I am happy to report that at this stage it looks like the proposed big HFTC trek along the Murray River is going ahead around mid-August of 2024.  It is intended to start the trek in Corryong and Finish at Wellington in South Australia where the Murray runs in to Lake Alexandria.  I have been in touch with club members along the route to work out the best routes for the trek though their areas.  The list local coordinators involved is still being finalised, but at this stage includes Alan (aka Doc) Carpenter with Trigg working out the route from the source of the Murray to Corowa, Ron Cotteril sorting out the section from Corowa to Yarrawonga. Merv Smith will be taking over and sorting the route from Yarrawonga to Barmah, then I will be handling the route from Barmah to Barham.  Darryl Whately will pick up the section from Barham to Robinvale, then Danny Lee will lead us through the Lake Hattah National Park then up along the Murray to the South Australian border.  Ken and Judy Vorwerk will take over from there and figure out a way for us to safely get to Wellington.

No doubt we will be having rest days at the various towns along the way to check out the local sights, but over-all the trek could last up to four weeks.  Unlike our other large treks, we are encouraging local members along the way to join in for as long as they like, you would be most welcome.  Those doing the full trek will need to work out the best way to manage their support vehicles and trailers as the we will not be returning to the starting point on this trek.

Participants will be required to fill out a Health Information sheet that they will hand in a sealed envelop to the trek coordinator at the commencement of the trek.  It will only be opened in the case of a medical emergency and otherwise returned unopened at the conclusion of the trek.  We will also have a defibrillator & comprehensive first aid kit on this trek.  Those doing the full trek will be required to have UHF radios on their tractors which must also be registered (club plates are ok) and in sound mechanical condition. A check list is available to help you ensure it is mechanically ready for the trek.  Participants will also be required to be self-sufficient in terms of fuel and supplies, although on this trek availability of supplies etc is not a major issue.

We are in the early stages of planning for this trek and as this is bedded down updates will be provided in the next few editions of Fergytalk.  IF you are interested in participating, please let me know.  My contract details are: Ph: 03 5449 6497  m: 0427 496 497  email: rpsjwilson@hotmail.com.

Bob Wilson