Follow Scott's Progress
Final Blog
MONDAY, JANUARY 05, 2009
The Journey is over for now
Firstly my apologies for the delay with this, my final blog. I have put Christmas, New Years, family and friends before my literary commitment. For those people who have asked where it is I thank you for your attention to my adventure.
Crossing the Finish Line!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2008
Scott will write the final blog sometime in the next day or so. He is home safely snuggled up with Simba (his dog), and resting!
Crossing Lake Alexandrina
MONDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2008
We went to bed early and were woken by our guide Brad Butler who had caught the ferry and brought the Lake crossing early as it was the safest time to cross. We had had about 2 hours sleep at the most, maybe even only an hour by the time we actually got to sleep.
We kitted our kayaks out with neon sticks so that we could see each other in the dark. We had a three quarter moon and we set off from Wellington Marina at about 10.30pm, it was cold and we paddled 13km's out of the River Murray across to Point Pomanda.
We were paddling out there and all of a sudden we hit a low spot. Patto had to get out and push his boat! Coming up to the point the winds were 8-10 knots and the waves were coming up on top of my solar panel. The waves were just too big for Patto and I. We got onto the point and it was very rocky and we had to pull our boats up. There was no point setting up camp so we just grabbed a sleeping bag each and slept in the freezing cold under the moon and starts.
Brad was supported in his double kayak by Emily an Outdoor Education Teacher.
We had a really restless sleep because it was so cold. It was the 3rd time we'd had a short sleep during that period. Brad woke us up at about 3.30am and we were freezing cold and wet. Thankfully Brad had a thermos with some hot coffee in it that warmed us up.
The winds had changed direction, although it was still about a 5km wind. We set off across the lake at about 4am in total darkness. We were well prepared and we had a great guide. At about 4.45 the sun started to come up. It took about 2 hours to come up, and to start with you just see a faint glow over the horizon. We paddled to Ralcon Point, which took about 2 hours. By then the sun had fully come up, and it was a very very pastel soft pink, and made the sky a very very pastel soft blue, very different to a sun set and just absolutely magnificent, the sky at night paddling before the sun coming up with no moon was just absolutely beautiful, we saw shooting stars and a meteorite . It was the most splendid thing - We can't describe it on a blog, but it was amazing!
We got to Ralcon, we then turned a little bit right to Point Sturt, which took another couple of hours. The wind was still strong (8-10 knots) but had turned so that was helping rather than hindering us. The seas were getting quite choppy, like a washing machine and the waves were meeting each other and colliding, it made paddling interesting. Not too much that we couldn't handle! We always felt safe!! Finally at about 8.45 that morning after about 4-5 hours paddling we reached point Sturt. It was undoubtedly the most difficult part of the paddle! We had been paddling very very hard and with great concentration. We got to point Sturt and it was FREEZING cold. We had to get out and drag our boats about 200 metres.
We then had a 3 hour paddle to Clayton. It seemed to take forever to get there, as we were absolutely exhausted, with major paddles and very little sleep over the previous 24 hours! If we hadn't have been so tired we would have been over the moon when we arrived at Clayton at around 11.30am, but we were so tired. We are not over the moon of course!
Our sincere thanks to Brad Butler for what he did, if it wasn't for him we would have turned back at Point Pomanda, we wouldn't have crossed the lake. If it wasn't for him and Emily we would not have crossed the lake and it would have been something would have been missing from out journey so thanks so much to Brad and Emily, we owe it all to them that we got across the lake safely. Patto has just said that it's one of the scariest things he's ever done. It was magnificent and scary but we were planned and prepared. I don't think we were ever reckless but it was certainly very harrowing. The enormity of the Lake is just incredible. It's such a big lake, it's certainly not something someone should do without prior preparation and knowledge. It has claimed lives before, 6 at once a number of years ago! Not something to muck around with.
Thanks so much to the Clayton Wetlands Caravan Park for putting us up tonight, the locals have been lovely!
We've got about a 3 hour paddle tomorrow and will head under the bridge at Goolwa at about 11.30am.
Final day of paddling tomorrow!
Final Day of United 4 A Wish
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2008
An eventful night in Murray Bridge, with some youths planning to steal one of our kayaks during the night. Mike, our security guard was fantastic, we were so glad we had him! Thanks again!!!
We got up early and set off at about 8am. We had a bit of a head wind to begin with which turned nicely and we had a really nice days paddle. There were 11 of us paddling of us that day, with a 2nd group of 6 lagging behind as well as a group of 8 from Wilderness College that paddled independently.
We were met at Tailem Bend by Kate and Ray from Channel 10 who were great, and took some really good footage and put a great story on the news tonight! We also had some great lunch from Subway while we were there.
Then we paddled to Wellington. On the way there a couple of paddlers were approached by a fairly big snake, which thank goodness darted away as they got closer.
Thanks so much to ALL the paddlers who joined in with United 4 A Wish, over the various stages.
Once we were in Wellington and had said goodbye to our fellow paddlers we set off to the local hotel for an early and healthy dinner of Kangaroo and Pasta, as we had to eat a good meal and sleep early because we were setting of at 11pm to cross the lake!!!
We were in bed by 8pm as the sun was setting.
Scottie
United 4 A Wish is here at last!!!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2008
Restless nights sleep as some of the locals in Mannumt hought it would be funny to come over to Bolto reserve and race around and do burns outs etc. There were a lot of campers in the reserve and we all got fed up with it. There about 6 people camping here for United 4 A wish.
We got up early and headed off about an hour late, with about 18 people for the first leg of the paddle. It was a fantastic day and fantastic weather up until about 2pm in the afternoon, which is where we encountered a head wind which is to be expected in these parts of the river. We picked up another 6 paddlers at Mypolonga and another 6 had taken off before we got there, but were still part of United 4 A Wish!
When we got to Murray Bridge we were met by a group of people who had been waiting around all afternoon.
GJ Gardner Homes (our major sponsor) had set up a tent and had a guess the number of lollies in the jar competition to raise money for Kanoe4Kids. Make A Wish volunteers were there handing out balloons to all the kids, as well as facepainting anyone brave enough, and the loveley people of the Murray Bridge Rotary Club had put on a sausage sizzle for everyone. It was a great family atmosphere (so I hear)!
Most people were able to hang around, and were there to cheer and clap as we came in!!!
United 4 A Wish is about people being invloved in the charity, yes we asked for a $100 donation, but the main thing is that they have participated! I don't know most of the people I'm paddling with, but they are all wonderful people that have given up their time and efforts to come up here to paddle for United 4 A Wish!!! So thanks so much to everyone to everyone who has joined me in this event!
We've had an interesting night with 4 young kids deciding to riffle through our tents while we were all in having dinner. We came out to them bailed up against a police car, as someone had called the police!!! Our night is now going to be safer thanks to Twin Bridges Logistics Security who have supplied a security guard for us for the night. I really appreciated all of the locals help
Another 40km paddle tomorrow so we're all in bed for now!
Scottie.
