Bernhards epic paddle is 2350km
FOR most 73-year-olds the idea of paddling 2350km on a solo kayaking trip along the Murray River would never cross their mind.
But for Woombye man Bernhard Weitkuhn that is exactly what he is doing.
Bernhard has paddled 850km in 20 days and is staying in Barham, a little town upstream from Swan Hill on the river.
He said he had battled fast-running currents, and fierce headwinds that had chopped up the water and made it difficult to put the kilometres under his belt.
But Bernhard said the negatives do not outweigh the positives.
"I am really enjoying the trip, especially the mornings when I am fresh and nobody else is around," he said.
"There are stretches when I don't see anyone boating or camping all day, but other days the river is full of activity."
The Coast man, who started the adventure on March 10 to raise money for Bloomhill Cancer Help, said the experience had been fun so far and the scenery amazing.
He knew as the days progressed it would get tougher to take on the river and the elements. But the German-born Bernhard has not lost his sense of humour.
When he spoke of staying in the town of Howlong, he said, "You're probably wondering how long I would be stay in Howlong?"
His answer was: "I don't know how long I will be in Howlong and how long it will take me to the end of my trip.
"But I am doing all right so far."
He said two days ago he passed the marker that told him he was 1600km from the mouth of the Murray River which meant he had paddled one third of the distance.
Bernhard said the hardest thing about the trip so far had been being out of power and phone range until his recent stop.
"It is great fun and I have seen such terrific scenery," he said.
"The weather was excellent except for one day and the river has plenty of water and a good flow."
