The River

The river  rises on the darling scarp meandering westward  over highways turning northwest  through state forest and national parks,  leaving the scarp flowing through the Serpentine dam supplying drinking water to the capitol city and surrounds. After crossing another highway the river swings south until settling into the peel inlet. I’m very lucky to have the river virtually at my doorstep, the wildlife abounds no matter the weather there is always something to see. A two minute walk transports me to another world.

At six am the river was like glass, no breeze and not a cloud in the sky, the serenity was broken as our kayaks hit the water. Mum and I paddled away from the jetty to drop our nets when we were joined by the local resident’s Mum, Dad and Baby bottle nose dolphin. Today they were all in a high spirits, swimming under our kayaks, coming up along side of us and performing all sorts of tricks. They played for a while then went up to the lake to feed they were soon back with us ducking, diving and making the water spin. Though this is a spectacular way to spend a morning it can be quite unnerving, I know they know where we are, however we don't always know where they are, so when they come up along side of you and very loudly breathe out it can take your breath away. This morning we played with our neighbors for two hours after they had finished their breakfast they moved towards their backyard, the lower reaches of the estuary. What a morning once again, I can't believe I walk less than 200 meters from my front door into their world and what's more they welcome me with a splash and a flick of their tail.