Ulmarra, Grafton and MacLean

Cruising this river has been very relaxing and was uneventful until we got to Maclean, more on that latter in the blog.

The river according to locals is the clearest it has been for a long while due to no rain in this area for months. The depths in the river continue to astound us with recordings of 18 meters in some parts.

Very relaxing not having to worry about huge tides, reefs and hordes of other boats, easy anchoring and calm waters. Reminds me of what it was like 20 years ago or more sailing on the Gold Coast waterways before the population of boating enthusiasts grew. No big motor super yachts causing havoc with inexperience captains creating large damaging bow wakes and no groups of jet ski riders creating noise and nuisance.

Don't get me wrong I am an avid supporter of everyone having the opportunity to enjoy the water by boat and exploring all the delights of our waterways. This growth in boating activities has an upside with more people on our waterways hopefully brings an appreciation and understanding of preserving our waterways and supporting good practices in preservation of the natural environment and safe boating.
It is only the few boat owners who have an attitudes of sole ownership to the waterways and don't have regard to environment or boating rules and with little respect for other boaties that can spoil it for the majority.

Our river journey has reminded us how important to make water leisure activities sustainable and enjoyable for all.

Ulmarra Jetty

We made passage to Ulmarra and stayed on the public pontoon enjoying lunch and exploring a very good 2nd Hand Book shop and other eclectic shops offering 2nd hand wares and local art.

Ulmarra Pub

Stayed overnight and then explored further up the river to Grafton Bridge where sadly our navigation ends due to a large bridge at Grafton which no longer lifts to let high boats through.

Grafton Bridge

Travelled back to Brushgrove to stay overnight on the public jetty.

Brushgrove

Sunset at Ulmarra

Saturday morning we headed to Maclean in the hope of getting on the public jetty to top up water supply and do laundry. We were warmly welcomed by the local indigenous fisherman on the wharf and helped to be tied up by Dave and Terry of the yacht Venture.

Floss at the Vets pre surgery

Having just set our lines the councilman can down to tells us that he was cutting off the water due to a leak so we madly scrambled to get hoses off and water tanks filled.

Meanwhile Floss became very friendly with the fisherman but unfortunately mistaken the little fly hooks flying around as a snack. Much fuss, yelping and chaos with Floss entangled with several fly hooks on a long line with one fairly lodge in her tongue.

With much ado, blood and distress and with the assistance from Dave from The yacht Venture we managed to get most hooks released but the one in her tongue and front leg remained firmly in place.
An emergency call to the Vet was required. Its 5.30pm on a Saturday. So getting transport to Yamba and Vet was no mean feat and three hours later after general anaesthetic Floss and I returned to the boat all a bit worst for wear. Capt Teza hosted afternoon sundowners with thank you's to our fellow yachties on the jetty Dave and Terry.

The 2 fly hooks

The elder of the tribe came down to see how Floss the dog was feeling and offer how sorry he was. It was not their fault. As owners of a pet we are in charge of the animal and take full responsibility. Our distraction of getting water on the boat we did not fully have control of Floss plus we now have a deeper understanding of Floss's fascination of fishing and fishing rods. Floss has extreme intent on retrieving whatever is on the end of the fishing line.

Floss and I went to bed. She was on happy drugs I had a martini on an empty stomach so that knocked me out.

We awoke this morning to the sound of council men, protestors, car horns, yelling and chainsaws.

The council is cutting down the 109 year old Camphor Laurels in the adjacent river park which has upset the locals no end. For maximum public effect and public expense of course Sunday is the best day of the week to do this unfavourable project

Misty Morning at Maclean Jetty. Yacht Venture from Port Adelaide aft.

Morning all .........what is all the fuss about.

I think we got imprisoned overnight with Construction and safety fencing

View over Clarence from Maclean Jetty

109 Year Old Trees to be cut down

MacLean Jetty

We made passage as soon as was practical and headed back towards Harwood for lunch but we bot agreed the order of the day for Floss and Crew should be relaxing a quiet spot.

And so here we are nestled against the banks of the mighty Clarence just east of Lawrence