Letter from Barbara Lovatt
Great Murray River Run experience

Here are some comments / impressions ....

Spirit of the Coorong at the confluence of the Darling & Murray Rivers

Highlights ...

THE HOME BAKING. Please keep those yummy calorific squares coming. They were a homely touch that made us feel special. A big thank you to the bakers!

Picnic lunch on the riverbank.

THE RIVERSIDE PICNIC LUNCHES. Tasty food, attractively presented, comfy seating, time to wander, bird-watch, etc. Reminded us of Ratty and Mole, in ''Wind in the Willows'', but Aussie style. Because of their special ambience, these lunches could be included in the Hotel Stay. Maybe they could replace the lunch at Morgan.

The Honey Tree,described in the book ''A Man Called Possum''.
Chowilla Station, South Australia.

THE SHEARER'S QUARTERS AND IMPRESSIVE SHEDS. Each had its own special ambience. Lots of fun and laughter. The real Aussie experience. Suggest you incorporate a night at Chowilla into the Hotel Stay.

In search of a ''canoe tree '' at Chowilla Station.

THE CHOWILLA SAFARI-STYLE DRIVE with Jock Robertson .... the Hotel Stay folk could also have this experience, if they over-nighted there.

THE AMAZON CREEK. Those swimming Emus were serendipity, but what an experience!

THE HIKES IN TO VARIOUS PLACES OF INTEREST, enhanced by NEIL'S extensive local knowledge of history, flora and fauna etc.

THE OVERLAND HOTEL. an absolute must ... history, geology,ambience,good food, etc.

THE ABORIGINAL ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE. Cynthia .... what a woman and what a story to tell. Real dinkum true- blue information, un-enhanced by any feel-good tourist fodder.

THE RIVER ...THE RIVER ...THE RIVER. Abiding memories of abundant wildlife, misty mornings, beautiful sunsets,peace and tranquility, huge red river gums, brilliantly-hued cliffs, glorious reflections, good company, and yummy country tucker.

Reflections, so much a part of the river experience.

BAD POINTS ... cannot think of any.

SUGGESTION. .The two books supplied i.e. ''River Murray Charts'' & ''Murray River Pilot'' were a bonus, and very useful. Many thanks. As we were in Possum country, you could suggest folk read or purchase ''A Man Called Possum'', prior to joining the tour. You could perhaps have copies for sale. We bought our copy at the Wentworth Info Centre. We had not heard of Possum until the Info lady showed us the book, and we were thankful we bought it from her. It was an easy read, and a unique story, which ''came alive'' as we progressed through Possum country.

Arrival at Akuna Station. Moored below a gigantic River Gum tree.

COMPARISON of the STATION and HOTEL STAYS. Both were extremely enjoyable, and very friendly.The meals on the Hotel Stay were, perhaps, a little too indulgent (see notes above). "Spirit'' was an ideal vessel for getting up and close to the ever-changing scenes on the river ... birds, animals, trees, reflections etc.

Late afternoon. Entering one of the nine locks we passed through.

Journey's end.
Coming into Wellington, where we
moored beside the cross-river car ferry.

Thank you to you, JOCK, NEIL and BAIN for an unforgettable GREAT MURRAY RIVER RUN and ...thank you, again, to the HOME-BAKERS, back at Goolwa.