Ratings: CP *** Surroundings ***
The mighty Murray River with its majestic river red gums, some as old as 700 years, bearing traces of territorial markings and oval shapes cut into the bark by the Aboriginal people before settlers arrived. These shapes were cut and used to make canoes and shields. Bumbang Island opposite has numerous Aboriginal heritage sites which include scar trees, middens and burial sites. The roots of red gums are covered by waters during times of flood and become web-like labyrinths above the banks once waters have subsided....magical!
Greetings, Captain John Egge! He came from China and was one of the 'river people' working on river boats from 1854. He became one of the biggest boat owners on the Murray Darling and owned many businesses but was apparently also very generous to those in need. Bollards along the river between Swan Hill and Robinvale were decorated by local artists in 2003 to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of paddle steamers on the Murray. Robinvale is a multicultural enclave of 22 nationalities due to seasonal work such as fruit and almond picking. The population varies and is thought to be between 8000 and 10000 people.
The alluring woodcutter and I, both intense it seems! Paddle steamers burnt half a ton of dry red gum per hour and woodcutters who lived beside the river, carted their woodpiles with horse and cart. Boat captains left notes saying what they had taken and paid later.
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