Back on the water!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2008
Left Teal Flat at around 1pm, and paddled into Mannum. It was a 30km paddle, but a really tough paddle becuase it was the first day back on the river after a 3 day rest, and also we had a really strong head wind. The Young Husband straight between Teal Flat and Mannum is notorious as a long open straight that's really tough to navigate. That made it difficult.
We got into camp and met some peole from United for a Wish, then we were fortunate that John Riddell and Snowy Carter had arranged for us to be their guests at the Mighty River Run, it was a great night!! It's fantastic what Novita and the Mighty River Run are doing! We had decent food and a glass of wine, and then went off to bed!
Thanks so much to Uncle Col and Aunty Barb for putting me up for 3 days. They gave me the most superb food and really looked after me, so thank you so much!
Scottie
Photo Gallery and Donations
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2008
If you would like to see photos of my journey so far, please go to the photo gallery page on the website.
We are still looking for donations towards our cause, so if you are able to donate any amount - even $5, please click on the donations page for further information on how to make a donation.
REMEMBER....... THIS IS ALL FOR THE KIDS!!
Thanks!
Scottie.
A deserved rest!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2008
I forgot to mention yesterday that we saw our first snake, probably a tiger snake but could have been a brown snake, about a metre long, and came within about 5 metres of us, so that was pretty exciting!
We camped at Big Ben last night, it was really windy so we pulled up 12kms short so we wouldn't be heading towards the wind. That meant we had about 60kms to paddle today. We set off at about 8am after getting up at 6.20am, and we got here at 7.40pm tonight. It was a big day, and we had a head wind against us nearly all day long!
Very quiet morniing, I don't think either Patto or I spoke until after lunch because we were so tired! We stopped at Walkers Flat for lunch and then headed to Teal Flat, at Aunty Barb and Uncle Col. I'm having a bit of a rest here which is great!!
I passed 2000 km's today, so I've paddled 2,048 km's, which is huge. I'm really sore so this rest will do me the world of good before the big paddle at the weekend!
No phone reception or emails, so very hard to contact in this area!
Scottie.
Another milestone!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2008
Last real night of camping, after this there are a few nights of camping, but there will be a town next to us. Tonight we cooked our last batch of rice with pasta sauce for the last time. We had a bonus as well. A local chap got a flat tire as he drove past us and we offered to help him out, but he didn't need help so we just gave him a beer, which he really appreciated. He went home and his wife had cooked two chickens, so he brought one back for us!!!!! It was beautiful and we threw it into the rice for dinner.
Lovely bloke, he brought back firewood for us as well. We're camping at Big Ben tonight, it's very popular and there's no wood anywhere.
Blowing an absolute gale, it's been very very windy all day, but thankfully 80% of the day the wind was going with us so that was a big help. Gentle day, paddled about 40kms today. But it's still blowing a gale and my tent is taking a pounding from the wind!! At least it's a good tent and will stand up to the challenge.
Had a great night at Balnchetwon last night.
I'm sleeping quite well in my tent, what it's been about 38 days now I think, so I'm really used to it.
We went through Swan Reach today, we grabbed lunch at the Swan Reach deli.
A good day in genereal.
After paddling an hour tomorrow morning I reach point 2,024, so that means I've paddled 2000km's. Another milestone reached!!
Scottie.
Through our last lock!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2008
We made Blanchetown last night, 46kms. Was meant to be an easy paddle, but we had a decent head wind in our face most of the day.
We were meant to get to the lock by 4.30pm to get through, but after a tough couple of hours paddling before that we wer'e 5 minutes late, so thanks to the Lock Master for waiting around for us, he knew we were coming.
We are both really sore after the 84km the day before, so we've done around 130km's in two days. We're hoping to have a couple of lighter days in the next two days. So lets hope it stays that way!!!
The weather is beautiful up here in Blanchetown today.
We passed through lock 1, and we started at lock 17. That means no more locks between us and the mouth. There's about 11 locks between 17 and 1, I know that doesn't make sense, but that's how it is!
The water is ridiculously low here in Blanchetown. About one and a half metres below the pool level.
We had really nice accommodation at Blanchetown Caravan Park, so thanks so much to them. We met some really nice people in the Caravan Park and they gave us some beers. We had dinner at the pub and had some healthy lean chicken and fish which was great and Patto had a nice pasta.
We're in good spirits coming into the final 5 days, and I can smell my home comforts and looking forward to them!
I hope everyone is well, and I look forward to being back in one week and 2 days!!!
Scottie
A long but successful day!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2008
Too exhausted last night to do the blog. 18km's behind the pace, so got up early (5.30am) and paddled hard.
We met the media in Waikerie at 10am which was a good achievement, so paddled 18km before 10am. We had a really good breakfast there too, and grabbed fresh sandwiches for lunch and heaps of drinks. I was feeling much better so we pushed on.
We paddled through the day, and it was a good day of paddling as we had the wind in our favour for a change for 90% of the day which made a huge difference, we averaged 8-9kms per hour, and paddled a huge 84kms in the day. We didn't get in until late and dark, but we thought we'd take advantage of the wind while we could.
We had pub meal in Morgan last night, which is a great place. We had a great nights sleep and were given a cabin with an ensuite, so thank you SO much to Morgan Caravan Park!! Not much time to sleep as we got to bed at midnight, and were up at 6.30am this morning, but what little we had was good quality, thanks to a great bed!
Will be in Blanchtown tonight, which will be great. We passed the 300km marker today, so only 300km's to the mouth, which is really really great, cos I can't wait to get home to my bed and my comforts, although this has all been really really worth while!!
ABC radio will be interviewing me on Monday at 11am, and will hopefully have time to play some of the interview during the cricket on Monday. Also I am going to be on ABC National Grandstand several times over next weekend. Listen out to hear me!
Scottie.
On the move again.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2008
No signal tonight. Couldn't make Waikerie, so camping at 400. Will start early tomorrow to make up the distance.
Discharged this morning from Loxton Hospital, and feeling better.
We had a late start to the day and another nasty head wind yet again!!!!!! Getting sick of the wind holding me back!
Thunder storms over us right now! Awesome to listen to, hoping no wind tomorrow and feeling better again!
Loxston Hospital and Kingston on Muray Caravan Park were just superb and wonderful!!!!! THANKYOU!!!!
Scottie.
Scott Matthews
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2008
Unexpected Interruption
Okay, so this is my second blog now - that i have typed personally. The staff at Loxton hospital have been kind enough to allow me access to the internet.
The last few days i have been feeling unwell - without going into the nitty gritty and quite disgusting details my "Crohn's" has flared up. In fact it is not as much my crohns but the ongoing side effects of having a part of your abdomen removed (10 years ago). My Crohns represents a daily battle for me, and since surgery i also suffer from Anemia. Not many people know or realise this as my weaknesses i dont share as freely as my triumphs or strengths!!! The harsh reality is, in the absence of medical intervention i would have died many years ago from either the initial Crohn's infection or the consequences of being aneamic since then.
