Wednesday 1 September 2021; 38km paddling
Due to Covid-19 movement restrictions this would be our final day paddling on the Darling River. We again woke to a perfect day on the fantastic river. On the other bank the geometric patterns of the exposed tree roots were fascinating, while the peaceful river, with birds chirping in the background was something we knew we would shortly be missing.
The final day paddling was similar to the previous days. Lots of wildlife, particularly pairs of ducks with new born fluffy ‘golf balls’ in tow. Many would dive to get away from the canoe, only to resurface even closer, panic and dive again. Meanwhile the parents would try to distract us with their broken wing impersonations. The goats were becoming far more numerous, and didn’t seem as keen to bolt at first sight of us.
Shortly after passing Dunlop Station on our right, with what looked like a good set up for campers on the river bank, we passed over the weir about 30km downstream of Louth. Like all the others since Bourke, the only evidence was a sign and some engineering on the banks; certainly no difference in the river’s flow. further downstream was the very impressive Trilby Station, with its massive two-storey full colour-bond shearing shed (rumour has it the plans were drawn up before the old shearing shed burnt down), massive new machinery shed, new fences, airstrip and hanger, and well-maintained and manicured (including whipper-snipped weeds) campsites all the way along the river. Due to Covid-19 all the sites were empty, so we had lunch near one of the sites to look at just how well maintained the sites all were.
We arrived at the Rose Isle Station South river access where Samantha and Garry had left the VW on their southern property. It was a lovely campsite, although Ted shared his tent entrance with lots of inquisitive sheep.
