Day 26, Sisters Creek to Stanley / Smithton
Today is the final leg of our 26 day journey, and we gathered at Sisters Creek just prior to 7am on what looked to be another perfect day for paddling.
The first 10 or so kilometers of the day was spent in calm water, with the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Cape National Park passing by us to the left and a overcast sky over a glassy sea to the right.
At about 8:30 we got a call from Jeff Warden at 7SD Classic Hits, who took an interest in our cause when we were in his neck of the woods (North East Tasmania). Charles had a good live interview with Jeff and informed him that the conditions we perfect. His spoke too soon, not more than half an hour later we were pushing through nasty water with a freshening wind hitting us in the nose.
The challenging conditions made the last 20kms of the day hard going, but we must have had something extra in the tank due to seeing end of this leg across the huge bay (some 22kms wide!), as we still managed to keep our speed above 7kms per hour.
After finishing part A of todays paddle, we had a break from paddling firstly in Stanley. Whilst in Stanley we were treated to a very nice surprise, as Marlene Stein – along with several other members of the Circular Head Lions Club – gathered with us at the famous Stanley Wharf, to present a cheque for $1,000. These fantastic group of community mind people had completely off their own bat gone ahead and fundraised on our behalf. The money was collected via raffles and was a joint effort between both the Lions and Rotary Clubs. We could not thank them enough.
After having some lunch in Stanley it was off to Smithton, were the table and banners were set up in a prime position at the Smithton Regatta (an event that we had been invited to finish our event at by the Circular Head Council).
At just after 5pm we hit the water again for part B, a 2km paddle up the Duck River to officially finish this years paddle. It was great to see so many people cheering from the shore as we completed a 'paddle past' up to the bridge and back.
Following the finishing of paddling it was back to the Regatta to watch Ronald McDonald (the clown that is) perform magic tricks, etc for the kids and adults alike.
Marlene Stein of the Circular Head Lions hands Charles a cheque for $1,000.
Ronald the Clown celebrates the completion of our epic journey with the crew.