As a result of a few indulgences and more so an unblanced diet for a few days, coupled with the enormity of my adventure and the strain on my body, my blood count has dropped from 146 to 104 in the matter of 24 hours. My Adelaide doctor recommended i seek treatment at the local hospital and i am lucky that the doctor in loxton who saw me, Peter Tait, and the staff at the Loxton hospital have been so wonderful. The good news is that i have enough iron in my body to replenish my blood over the coming week and i was able to avoid an all out blood transfusion. The 2 days rest has seen my body balance and i should be able to return to paddling tomorrow albeit with caution and sensibility. Over the coming week my body will continue to replenish my blood and i will no doubt be superhuman again by the early next week - just in time for Auntie Barbs fabulous home cooking and being spoilt by her and Uncle Col!!!
I suppose this "incident" is testimony to everything about Kanoe4kids. It is Crohn's disease that made me realise how fortunate i was to not have something more serious (see my speech i made at the MFAA ball attached on the home page of this site)... and coupled with my love of our most wonderful resource, the Murray River, here i am - in a nurses station typing my blog as i try to help others less fortunate than me.
My "illness" means 4 trips to the doctors each year for B12 injections and to ave my blood monitored. These days it means annual trips to hospital for iron infusions or other crohns related treatments. It means a strict diet and consequences (such as this) when i do indulge outside what my body can handle. In a way it is like a diabetic who moniotrs their blood and then injects insulen... however my timeframe is less imminent and my "fixes" require hospitalisation as they are put through an IV line directly ino the blood.
I have Crohn's and for that i am ever thankful. Ofcourse i would rather not have it, but i do. I would rather kids didn't get sick, but they do. Some get really sick, and Kanoe4kids is helping them while they are sick.
In the past 32 days i have lost 10kg's, grown the worlds most pathetic facial hair, fought the elements of nature trying to hold me back, and now been hospitalised. Paddling the Murray is a difficult thing when you are fit and healthy, it is the 3rd longest navigable river in the world (apparently), however it is even harder when your body can't keep up with your mind as is my case, because for no fault of my own i have this disease.
I will reach the mouth of the River Murray at Goolwa on schedule. My years long work and efforts will see wishes granted for many children of Make A Wish. I will not be beaten by my illness.
Thankyou for keeping up with my blogs. I hope you are all well and i appreciate your interest and your support. I also wish to thank Dr Peter Tait, my GP Dr Richard John's and the staff of the Loxton hospital who have all been so wonderful, kind and considerate.
The world is a beautiful place, but there is always someone worse of than you. Helping those less fortunate will make the world even more beautiful for them and for you.
Scott Matthews
An interesting day
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2008
Please don't worry when you read this. I am fine!!!
I am in Loxton Hospital tonight admitted as a patient due to the flair up of my Crohn's disease. I am fine and am in here as a precautionary monitoring thing. I have low blood pressure, low hemoglobin, low iron levels and an increased pulse due to some Crohn's complications.
I've lost 10 kilos in the past 32 days due to paddling and the excersice, then I had steak and BBQ's at the weekend with my family and the indulgences don't go well with Crohn's and have caused it to flair up.
I managed to paddle th 36 km's today although I was extrememly lethargic and tired. Then we drove from Moorook down into Loxton where the doctor admitted me.
I'll probably be in here tomorrow as well and have a day of rest. Luckily I'm a few days ahead of schedule, so it won't have a major impact on my arrival time back home!
No one needs to be concerned, everything is fine, and this is just the issue of having a life long illness that needs to be looked after. I am certainly not going through anything like the kids I am raising money for!
This has made be realise again the reason why I am doing this for the kids!
Scottie
A record breaking web!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008
We left Berri very late, about 11.30, we're in Loxton, only paddled 38km's today so a nice light day.
Beautiful conditions very nice with a gentle breeze, and glassy water. It's a bit warm up here, so the breeze was lovely and cooled us down as we went along.
Beautiful river around here between Berri and Loxton with a lot of Kangaroos.
Had some great blokes up on the cliffs today. They heard about me on the radio this morning (5RM) and wanted to donate but couldn't get on the internet so they put money in a beer bottle, put the lid back on and threw it into the river, where we picked it up and collected the money. It was really fantastic.
While we were paddling along today Patto suddenly said...."look at the spider web", and I looked up and saw a web that was easily bigger than a double sheet from a bed, infact I'd go as far as saying king size sheet. But it then went on for about 50 metres down the river. What we think is that hundreds and hundreds of small spiders are joining their webbs up together and making one enormous webb that then covers the sticky bushes up on the River bank and then go right up into the trees. These are webs straight out of Indiana Jones movies, and then we you look at the webbs close up, well as close as we could get, there were hundreds of spiders in them and it was the biggest spider web I've ever seen - 50 metres long and 4-5 metres wide.
I'm doing well, but not feeling the best..... becuase of the indulgences I've had in the last few days with all the BBQ's and breakfasts etc, my Crohn's has flaired up and is causing me a bit of grief, but it's being watched and managed closely and I'll have to watch my diet carefully in the next week to make sure it doesn't flair up any more. No need for anyone to worry as all it is doing at the moment is taking away a bit of my energy and it makes me be a lot flatter.
Other than that we had a fantasitc day, with no wind.
Off to kingston On Murray tomorrow, which I've been told is a great place, so I'm really looking forward to that!
Mum's are the best cooks in the world!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2008
Stayed at the Renmark Riverbend Caravan Park last night, it was very very nice and I think it's probably the best caravan park on the river! It was just beautiful!
Met up with mum, dad and Patto's family!! Mum cooked up a huge breakfast with hashbrowns, muffins, bacon and eggs, and mum made the eggs just as I like them, which mums always do.
We set off at about 10.30am and passed lock 5. Paddled 38km's today. We had a head wind again, certainly not a bad one, but about an hour where it was quite difficult, and we were changing sides of the river all day.
38km's is an easy day as our paddling has gone, but we were going for 5-6 hours, so still a fair effort!
Tonight we're staying at the Berri River Caravan Park, and are very thankful for another warm bed, so that's 2 nights in a row and we're very happy about that!!
Heading off for Loxton tomorrow.
Scottie.
A day from HELL!!!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2008
Our last day in the wilderness, we camped in the middle of no where and it rained and was hugely windy ALL night.
We got up very early and it was still spitting with rain. We packed up ready to go as we had a goal to get to Renmark knowing we had press committments, but we couldn't make it there in time.
We had the most ferosious head winds we've had the whole trip, at one point we were paddling as hard as we could and were still going backwards. It was actually a bit scary and certainly not fun. Waves were crashing over the boats and hitting us in the chest that's how deep the waves were. We were saturated. It was by far the hardest day of paddling so far.
We got into Renmark at about 3.30pm, and we left early that morning at about 7am, so a huge day with an 8 hour paddle, and we didn't take a break because we were trying to get to the press. By the time we got in we were totally exhausted.
I'm talking a huge storm type wind with huge storm clouds rolling over the river land and we had a huge stretch of river with cliffs on one side and wet lands on the other side with the winds howling down the river and the cliffs just magnified the wind. It made it worse becuase we knew that mum and dad and Patto's family were waiting for us, so it was really nice when we got there to see them. They all stayed at the park with us which was great.
