Crisp, chilled Moscato and the poetry of Ted Hughes
The two remaining support team members (after the Christmas evacuation) spent a couple of days in Shepparton. Our dining couldn't have been more contradictory to that of the paddlers, though Chris and Ian knew what they were signing up for on the river. Whilst they get mozzies and wild pigs with their wraps, we got hot showers and air conditioned vehicles with our pasta. Its all good.
Echuca.
After briefly catching up with the paddlers, it was time to farewell them for the next leg of the journey. Chris's family came down to see him which was lovely. Here is a shot of Chris and two of the ladies in his life, Mum and Grandma.
The next stretch of the river was up to Barham. The day was clear, warm and ripe for a good ol' paddlin'.
With Chris and Ian gone, the support team has had a fantastic time in sunny Echuca (not to say it would have been bad with them around) Although the days here usually hit 35 degrees, the team spirit is high and we are coping OK with the stifling warmth. We hit Hopwood Gardens for a couple of days to set up our marquee, crank up the bbq and play some outdoor cricket. The summer tunes were flowing from the stereo too.
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| Hopwood Gardens, Echuca |
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Summer lovin' under the AYAC marquee The reception we have had from the Echuca locals has been great. The warmth of the air is matched by the warmth of the people. Even the kids who have barely hit 20 months old charmed all of us!  Thomas Mitchell and a few little ones We managed a few overs of cricket with some of the young locals before play was halted due to extreme heat. This girl showed us all how to play the game. Future superstar. Here she is doing her best Brad Haddin.   The crew under the marquee. What a flock of world-changers. We have a phenomenal team of volunteers, all donating their time to help out. These people are the faces behind AYAC and they make AYAC. What a fantastic bunch of people, all joining together to raise funds for the Lifehouse Centre. Thumbs up. Next up was a bbq at Big W. Another 35 degree day met us, so we kept it short. Still manged to provide Echuca with the best sausages they had ever encountered. Here is another shot of the fantastic team.  As co-ordinator of the Support Team, I can honestly say it has been a pleasure working with these people. What an amazing way to spend the summer. Thanks for the journey so far. I can't wait to see what happens next. Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!! Cameron Help us, help beat cancer. Go to www.ayac.com.au to help AYAC raise money for lifesaving cancer treatment and research at Lifehouse (The Chris O'Brien Cancer Centre) |
