had a five litre container of water each tied on with instructions where to stop at waterfalls to refill or we were also sitting on billions of litres of very clean water. We also had two laminated sheets with instructions and mud maps.
So off we went with quite a bit of help from the current for the first 12kms or so. This was also the biggest chance of capsize but he had given us pretty good instructions on where to paddle to keep out of trouble. Only once did we get in trouble, we had to paddle really hard to avoid crashing into some trees. No problem. Then it became pretty hard work as the river widened and the current pretty much disappeared.
We stopped for lunch at a sandy patch at about the 13km mark. Then another 12km of fairly hard work to our first camp. It was difficult picking out landmarks to work out where we were at any particular time. We did manage to find the camp although it took a while to work out where to go in and then it was a muddy, spidery place to unload all our gear and cart it quite a distance over mud then rocks. We worked flat out and just got ourselves organized by dark, we ate eggs and bacon by candlelight. It had been a really big day we slept well. Other than the magnificent natural beauty of the countryside and animals and birds all we had seen for the 25kms were 3 tourist boats pass, quite surprised no other boating activity on this fantastic strip of water.
Up pretty early Thursday morning although we were told it was a much easier day of only 13kms. Breakfast and packed all our gear back in the canoe and off as wanted to get the work done before the afternoon heat as we were getting fairly burnt. it was hard work for the first 7kms as very little help from the current then at 32kms the lake overflow diversion meets the river there is quite a lift in current for a while. We were warned that this is another capsize danger point but his advice was good and we didn't have a problem. It's not long though and the river widens again and you don't get much help from the current, it seems like you don't anyway.
We stopped for morning tea at a place used by the main tour boat operator, our man hadn't mentioned it but it was a nice spot to stop. Again it took us quite a bit of working out where the 2nd camp was but luckily we spotted it just before going past, it was a much better landing. We landed in time for a latish lunch and a restful afternoon. It was a good day.
This morning we were up at 5 and packed and on our way at six. We knew it was going to be a tough paddle as the river continues to broaden until it opens out into Lake Kununurra. Lots of crocs (freshwater) entering the water as we went along this morning. We also started to get to civilization with some landings and buildings along the banks. After 9kms we stopped at the Zebra Rock Gallery for a coffee and ham and salad sandwich, nice. Then on a couple more kms on the other side of the river we stopped and had a walk up to see some aboriginal paintings. Then the final 6km slog to finish, it was very beautiful though. Arriving back at about 1pm we rang Kenton and he came down to the boat ramp straight away and picked us up.
We booked straight into the Hidden Valley caravan park, we like it here and it's pretty reasonable at $24 a night.
It has been a fantastic 3 days, we'd recommend it to anyone, this is just a beautiful bit of Australia with everyday about 32c it is pretty warm but nice.