Make A Wish Riverland/Renmark were fantastic and they were there waiting for me, and they put up a banner and had a BBQ waiting for us. It was really nice. I just want to say a big thank you to them for what they did, it meant a lot to me!
We went to the Tower Tavern for dinner, so there were 7 of us and it was great. I then ducked out to Andy's 40th birthday from Make A Wish, Renmark and I wanted to see them and say thanks for what they had done so that time was really nice!
Stayed at the Renmark Riverbend Caravan Park which was great, and just spending time with family was fantastic for both Patto and I!!!
Thanks again to the Make A Wish people up here.
Scottie.
Patto and Scottie V the wind - Winner....Scottie and Patto!!!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2008
We've fought a huge head wind since about 10am this morning, and it was even worse than yesterday, it was hell paddling!
Today we went into a town called Old Costoms House which has nothing but a store! We bought a bottle of wine, to celebrate our arrival into South Australia, but due to the weather that celebration is looking doubtful!
We have just made camp (8.05pm), and the wind is still really blowing a gail. Huge thunders storm clouds coming over our heads, so I don't think we're going to get dinner, cos I think we're going to be rained on!
We passed through lock 6 today and we are here, very sore and very tired, just looking foward to getting into Renmark tomorrow!
Anyone who's text or left a message for me, sorry but I haven't had phone signal for 5 days, and that's me a person who lives and breathes on the phone, but I'm doing OK without it...... It's actually been quite nice!
We've pushed on and paddled 58km's today, so not a bad effort!
Scottie.
Last night interstate!!!!!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008
We've left the no-where place, which was pretty ordinary place.
We had a furious wind in our face, no matter which way we turned the wind was coming at us. It was a really really tough day's paddle. Having said that we managed to paddle 56km's today, which sets us on track to reach Renmark on Saturday, so we're really happy with our progress. We need to paddle another 50km's or so tomorrow, and we're laughing.
We're about 35 km's up stream of old customs house, so tomorrow night we're going to find a bottle of wine and enjoy our first night in SA. This is our last night interstate so we're home in SA tomorrow and really really looking forward to being on home turf!
We're on a beautiful camping spot tonight, very vegetated sandbar, about one and a half metres from the waters edge. So we've got ocean views! Tents have gone up tonight becuase of the waterfront property.
We've got a really nice fire going. I've got rice, and Patto's got pasta.
Lots of love to everyone especially Simba if he's reading this!
Scottie.
SA Water conditions
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2008
Day 2 into the wilderness. I'd like to say that we're no where, but we're not even there!
Paddle 66km's today, have been paddling and went through 2 locks, 8 and 9. It was a long hard day. We paddled for 11 hours!!
We're camped by a swamp so the mosquitos are around and there's alot of noise from the frogs and crickets and bugs etc. It's actually quite beautiful.
The water below lock 8 is horrible and full of algae, is stagnant and there's no water, it seems to have been very very porely managed. It seems the closer we get to SA the worse the water is. Thanks to our neighbours the water at the top is beautiful. NSW currently on a 90% water allocation, Queensland on 24% and SA on about 4% I think. There's plenty of water there, but it all seems to be being used elsewhere.
Other than that things are great, we're cooking some pasta in the dark, and then going to bed to be ready for another long paddle tomorrow!
Scottie.
A new taste for Patto!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008
Left Wentworth pretty late this morning as we had an interview with Keith Conlon and Pilko. Then we went up to the supermarket cos we were running really short on supplies (water and sugar etc). So are now fully stocked again for our next 5 days in the wilderness!
Patto is a bit sore from his coffin last night! He had a tiny bunk bed on the floor and I had a BEAUTIFUL queensize bed!
Our Caravan park last night was where the Darling meets the Murray. The Darling is such a white murky mass of water. They describe the difference between the Darling and the Murray as the Darling being a cup of tea with milk, and the Murray a cup of tea without milk! Where they meet is a distinct mixing of the water! It's incredible to see!
Patto swallowed two flies today, and it was disgusting. It was the funniest thing for me, but grose for him!
We paddled 50km's today. We left Wentworth and went through lock 11 and we are now 12km's short of lock 9. We're gonna get up early in the morning and get some km's done, about 65 is our aim! We are both keen to hit Renmark on Saturday lunchtime so that we can see out families!.
Really nice campsite tonight, a ground not a sandbar, and we over look a bend in the river. No clouds tonight and the moon doesn't come up until about 2am in the morning! Amazing star sight!
We're both in good spirits and this is an amazing adventure, and I hope a lot of kids will benefit from it!
Love to all our family!
Scottie (and Patto)
A Special Hello!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Massive wishes to little Gemma who goes in for hopefully her last operation tomorrow! My prayers and thoughts are with you little darling.
Day 22, I think. We paddled from Midura to Wentworth about 62 km's, which is a fair day. Have done 135 km's in two days. Patto is struggling. In our cabin tonight I have a big queensize bed and he's got a tiny little pokey bunk bed! He's got blisters on his hands but he's a tough guy so he'll be alright!
Hard day paddling again as water is so calm and with no current.
Mildura is nice, with possums everywhere, and we went and fed the ducks and saw some baby ducklings. Also saw a family of Cormorants (birds) which was great. About 3 nests sharing the same stick over the water.
I'm a little disappointed that I haven't seen Jennifer Hawkins yet. I did ask, but she obviously hasn't been able to catch up with us. We should be in Renmark in about 5 days, so she can meet us in the main town there! Also haven't had a chance to call and congratulate Obama while I've been on the river, so if anyone can give him a buzz for me that would be great!
We are now paddling to Renmark, which I think will be about 5 days paddling. We probably won't have conact on this part, and won't see anything major. We'll be back to camping and rice for food!
I'm paddling fit now, so a 60km paddle is all good for me in a day. I'm a bit worried that I've lost all feeling in two of my toes on my right foot from being squashed in the boat all day for so long. The feeling doesn't come back at night either, which is why I'm concerned.
Special wishes to Uncle Cole, I know he's reading the updates and is looking forward to having us in the shack for a few days!
I had an interview with WIN television today and an interview with the Sunraysia Daily Newspaper, so that was great!
hello to people at lock 11, from New Zealand, sydney and the boys from the army. It was lovely to speak with them!
Love to Jaz, Panda and Mimma from Daddy Patto!
Love to everyone!
At last in range again!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2008
Hello,
I've been out of range for the past couple of days, so unable to submit a blog.
All is good, we are now at Mildura, staying at the River Gardens Caravan Park for the night.
We paddle 72kms today, a tough one for Patto's first day! He was all enthused and excited this morning, and now he's feeling sore and sorry for himself!
It's dead river around here, in between two locks, so no flow at all. Also not great vegetation, so no wildlife around either.
We had a great pizza for tea with 7 toppings including mushrooms and prawns, and we have iced coffee for the morning - great stuff!!!
Should hit Wentworth tomorrow night, so will have two nights in a row in a bed! Very spoilt!!
Hello to everyone and a special hello to my dog Simba!
Scottie.
