Day 12 – Torrumbarry to Barham

View of Lock Master from below.

The day was filled with joy from dawn to dusk. The day commencing with our first experience going through a lock. A meeting was arranged to meet the lock master at 8 a.m. who had many stories to share. As our boat was lowered down to the lower level of the river and the lock gates opened, it felt like we were greeted into paradise of the Gunbower National Park.

Today we saw prolific wildlife especially birds by the river. Kiam managed photograph a wallaby by the river, a white-bellied sea eagle and a pelican in flight.

Seeing the pelican against the back drop of the Australian bush landscape provides a very different experience from seeing them by the sea. They seem to appear more majestic against the shades of green.

I sat at the bow of the boat in my usual position, with wind in my hair following these amazing birds as they turned around the bends of the river and into the tree tops. Simply breathtaking.

The day ending was just as special as I met with my aunty and uncle who I haven’t seen in many years. What joy to embrace them both again and have a cuppa and chat before heading to bed for the evening.

A night off from camping as Barham Club Motor Inn kindly provided us with two free motel rooms for our little team. Ours had a spa bath so I took the opportunity to soak in some bubbles before bed. I cannot thank Colin and Gaylene enough for their generosity, warm hospitality and support while traveling the Murray. I would highly recommend their motel if ever travelling to Barham.