2025 December Rafting Trip

Stowing away

Early December the Nelson Canoe Club, with whom we have not be very active with in recent years, were having a combined rafting/kayak trip down the Maruia River (yes, the one with the big waterfall). They had some spare seats and were offering the oppurtunity.....sounds like a Bill trip - just one night, and a river I'd never been on but often wished.

Stowing & sheltering

An overnight...well I'd need a sleeping bag, and probably a tent ....well, 1night, might get away with a blue tarp.....food might be an issue.....a coupla wraps will do the trick, and a tea bag. Easy....let's do it....oh and a biscuit or two.....too easy.

Sheryl dropped me at Three Brothers corner for a rendezvous with a character called Mike Harvey and another guy, also coming along, part of a carpool.

The weather was forecast cool and wet but not a problem. Low risk....just damp. It was a good two hours south from Nelson, past Murchison & over the Shenandoah Pass to reach the Put In. Quite damp but not cold and the river running clear. Assembling there was a collection of pack rafts, inflatables and kayaks, with two larger rafts. Mikes raft was professionally set up as a single paddler expedition raft with all the gear you would need and room for more. IE any spare gear from the other paddlers and spare bodies such as myself and my car pooling buddy, Bruce.

Mikes Raft without Bill😕

After some distribution and secure stowage of gear we set forth. A happy band of several kids and adults, into the light drizzle. The river proved to be as hoped, easily navigable and scenic, not challenging to any great degree, just a pleasant meander down looking for a suitable camp site. Which was found after a couple of stops to reconnoiter. About 3 hours on the river saw us find a spot where two other paddlers were found, their tent up, fire going. And enough room for several more. These were fellow club members who had set out the previous day and had spent their time fishing (successfully) and shared a freshly baked trout with us, which altogether was interesting and if not for my wrap I'd have had more.

Food Break

Mike's set up is worth noting...He resided in America for many years and has done the Grand Canyon River amongst many and still maintains over there a large single person raft set up for multi day unsupported rafting. His NZ raft, which I did travel on, was similarly equipped with so much gear including a thunder box and a kitchen sink! Amazing! He was also generously sharing his resources, which made us all that much more comfortable, even me scrounging hot water for my tea bag (1 of 2).

Camp Lux

The night under the tarp whilst comfortable enough, apart from waking to something😧sitting on my chest, me yelling and throwing it off, was ok for a night. And surprisingly, though not heavy windy rain, stayed dry enough. On reflection the creature sitting on me could only have been a possum or feral cat, most likely though, just a dream.😣.

The next day was a little like the day before, though with the weather lighting too warm and sunny. After another 3hrs on the river, above the falls we made our take out, soon after midday. Then the long process of getting the gear sorted, into cars and trailers packed for the return to Nelson, with a stop at Murch for a welcome filled roll and a sugary soft drink. A great two days was had, appreciating the scenic isolated places a little harder to find with a fun paddle to go.

Meandering

Mike keeping his eye out.

One of the few Technical Bits