A SPECTAUCLAR SIGHT AT MY HALF WAY POINT!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008
Paddled 56km's today. Had an interview with a reporter this morning.
Terrible weather today, but it helped me! I had a gale force wind in my back for most of the day, when not in my back I was struggling to move forward. Thunder and lightening all afternoon, got dark very quickly so no time (and too dangerous in this weather) for a fire when I camped, so coco pops, banana and peaches for dinner!
Poor farmers probably hoped for rain today, but huge dark clouds brought nothing but a fierce wind and searing heat that stripped their top soil and blew it in my eyes and up my nose.
Still very hot in the tent, and slight rain outside so I'll stay in here for tonight, no chance of enjoying the full moon!!
Kookaburras laughing outside my tent, sounds great.
Got great footage of an echidna today, went through my first lock - lock 15, and met some blokes in tinnies doing a 7 day trip down the Murray (this is the 3rd day I have spoken with them).
Really loud thunder in the sky, it is quite spectacular and very tropical!
Was up at 6am so will be early to bed tonight.
Hope everyone is well..........
Ooops, how could I forget......
I PASSED THE HALF WAY MARK TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!! 1112 was incredible feeling and had quite a rush of emotion. It hit home at that moment that this thing is happening. A years worth of hard work and 2.5 weeks of paddling has got me this far. Anything really is possible if you believe and you persist.
A lot of sick kids are going to have their wishes granted thanks to Kanoe4Kids, and that makes me feel so happy and makes everybit of ache, pain and frustration worth it.
Onwards and upwards 1112km's to go!!!!
Right at this moment, huge thunder and lightening like only occurs in the outback - thunder rolls across the entire sky and last for at least 10 seconds, it is totally awesome!
Scottie
Almost half way!!!!!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
I paddled 40km's today with my fellow paddlers. It was a hot day, about 35.
I got into Robinvale and went and had a massage, as I was in a fair amount of discomfort with my hamstrings from sitting still in the boat for so long. I feel much better now! Pete,Nicky and myself then went and had thai food for dinner, so a good meal was much appreciated. I will miss them, as I am back to paddling alone from tomorrow. I wish them well on the rest of their journey!
We managed to find a 12km short cut today so that helped us get into town early. We are staying at the Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park tonight.
I am camping on my own tomorrow in the middle of the nowhere with a full moon, so it should be an interesting night!
I reach another mile stone tomorrow at about 10am, I reach the half way mark. That puts me a full 3 days ahead of schedule so far, and that means I should be 5 days ahead by the time I get closer to home. I will then slow down so that I can reach Mannum at the right time for United 4 A Wish.
I am still getting lots of messages and calls, which is great!
I hope everyone's well and the fundraising is going well in Adelaide!!
Scottie.
A Milestone Reached!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2008
I am still paddling with Peter and Vicki, the couple I met the other day. They have been great company and have stayed with me for the past couple of days, and camped with me last night. They have shared they're adventures including their 15,500 km bike ride around Australia!
I reached milestone yesterday, marker 1224, meaning that I've done my first 1000km of paddling! It means I'm almost half way there!! Only 1224 km's to go before I finish!!
It was a beautiful day, no current, and very very slow river, but a very pretty part of the River.
It got very hot during the day plus I'm losing a fair bit of moisture each day due to perspiring, so I'm having to really keep up my fluids!!
Anyway, that's it for this morning, I'll touch base this afternoon when I get into Robinvale!
Scottie.
The kindness of others!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008
Staying in Boundry Bend Caravan Park, not only have they given me a room, but they also had ready for me a T-Bone, coke, bread and lots more. They have been fantastic here, thanks Cheryl and the team!!!!! It's so nice to meet people like this!!!!!
When I pulled up here, I met a couple who are also travelling down the Murray in a double kayak. They are only travelling around 30km's per day, but were really happy to see me, as they had heard all about me, and wanted to take photos. They are in their late 30's and are taking 4 months to do the trip. They are going to paddle with me tomorrow, so that will be great to have company! I'm going to go over and see them tonight to have a chat.
I have aways said that life is measured my the peole you meet, not the places you see, so I have been very fortunate with that on my journey!
I passed the junction of the Wakool and Murrumbidgee, it was pretty non eventful, but good to see!
No water flow, so it's been really tough mentally and physically today, but I got there and managed to travel 64 km's!
That's it for now!
Take Care!
Scottie.
The Beautiful River Murray!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2008
Edited version to make it PG rating!
Well last night was interesting to say the least!
I camped close to a road, and was found by a group of kids who decided to make my life hell for the night! They turned up in a car that was loaded with loud and insulting youths who hurled abuse at me for about an hour before giving up realising that I wasn't going to exit from my tent to be taunted by them. Anyway, as I have already said, after the abuse and then them doing burn outs around my tent many times, they eventually realised that I wasn't going to come out, and so they left.
After that, amazingly I slept very well, almost too tired to even think about it once it was over!
I paddled 60km's today which was a fair effort considering that I'm used to being pushed by Steve to travel as far as possible, and this time I only had myself to push and encourage me.
Remarkably along the way I spotted my very first Lama/Alpaca - it was fantastic!!!
The River and the scenery is just so beautiful. For the first half an hour of paddling today I had birds and all kinds of other creatures singing their hearts out - it was amazing to listen to!!
Another boring tea, this time rice with satay sauce with the added bonus of a bread roll I had picked up earlier that day. I bought two, one for tonight and one for tomorrow lunch time.
Anyway, time for bed in a lovely camping spot I found in the middle of no where, so no chance of any funny business tonight - except from the wonderul wild life around me!
I love all the text messages I'm getting, so thanks to everyone who's supporting me!!!!!
Bye for now!
Scottie!
First night alone!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2008
Cooking my dinner while I make this blog. Rice with stir through sauce, probably taste yuk but at least I've got carbs!
First mention to my nephew Jayden, who turns 11 today, very happy birthday champ, sorry I couldn't see you with the family last night!
My first night on my own. First day alone, I've paddled 64km's today. Not a bad effort, but when on my own there's not much to do but paddle! I had a late start and headed off at around 11am. It was an ordinary day, threatening to rain and strong winds again. I'm havinging no luck with winds so far, but hopefully that will change!
On a sand bar tonight, and there's a nest of bulll ants on the opposite side of the sand bar. It's a bit like Indiana Jones, I can hear them all moving - but I think they're migrating so hopefully will stay away from me! There have to be millions of them there - about 60 metres away!
Thanks to Steve Kelly and Ben. Steve has really really looked after me over the past week, I've really appreciated his help. It was great having dinner in a pub with them last night.
I'm looking forward to the next week on my own, but have certainly appreciated the company I've had over the past 2 weeks!
I have hit the half way mark now, and am looking forward to Patto joining me at the weekend!
That's it or now!
Scottie
Live from Scottie
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2008
Wet wet Swan Hill
okay - this one is coming liv from me from Swan Hill. The keyboardd is public, so excus the spelling for the keys at are stiky!
