Williams River - November 2008

Williams River, A.K.A "The Wind in the Willows"

Date: 15 November 2008

Forecast: Sat. Windy [30-50 knots] with showers, 16-23 degrees, barometric pressure: 994 and falling

We sure can pick ‘em. The club outing was supposed to be the weekend before this one but it was moved due to lack of boats, many owners unable to get away then. I don’t think any of the vessels that were brought to the Williams River had sails but it would have saved a lot of fuel if they did. The wind was so strong I reckon a 5min spinnaker run would have landed you in Newcastle, without getting the keel wet! The biggest challenge most of us faced was getting our tents up, even 1 or 2 man jobs proving a handful. So when Russell Piper turned up with a 6 man Taj Mahal it was all hands on deck. Ken Colmer and his Grandson Mitch, Damian Webber, Mac Lyall & Murray Keating, Andrew Waters and Col Breese all pitched in which was handy as the fly was put on back to front & a comical game of Ring-a-Ring-a-Rosie was needed to set things straight. Check the trees in the back ground of the photo around here somewhere & you’ll see why Stickerman yelled out “you guys hold onto the tent, I’ll hold onto Mitch”. While canvas capers occupied most of us Chris Bannerman, ably supported by Max Gear, was out flogging the river. Rather than setting up they went fishing. Once sighted near the bridge they ignited the fighting spirit for which our club is so justly famous and soon every thing we had was launched into the teeth of the gale. Unfortunately this sight was so stirring I forgot to take any pictures, so let me paint the scene. Col Breese reversed up the river no doubt believing a backing Breese would reverse the wind. Ken Colmer took Mr Piper as a wind break albeit a skinny one while using his own flesh & blood (Mitch) as a sea anchor thus taking the definition of a double ended canoe to new heights. Next it was “Rub a dub dub 2 men in a tub” as Mac & Muzz roared off racing to beat Stickerman to the bridge. Andy, who had a 1/2hr & a 1 fish landed head start in Ken’s spare Kayak flogged ’em hollow, no so easy in a vessel with no keel, making impromptu wind driven 180s & even 360s . Last but not least was Roy “Browny” Brown with First Mate Jake in Bob’s ex trusty old punt bouncing up the river. As I waved them good-bye I realised“ Err, guys, where’s my ride? My ride was already on the river. Richard Hassel was afloat & trying his heart out. Unfortunately he was also out of sight so I wandered up to the newly installed jetties. Choosing the westerly one (there are two) I started flicking around & I was encouraged to see a fish mouth something on the surface. This experience put me in the top 50% of the club as apart from Col & Sticker (1 each) nobody caught anything. Chris got silver with a couple of flies taken but dropped while my measly “saw something” took bronze. Given the conditions & the abysmal barometer a fair day’s fishing.The wind was not only strong it was also flukey, backing & swinging, pushing boats & canoes around this way then that, making it even harder to cast & retrieve. People started arriving back at camp around 5 where some only then made the decision to stay, such was the power & uncertainty of the weather. Others who had made plans to turn up late or arrive on Sunday proved we’re not all mad by staying at home. Mac & Murray arrived back late, Col & Damian even later although the latter pushed further up stream than most due to Col’s Friday arvo, Sat’dy morning pre-fish. They found calm water but unlike Col’s previous forays (4 healthy Bass) b-all fish were found, just the one “Pan-Sized”* specimen. (* = small) The Barbie was arced up & full bellies, not to mention glasses, inspired good cheer. Mac rescued us all from a dismal & early night by making a dead-set grouse campfire. He produced a drum from an old clothes dryer as well as a heap of dry fire wood & “ Hey Presto” 1 authentic bush tellie! The beauty of this critter was that even in gale force winds it shed no sparks or embers. With this you saved the trip from the depths of mediocrity Mac, & all concerned had a great night swapping yarns (& insults) thanks to you. The next morning the weather was no better, the best that could be said was it didn’t rain. Breakfast and striking camp were all any one was concerned with, at least the tents were easier to manage. As always the tucker was plentiful & delicious, cooked with TLC by Stickerman. All that remained was to help Col retrieve his quinnie & we’d be off like a bride’s nightie. Col was going to use the boat ramp but as that was over a kilometre away & we had a dozen pairs of hands we reckoned we could haul it up the bank no worries. Note the hand in the photo below. Some one about to dash in & help? A step back reveals the true picture, another council job; the only worker the ever ready Ken. Again no fish but the good humour & fellowship shown this trip highlights the true strength of our club; the character of it’s members.