Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Outdoor Amy

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Ever had a dream to paddle the Murray? Amy Teitzel did. Now utilising her long service leave, she is paddling her 13-foot canoe the length of the mighty river.

Amy started in Walwa, 150km upstream of Hume Dam on April 9.

Amy Teitzel
Amy Teitzel
Photo: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper.

“I started paddling 25 years ago, then I took a 20-year break.

“Living at Berri in the South Australia Riverland, I thought, ‘I live on the river, I should take it up again’.”

Amy paddled from her home to the Murray mouth last year and hopes to complete this full-length attempt by the end of July.

“It’s not about going fast. The canoe I have is more for comfort, others often use sea kayaks which are faster and a lot longer.”

Amy has found the river a real mixed bag, describing beautiful nature moments, lovely people and a challenging low river.

“There had been lots of farmland upstream but going through the Gunbower Forest was very special, it felt like I was in the middle of nowhere.

“Barham was very special. Jenny and Chris Pye made me feel very welcome, giving me a tour and meeting all their family. Lovely people.”

Amy Teitzel
Photo: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

The low river has made disembarking a challenge. Amy is averaging about 20km a day before attempting to scale the muddy exposed banks to set up camp.

Amy had some excitement with her drone while near Echuca. While mid-flight the drone’s battery reached low levels, triggering an automatic return to home GPS feature. Unfortunately, a gum tree was also on the most direct route home. The collision of drone and tree made for an unintended three-day drone rescue. Calling on the help and support of fellow paddlers, the drone was retrieved and sent for the necessary repairs. 

The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper 27 May 2021

You can follow Amy via a Facebook page called Outdoor Amy, and there will be a follow-up YouTube video series on the journey.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 27 May 2021.

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