A day away on Snowy Creek, Mitta Mitta
Snowy creek, with its generous supply of water was a fun place to be. There
were plenty of rapids to play on, and enough flatter sections to recover on.
The Wikiriver notes provide good details on expectations and entry and exit
points, see
Walnuts to Gauge
and
Gauge to Mitta Mitta Township
Snowy creek is not overly difficult, but the creek requires a lot of read and
run interpretation. The water was running swiftly with a level at around 1.5m.
Quick exits to the bank need to be made on the fast flowing stream when trees
or doubtful bends are encountered.
The nearer to town, the harder it gets. Though mostly grade 2, competence and
confidence in grade 3 level rapids is recommended for the bulk of the
crew. This river is definitely not recommended for beginners.
style="text-align: left;"> Early on, Nathan was having a little bit of a
problem with his ability to stay put in his craft as he hasn't packrafted in a
long while. After a discussion and revision on technique, a group review on
passage through tricky sections he was on track for most of the trip. (Claire
or me first, eddy out, the Nathan and then me).
Patience and the ability to eddy out of the current is a very useful skill and
attribute to have.
Some trees blocked our way. Decisions, decisions do we portage or proceed ?
Drysuit loving blackberries on the shore, blind bends.
Nothing too difficult, patience and careful scoping of options and we got
through.
We ran the section from lightning creek camp to the town on Mitta Mitta. It
was about 6 hours of fun. Sunny most of the day with a lunchtime downpour at
the Walnuts campground. On the approach to the town of Mitta Mitta the rapids
get exciting. Nathan had a bit of a spill and was flushed through.
The experience as a bit daunting for him, but he bounced back into action
after a bit of a rest. No more spills for the remaining journey.
It is important to deal with the fears that happen when caught in white water, as spills will occur. It might take a while depending on the nature of the incident. A little while ago I got caught in a large stopper in Tasmania on the Donaldson river and it is still etched in my mind. As bad as it was, the experience made a more considered decision maker when it comes to evaluating the conditions ahead. Others too discuss there experiences on the internet and how they cope, for example: Kat G. "Paddling through Fear: Finding Peace on the River".
It is important to deal with the fears that happen when caught in white water, as spills will occur. It might take a while depending on the nature of the incident. A little while ago I got caught in a large stopper in Tasmania on the Donaldson river and it is still etched in my mind. As bad as it was, the experience made a more considered decision maker when it comes to evaluating the conditions ahead. Others too discuss there experiences on the internet and how they cope, for example: Kat G. "Paddling through Fear: Finding Peace on the River".
A fitting conclusion to the day.; the Mitta Mitta pub. They kindly made room
for 3 hungry individuals, and served us nice meals to whet our appetite.
A beer each to slake our thirst, and we were happy.
Sunday ? Thunderstorms forecast all day, one car and a grey chance of
someone able to shuffle us on a river return. Our decision was to go home.
After a big day it was a long tiring drive too.
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