Down by the River

A fortnight, a houseboat, two families (all running businesses) and plenty of time to think as we sit on the mighty Murray departing from Mildura. From the time we leave home until the time we return three weeks later, life goes on. Much transpires whilst we “holiday” our time away on this iconic river, stressing to fit in the relaxation we so crave.

Down By The River – Chapter 11 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 7

I giggle as I remember one person who stood out. Father Mulcahy from the TV show MASH (CBS 1972) who in one particular episode personified life as I endure it.

Down By The River – Chapter 12 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 8

As the sunset paints its ochres across the river into the gums lining the Murray, we have parked in what seems to be quite a well used picnic spot.

Down By The River – Chapter 13 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 9

As the sunset paints its ochres across the river into the gums lining the Murray, we have parked in what seems to be quite a well used picnic spot.

Down By The River – Chapter 14 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 10

There are small winding tracks, straight ones, those that could only be walked, others which a large truck could traverse but all with the same point – going somewhere. All on the river with its scenic grandeur poking around every corner.

Down By The River – Chapter 15 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 11

If one was extremely keen, the dead bodies would be accumulated and munched into bait for the fish, but I couldn’t be bothered feeding good quality bait to carp.

Down By The River – Chapter 16 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 12

We get colour and to my disappointment its only a large carp. A large fish and a great fight but still a carp.

Down By The River – Chapter 17 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 13

It reminded me of something someone once muttered while cleaning a haul under a flickering lantern light: “The river doesn’t change, not really. Just how we see it.”

That day, in the weird theatre of wind and water, I finally understood what he meant.

Down By The River – Chapter 18 – Mildura & the Houseboat Day 14

Did I end up making the 200 – yes and then one. 201 in the ranks of “caught by hook”. But when added to those silly enough to get themselves caught in the shrimp net, the number was well over 400.

Down By The River – Chapter 19 – Mildura to Condobolin

The One Tree Plain slowly becomes the wooded hills of Goolgowi and then back onto the plain country of the Lachlan into West Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo and finally Condobolin. By the time we reach Condo the wildlife is stirring. The big red kangaroos are seen hustling toward their evening travels. Hopefully we dont see any on the road.

Down By The River – Chapter 20 – Condobolin Day 4

Fishing with him reminded me of the importance of taking time out of our busy lives to just relax and enjoy the little things in life. We often get so caught up in our work and personal lives that we forget to enjoy the simple things in life.