Yakabout - Where it all began

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Where it all began

Sunday, 24 August 2008

I've been a little consumed since last weekend, where I drove down to Melbourne to see family and friends. It was a great weekend but oh so tiring, not just because of the driving distance involved, but also the tight schedule that I'd arranged. I really did pack a lot of visiting in just a couple of days. Along my travels I stopped in at Bendigo, which is where I was born and grew up. I came in from Melbourne on the ever-improving Calder Freeway, turning off towards Marong and then onto Crusoe road, which also leads to Bendigo. I took this alternative route because I wanted to stop off at Crusoe res to take a look. I have fond piscatorial memories of this place, even though it was completely illegal to fish there at the time. The local redfin were so big, juicy and abundant that as over-energetic 15 year olds, we simple couldn't help ourselves, sneaking in through in the fence, stealthily move towards the resevoir, scan for signs of rangers and if all clear, bust out the celta spinners and start-a-spinnin. Without fail, we'd always get at least one good fish each. I've never seen Redfin bigger than the specimens we'd catch from here, so it might come as no surprise that I've often daydreamed about kayak fishing there.

To kayak or not to kayak... that is the question

When I first pulled up at the res I was greeted with the grim reality of water stocks in central Victoria. Similar (though not as drastic) to nearby Lake Eppaloch, Crusoe res is now a shadow of it's former self and looks precariously close to extinction. I clearly remember how far up the rock-lined banks the water came when we fished there as kids and I'd say that the catchment has probably lost 3 meters, possibly more. As I stood there wondering how long it might take to dry out completely I swiftly shelved any notions I had of dragging the kayak in. But moments later I saw something that did get me thinking about untying the kayak there and then.

The water use to come up to where I was standing when I took this shot

As I walked along the fence line where I'd pulled up I spotted an open gate. When I was a kid the only gates were under lock and key, whereas this one was plainly ajar. Then I saw the signs around the entrance, indicating that the area was no longer off limits and now open to the public. Fishing is allowed, although no motorboats can be used there: yak fishing heaven. I looked at and read the signs, peered out over the res, looked back at the kayak sitting atop the car, then up to the sun in an effort to estimate how much daylight was left. It was 4:30PM and the sun had already sunk behind the trees, and in just over an hour would be hidden by the horizon. An hour and half of light... not enough time to make the effort for. Not in this weather, any way.

Oh, so now I don't have to climb through a hole in the fence?

It was really cold in Victoria, reminding me of how little I miss it. During the trip I realised what it was (other than the cold) that I miss about Melbourne the least. That is the roads, or to be more precise, the experience of driving on them. Especially with respect to 'safety cameras'. Here in NSW, each speed camera is installed with numerous warning signs clearly visible before the camera appears. Not so In Victoria, however, where cameras are discreetly positioned in various ways that make them difficult or impossible to see coming; under bridges, behind bushes... wherever they can think of to maximise their chances of catching you out.

I understand the logic of that system, though I'm inclined to think it's implementation is designed for maximum revenue return, not maximum statistical results. I think the NSW method makes for safer driving all round, as the presence of the cameras is more of a constant reminder that you need to be aware of your speed. But driving on Victoria roads is more like playing a puzzle-based video game, and more of a 'spot-the-camera' sort of experience, as opposed to a 'watch the road' strategy. I'd be very interested to see what the actual performance indicator statistics between the speed cameras in NSW and VIC.

It's a nice day In Jervis Bay today - not a cloud in the sky (not yet any way). My gear's packed, rods are rigged and I've got the day off. So I'm heading out into the Bay (tossing up between Vincentia and Bowen Island) to see if I can't round up a snapper or two on plastics. Look for the report later tonight.