Richmond River Event  

By Stephen Magnani,

May 1-3, 2010
 
   

As usual the weekend started early with a lot of boats arriving on the Friday.  The ramp at Fisheries Creek (North Creek Canal) was very good, with two lanes and two pontoons making launching easy. From the ramp it was a short run down the river to where we anchored for the night in Mobbs Bay. We gathered on the beach inside Mobbs Bay for our usual afternoon drinks and nibbles. There were a total of eleven boats for the evening.  A slight swell ran through early evening but faded to a fairly flat night with a near full moon lighting the night.

Saturday started with a quick briefing (chat) on the beach of available activities in the Ballina region, thanks Keith for your research.  Some boats went fishing while the others explored the streets of Ballina. There is a pontoon out the front of the main town area which holds about four boats that has a nice cafe overlooking the water.  Most of us anchored down from this and tendered into shore near the old boat ramp.  A small group of us visited the Maritime Museum which has a lot of war memorabilia and the Balsa Raft Exhibition. The weather was very pleasant during the day with slight breeze and the odd cloud passing through.

Lunchtime we partook of the local fare at a cafe overlooking the river, before returning to the tranquil of Mobbs Bay for an afternoon siesta, while others enjoyed the local fishing.  Evening gathering was festive with a total of 19 boats (is this a record??).  A passing shower ended the day with another calm night in the bay.

Sunday began with us gathering on the beach and a quick guide to navigating the Richmond River from the previously traveled, thanks guys and girls.  From here we departed for Woodburn in an orderly fashion via small groups so not to startle the locals.  Thanks to all group leaders, as I didn’t hear of anyone hitting anything on the way upstream.  Arriving in Woodburn the 19 boats filled both sides of the river under supervision of the locals overlooking from their verandahs.  Some went on further to Coraki and I believe some adventurous person also went water skiing.

Pre-dinner drinks started late afternoon at the Rod and Reel Hotel in Woodburn where we filled the restaurant with a rowdy crowd.  The meals were very good; I don’t remember hearing any complaints, with the local Jew fish a favorite.  To finish of the night Keith gave us quick speech and we welcomed new members Stewart and Tess Walls and their boat Blue Dolphin Bleu.  A good night had by all.

Monday morning we woke to a picturesque fog filled river.  Slowly we started departing back to home after a very relaxing long week-end.  Special thanks to Keith and Edna for their efforts and making the weekend a pleasure for us all.

Photos - click here