Firstly aa big thanks to Barbara aand Phillip of Swan Hill Riverside Caaravan Park forr putting me up for the night at no cost. Theey are lovely people and i am so excited to hav an actual bed for the night - i have been sleeping so poorly the last few weeks.
When i woke up his morning it was raining. Nothing i can do about that, it was onlyy a drizzle anyway. then it started raining -- and it neveer stopped. The region up here had 15 mm of rain today and i paddled for 8 hours in it, absolutelyy dreenched the bone. Just for fun, for most of he day i hd a ffieercee head wind - YEEAH!!!!
But i made it, 70km's in miserabll conditions (funnily eenough thy dont agee everyone up here is so excited o see ain again). Steve leaves mee today aand goes hom o adelaide (itts his wedding anniversary tomorrow sso btter he ggo hom and not be in the bad books) and i wll be by myself for the next week. so iff you want to kill me in he sileence of the night, now is your best opporunity.
nohing exciting to repor, reallyy wet, gtting sore, especially my lleft shoulder and my fngers but nothing is going to stop me geting to the goolwa bridge. I heard from Gemma yesterday so that really got me going - i am glad to report she sshouldd b home by Chriisttmas - she i such an angel andd her family deserve nohing butt good fortune from here on.
Apart from the shittty maattress, the sore shoulder and fingers, and tthe endless paddling i really am having a great time, seeing the most wwonderful countryy side, and livviing a dream.
If someone has Jennifer Hawkins number can you ask her to meet me at the next town for a massage. that would be nice. really really nice
song of the day is draw between Cartman with his rendition of Sailing away from the 90"s Southpark album and Chity chitty Bang Bang.
Paddling in th rain tday i recalled a quote from a famous (dead by suicide) poet, Sylvia Plath - "Pardon my sanity in a wold that is insane" how appropriate it felt
Lovve to you aall, especially SSimba Mum and dad and ill spek with you again ssoon
Scottie on the river
xoxoxoxo
Huge Effort!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2008
Paddled 80km's today, with no current, it was a huge effort. Beautiful part of the Murray, very steep banks, very remote. Oh had Melbourne Cup beers yesterday in the tinnie, on the river, very Australian!
Hope everyone is well and really hoping the bank account is growing!
Scottie, the Adventurer!
Birds in flight!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2008
We finally finished the dead zone of the River today and got to the Wier, after we paddled about 30kms this morning and when we got to the lock the lock master Darren helped us enormously with getting our boats out and back in again and much more! There was no current and so the paddle was really difficult.
We stopped about 10kms past the Torrumbary Wier and it's very beautiful here!
I saw a pure white eagle today and watched it eat a big fish that was in its claws. I watched it as he and his partner took off in flight, and it was magnificent.
I also saw a family of emus which was an awesome sight.
I am very much appreciative that the campers have now all gone home and so I should have the river back to myself again! It's been full on with thousands of campers most of whom have had some kind of boat in the water - very tricky to navigate through!!
I'm not sleeping well as I keep dreaming which is keeping me awake at night time.
I can't wait to get home and see everyone.
I hope that Paul backed me a winner today!
Speak to you later on.
Scottie.
What a day!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2008
Today was the most difficult day so far!
We left at 6am from Echuca to miss the boat traffic. Echuca is beautiful, and seeing the Port with all the Paddle Steamers was fantastic, although it was really busy due to the long weekend this weekend. An hour or two into paddling the river bacme packed with boats again.
I paddled through absolute massive head winds the entire day long, and for most of it didn't seem to be moving!
Much to my amazement we travelled almost 70km's, so the hard work was worth it!
We are now about 10k east of Torrubary Weir, and should hopefully reach there in the morning.
Near the end of the day, it was all made better due to a friendly group of young lads who found me on the water and asked what I was doing. They then invited me to their campsite, fed me, watered me and even gave me a massage. They made a horrible day end on a good note so thanks so much to Sam and the crew!
I am really missing my dog, and would just love to be home on my lounge with him tonight! I hope he's well and missing me too!
Scottie.
A long hard day today!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 02, 2008
Paddled 65km's today. The river was jam packed with boats becuase of the long weekend in Victoria this weekend and Melbourne Cup activities. From Moama it was like rush hour on the River.
It rained hard for at least an hour which was great for the farmers but not good for me. Then there was a big head wind, so hard paddling.
The Barmah Forrest is beautiful, and this part of the river is very different than every where else so far, although today it was an average day, it's still a great adventure.
No exciting stories expect that a big brown bear jumped out of the Barmarah Forrest and tried to attack me. It was stopped by a Japanese tiger who lept over from the other side of the bank and faught it off for me. They were both eventually frightened away by a Unicorn.
We have paddled 142 km's in two days, and we're going to get up and leave at 4am so that we can miss the River traffic!
Just had a shower and shave and noticed that I am doing Movember without even realising it! See, I can grow facial hair!!! It's the first time I've had a shower or sat on a toilet in 4 days!
I smell nice right now, but have to put back on my smelly clothes in the morning - so that feeling won't last long!
A brief moment of phone reception!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2008
Well, with the help of my new paddle partner, Steve, I am doing well. Steve has been a lifeline for me, since Satruday. He has cooked all of my meals and set up my tent etc, allowing me to concentrate on the task at hand.
We are deep in the depths of the forrest at the moment, which is why we have very few opportunites for contact via either phone.
Today I paddled 76km's, and am feeling tired, but it was worth the journey!
We should get to Echuca by about 4.30pm tomorrow, allowing us to stay somewhere with a toilet and shower.
Love to all my family and friends, I hope you're all OK!
Scottie.
The heavens open!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008
Happy again now. We pulled up just beofre dark tonight, after paddling 65km's today, with no current. It rained on us for 2 hours and there are now big thunder and lightening storms here.
Where we are camping there are a couple of caravans who have kindly given us a couple of beers - horay!!
All going well, although my left shoulder is begining to feel a little stiff - I could definitely do with a massage!!!
Today we saw a koala and a cockatoo fighting, an amazing sight, and obviously the koala won on points! I think the bird had a nest in the tree that the koala was trying to climb.
Just past Tocamal and almost at Cobram, will know more about location tomorrow in the light.
Thanks to my co paddler Evan Drage who has spent the last week with me. He goes home tomorrow and Steve joins me in his tinny.
No contact.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008
I didn't blog today as I had absolutely no way of contacting anyone. Both my satellite and mobile phones did not have any reception and we camped on the river bank with no one else around.
Sorry!
A long haul!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2008
A short one today as it has been a long and exhausting, however successful journey.
We travelled around 100km's from dawn until dark and managed to arrive at our destination of Lake Mulwala Holiday Park last night.
There Terry and the crew have been so kind to us. Not only have they donated a luxury cabin for the night, of which the highlight for me is being able to use a real toilet and not a hole in the ground, they also opened the kitchen when we arrived last night - as it had already closed - and made us a fantastic meal of chicken and salad which was much needed! I am so grateful to them!
Anyway to bed now!
Scottie.
Medical Emergency!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2008
Well, today was eventful. I had to try to get to the next town which was Wahgunyah, to see a doctor for my eyes.
