This trip was at the request of Robin Boundy and his son Tom to paddle with them to Maria Island. Originally the idea was to circumnavigate the island, but the weather forecast, and a sore elbow and shoulder really put that out of the question. It will still be there next year. Robin ran into two other members of the VSKC a few days before the trip and Neil Brenton and Raia came along too.

Day one we paddled across to camp in Chinamans Bay, and inspected the old convict cells, the old farm house, and walked down along the isthmus to stand on the beach at Reidle Bay.

Day two was a paddle into the wind to Darlington, where various historic sites were inspected.

Day three Robin, Tom and Raia climbed Mt Maria in warm clear sunny weather, while Neil and I claimed injuries prevented us from doing it.

Day four we paddled back across Mercury Passage to Robin's shack just south of Orford.

I'm not going to dob anyone in about their absolutely disgusting meals - but I'm sure that Tom will be doing his own catering in future.

These are a few photos of the trip. I'm sure that a more detailed report will appear in the VSKC magazine.
(Other recent photos of Maria Island are at http://members.iinet.net.au/~lford1/rachdanmaria.htm and at http://members.iinet.net.au/~lford1/dave.htm)