gwydir feb 16/17 anyone?

[hairy_boater]

hi, its Tim here - I met some of you guys on the Snowy when the jindabyne release was on - anywho,

I realise you guys are already planning to hit up penrith on this weekend, but if anyone's keen, i'd be keen for a gwydir trip  - the level is a bit low at the moment, but a few weeks ago it was high, so would have to be a bit last minute with the planning

I'm in duanne's ear at the moment, so there might be two of us currently....

lots of mights. Might go to penno if this plan fell through....

tim

[Browny]

Hi Tim,

Could definitely be keen if the level is looking good. Keep me in the loop.

Linden

[Griff]

What is the logistics?  How far from, Canberra?

Is there a guage and what is the level?  I believe that this is an irrigation release.  Is that the case?

[Tom]

Also keen if the level comes up.

[BJ]

Wow looks like some sick paddling to be done up there! Big trip though, looks like similar distance to nymbo trip.

[hairy_boater]

i think its ~10hrs from canberra. The gauge is gwydir d/s copeton dam - google that and it should come up. Apparently minimum is ~1500ml/day, and max discharge is ~10,000....Pool drop granite gorge, big features, perhaps used to be a bit more popular? Maybe the brisbane guys do it more often.

today its at 900 or so, before the cyclone etc. it was at 6000+...

apparently the shuttle can be organised with a local farmer - as of 4 or 5 years ago...

Tim

[Bok]

It has been a few years since I paddled the Gwydir but here's a few memories:

The water is cold - think Munyang-cold
The first time shuttle is tricky without an old hand
The first three rapids "The Troubles" - just around the corner from the put in are all ~4 with some big holes (esp at 6000 Ml/d - last visit)
The portages are easy - names "Saphire Falls" and "Dead End Falls". I think both have been paddled in low low flow.
Watch for "Big Mother" (folded flow), Umbrella falls (serious suck back) and Tombstone (pin/wrap potential)
Overall it is pushy 4/5 paddling with a lot a great rapids

Bok

[Bok]

On the shuttle: see https://sites.google.com/site/joyofflood/Joy-of-Flood/guide-book (Rob Hales knows the Gwydir but info may be a little dated)

On a river guide see http://www.adventurepro.com.au/paddleaustralia/pa.cgi?action=details&id=gwyd4#.URiJCB3qnUx (if you are desperate - I can identify the photos on this site)

[BJ]

Thanks Bok. Sounds exciting!

Apparently it's a very good idea to establish a takeout before you make the 10 hour drive up there becaUse takeout options are VERY limited!