I pulled into town, hopped in a taxi and headed over to Rutherglen Medical Centre, where Dr Mira Kapur and her staff looked after me very well. Leoni from the taxi company also looked after me, and both Leoni and Rutherglen gave me personal donations for Make A Wish! Thank you so much!!!
I now have some comfort in my eye, which nearly caused me to have a mental break down yesterday as it was so painful and itchy. A great relief!
As we were leaving Wahgunyah a farmer warned us to be careful of the rapids. We thought he was joking, so didn't think any more of it. We soon discovered he was not joking, as we hit them in full force. Although a challenge, we managed to paddle through the rapids without too much difficulty.
Tonight we are aiming to find a camping ground to stay in so that we can easily cook some hot food.
Travelled around 50k's today, and our bodies are still fit and strong!
Headwind Trouble
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008
Today was a very difficult day!
We set off knowing that we wanted to get to Howlong as we had re-arranged to meet the WIN cameral man (Russell) there. We travelled around 67 k's with practically no food and against a head wind all day! We did get to film some footage when we got to Howlong, so that was great! The footage will be used in regional towns as well as Channel 9 Adelaide through out the journey!
Our 2nd calf in two days was rescued , so we getting pretty experienced with them! We also saw an echidna which was pretty cool!
I think I have conjunctivitis, which also made things difficult. I need to see a doctor ASAP as my eye is very painful!
We were too tired to cook dinner last night, but did manage to find a caravan park to stay in, so although no hot dinner, had somewhere to eat our weetbix!!!
A calf rescue!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2008
This morning we rose at 5am again to make sure we were ready for the media who were meeting us at 8am for our start. At 9am we were still waiting for the media, and in the end gave up and started paddling just after 9am. We had an appointment with WIN news who were meeting us at Albury at midday. Due to the late start and an unexpected rescue (detailed below), we missed the WIN camera crew as well. Just to finish off the media disasters for the day, my satallite phone is not working as it should be and so I also missed a planned radio interview.
On a happier note, we rescued a calf which was stuck in the river with its mother watching helplessly from the bank! We tried to push the calf up the bank, however it was too steep, so we pulled it along the river until we could re-untie it with its mother on a verge that it could climb up with our help. A fantastic feeling when the mother ran towards the calf once it was back on the bank!
We eventually set up camp around 18k's outside Albury and managed to ingnite a fire to cook food on!
5am Start
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2008
My journey began at 5am today. That is when I woke up to start getting organised for the trip ahead. At 8.10am we left Adelaide after taking photos of the canoe team at Wiggley Reserve Glenelg. A great road crew of Paul and Andre allowed Evan (my 1st support paddler) and I to rest on the 13 hour trip to our destination. We stopped in Albury to have a great meal before booking into the cabins at Lake Hume for what I thought would be my last night in a bed for 6 weeks.
After 12 months of planning and training, the magniture of this event hit home as we travelled for so long in the car on the way up! The journey now seems very surreal!
Albury is a beautiful town, I must go back for a holiday one day!
The Journey Begins
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008
Tomorrow morning Scott will begin his journey along the Murray River.
Speech to Delegates of the MFAA Ball
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008
On October 24th this year I will paddle the entirety of the River Murray. From The beginning above Echuca, till the end at Goolwa. I will finish my journey 42 days later on the 10th December. My journey will cover a distance of 2,250 km's.
I wish to start by thanking some of my major sponsors – The Commonwealth Bank, a valued business partner to Money Advisers Unley and kanoe4kids. Chemplus who are doing amazing things to support this cause. Anaconda Adventure stores at Mile End and we wish to give thanks to Liberty Finance for their continued support. We are fortunate to have many sponsors, some here tonight and I wont go into all them, but we thank you for your support. My sincere thanks to MFAA and the Ball committee for having me as a guest tonight
The event is me paddling the Murray. It is called kanoe4kids. The cause is raising $100,000 for the children of Make A Wish. Kanoe4kids is not about me, it is about the children, it is about hope, it is actually creating magic.
The first question I am always asked is why am I doing this. I am going to share something with you I have never shared this honestly with a group of people before.
At the age of 9 I suffered from an illness, no one could tell me what it was. For the next 12 years I endured the discomfort of that illness. Common symptons were severe abdominal cramps, sharp stabbing pains, other uncomfortable stuff you really don't want to hear about. Abdominal pain so severe that at 19 when I had appendicitis it thought nothing of it, so much that I did not consult a doctor until after they had burst. At 21 years of age I joined the Police Force. 2 months into my 6 months at the academy I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is an illness of the digestive tract.
Two years later, as a serving member of the SA Police in Murray bridge I had a body weight of 65kg (6ft, currently 85kg). I was eating one main meal (solid food) every 4 days and surviving on a liquid diet. My illness had reached a crisis such that food would build up behind an internal infection the size of a tennis ball. When enough pressure had built up it would pass through the infection causing me extreme pain. I was admitted to hospital. The surgeon made a 32 cm incision up and down my stomach. Removed my intestines, put them on the trolley next to me. Cut out the infection, stitched them up and threw them back in. It took 32 staples to close the incision. I spent the next 3 days asleep on morphine and 10 days in hospital. Upon leaving hospital I weighed 59kgs, I was white and skinny.
I take 9 tablets a day to stop the Crohn's coming back, I have Iron injections every 3 months, of recent I spend one day in hospital every 6 months for iron infusions – these are side effects of the surgery. Make no mistake, these days I am a very fit, healthy, and happy person. My illness does not impact on my life other than to make me more aware of my body, my health, my fortune in life.
I now look back and thank god that I was given Crohn's disease. I am a very lucky person. I did not get diabetes, muscular dystrophy, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, paraplegia... etc. There are so many people worse of than you and I.
Crohn's has opened my eyes to a world that is real. I am not invincible. There are people in life who are much worse off than me, worse than you.
Why have I told you this - You now know why I am doing Kanoe4kids. You now know why I have chosen to train for 13 months, paddle for 12 hours a day, 42 days in a row, 2250 km's.
I put it like this - I did not ask to get Crohn's disease. But I have it. For that I am lucky.
I have chosen to paddle the River Murray, a child does not chose to get Leukaemia, they don't have that choice.
I am going to read you a story from a past publication from Make A Wish. I am sure you are aware of what they do – if you are not, this will certainly leave you with no questions.
Behind me is my new friend Gemma. Let me briefly introduce her to you. Gemma is 5 years old, she has not started school yet. Gemma was diagnosed with a tumour of her kidney in January this year. She had an operation to remove her kidney, unfortunately she also required a bowel resection the same as myself. Gemma currently lives in Ronald McDonald house with her mother who has stopped working for the year to be with Gemma. Gemma will be in Ronald McDonald House and the Womens and Childrens Hospital until September this year undergoing Chemotherapy – 9 months. Gemma is a very sick girl - if you met her you can see that, if you speak to her you would never know. When I visit her she smiles, laughs, invites me to play SNAP, talks about her twin brother in Port Lincoln, Harrison, unfortunately they do not get to see so much of each other at the moment. Gemma is one little girl we can help through Make A Wish Australia, through Kanoe4kids.
I encourage you to be a part of Kanoe4kids. Not for me, but for the children we can help. The money we raise will not cure cancer, but it will bring joy and happiness to the lives of many sick children.
On your table tonight is our corporate brochure. Please take this with you tonight - I would like to hear from all of you next week.
Ill make a deal with you. Ill do the paddling. Please join me for the ride. Think of how you, your business, or your community, your family, your sporting club can be a part of kanoe4kids.
Give me money. Give me lots of money. Paddle with me for the final 2 days – we call this United for a Wish. Hold a Kanoe4kids event, pledge $5 from every loan you settle for the next 6 months, pledge $100 for every loan. Come to my movie nights, tell your media contacts, spread the message, help grow Kanoe4kids. Train with me, encourage me. Everything you give me, you give to the kids. I ask you all, every person, to do one thing for Kanoe4kids by the end of the year, by the end of the night. Just one thing. I can help these people. Together, We can help these people.
Edmund Burke is attributed with the quotation that can be seen at Aushcwitz, the Nazi Concentration camp - "All that is necessary for the triumph of Evil, is for good men to do nothing" To me that is looking at a glass and saying it is half empty. Join me in looking at the glass that is half full –
I believe, all that has to happen, for magic to occur, is for good people to do something.
Thank you
Scott Matthews
MONDAY, JUNE 09, 2008
Temporary Interruption to Kanoe4kids
Melissa Carman resigned from the position of Coordinator of Kanoe4kids on the 23rd May 2008.
Kanoe4kids is operating as normal with Scott Matthews the primary contact for the coming weeks. The position has now been filled, however our new employee will not commence work until the 2nd July.
Please continue to support our cause in the mean time, it is business as usual.
Kanoe4Kids enters The 2008 Mothers Day Classic
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008
On Sunday the 11th of May, Scott and his Kanoe4Kids co paddler Evan joined the Plan B team and participated in the 2008 Mothers Day Classic for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Kanoe4Kids Quiz Night
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008
On the 18th of April, (National Wish Day) Money Advisers Unley hosted a Kanoe4Kids quiz night at the Unley Civic Centre.
We are proud to inform everyone we raised a total amount of $5,532.60
We would like to thank all of our sponsors who donated items for the night, as well as those who attended the night as their generous contributions assisted immensely to the amount of money raised on the night.
Something different
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008
Bushwalk for Kanoe4kids
On Sunday 14th April Scott and support paddler, Evan Drage, joined Kanoe4kids supporters Matt, Pete and morgan in a 20km hike up Norton Summit.
Carrying a 10kg backpack Scott wished to diversify his training by joining this walk - a break from his nightly paddling on the Patawolonga. Their 4.5 hour walk covered about 20km's with a 10 minute break at the Sceneic hotel to watch the Crows be defeated by Hawthorn.
For anyone keen, we will be walking from Norton Summitt to Cleland Wildlife park this Sunday from 12pm. Alternatively please look out for us paddling on the Patawlonga in the early mornings or at night and feel free to join us during our training.
Maiden Voyage
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 09, 2008
Maiden Voyage
Like a child at Christmas time, eager to ride their new bike, I took my new Eco Bezhig to the Patawalonga at Glenelg tonight and used it for the first time. Supported by Evo in his Skerray touring Kayak, we took our maiden voyages along the Pat just on sunset.
The crafts manouvered incredibly through the water and are absolutely nothing like the hire craft we used for our 40km test run last year. The rudder made control easy and we comfortably kept a 6km hour speed.
I think 6 weeks of Kanoe4kids is going to be a lot of fun!
Quiz Night Fully Booked
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 09, 2008
For those people attending our quiz night on the 18th April - thank you for your early registration. We wish to inform all persons the event is now fully booked.
We hope to see you at the premiere of Indiana Jones on the 22nd May.
Scott & Mel
ANACONDA donate Scott's KAYAK
TUESDAY, APRIL 08, 2008
Anaconda, at the Mile End Home Maker centre, have proudly donated a kayak to Scott for Kanoe4Kids.
Today Scott took ownership of his brand new, $3,000 Eco bezhig touring kayak. Scott will use this craft for his next 7 months of water training and for the entire journey of Kanoe4kids. Anaconda will also be supporting the paddlers by stocking them with equipment for the trip.
"I wish to thank Anaconda for their most generous donation. They meticulously researched the right craft for my adventure, and then donated it to our cause" said Scott. We ask that paddlers looking to join us during United For A Wish, or persons needing camping or outdoor recreation equipment support ANACONDA, who have so generously supported Kanoe4Kids.
5AA gets behind Kanoe4Kids
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008
Stephen Rowe of Rowe's Sunday Mornign Roast, 5AA, has thrown his support behind Kanoe4kids.
Stephen Rowe can be heard on 5AA, 1395 on the AM band, every Sunday between 11am & 1pm. Stephen Rowe is the host of the Rowe's Sunday Morning Roast. On Sunday 16th March Rowe interviewed Scott Matthews and announced to his listners that he will get Scott on air every fortnight between now and October 24th for regular updates. This support from 5AA and Stephen Rowe is greatly appreciated.
Stephen Rowe is a champion former Adelaide Crows and Norwood footballer. Stephen has also been a long and proud supporter of Make A Wish Australia. His involvement with Kanoe4kids is a huge boost to spreading the message and gaining support.
5AA is the states most listened to station with a commanding 13.9% of overall ratings (as of 19/2/2008). To listen to 5aa or Rowe's Sunday morning Roast tune in to 1395 AM
Proud Supporters
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2008
Scott Matthews is proud to announce Andrew Jarman and Stephen Rowe as proud supporters of Kanoe4Kids.
Both gentlemen have been outstanding supporters of charitable organisations in the past and we are delighted they have thrown their weight behind our cause. We also wish to take this opportunity to wish Rowe all the best for his training for the New York Marathon later this year.
Quiz Night
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008
Kanoe4Kids Quiz night. Plans are close to being finalised for the April 18th Quiz night at the Unley Civic centre.
Almost half the tables have been sold already. If you wish to attend please contact Melissa for booking details.
Long Weekend
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008
How do you start a Long Weekend? I kicked off the long weekend with my regular Friday night weights session with my personal trainer Bec Short.
Saturday morning I was accompanied by my support paddlers for a 6am 4 km run on the beach at Glenelg North, Followed by a 10km bike ride.
Boot Camp
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2008
My support paddlers and I completed Bec Short's Plan B BOOT CAMP. Bec runs her Boot Camp on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at John Miller reserve Somerton Park. Starting at 5:50am, Bec pushes participants through an hour of intense exercise.
Over the course of 4 weeks I estimates we ran more than 50 km's in the soft sand, most of the time carrying bags of sand weighing up to 6kg. Furthermore we did approximately over a 1000 push ups and sit ups.
Boot Camp is a very hard, serious but fun intensive training program for those looking for definite results. It has been a great start to my training and I was certainly glad when it was over. However as part of my training I have another 3 Boot Camps to go between now and October, so there is more pain to come.