Thankyou…

To all my sponsors, having you on board so to speak, just knowing that there were people behind me during the journey, comforted me greatly. Canoe Warehouse, George Hicks Foundation, Oakley, Aqua tabs, Banana Boat, Kelly Kettle, Progurt, Fitness First, EmbroidMe North Sydney, Signarama Gladesville, Origin Energy, River Murray Charts.

To Diya Bhutani and Elizabeth Shute, the two major administators and publicists for the journey, thankyou for your tireless efforts in attempting to spread the word to as many media outlets as possible. A very successful media campaign one would say. And for your endless work with the Rotary Clubs along the Murray, with whom I did presentations as a guest speaker in four towns: Echuca-Moama, Swan Hill, Robinvale and Renmark.

To the members of the Rotary and Lions clubs whose hospitality exceeded them. Des Jones of Yarrawonga, Jeni and Nick Clift of Moama, Terry Baufiled of Barham Bridge Motel, Gerard Maloney of Swan Hill,  Brian and Rosalie Handreck of Robinvale, Len Arnott of Robinvale,  Jack and Vicki Gibb of Renmark, Jerry and Kerry Wilson of Murray Bridge, Graeme Coventry, also of Murray Bridge and finally, Margaret and Jack of Woods Point.

Richard Parris, thankyou for your assistance along the way. Firstly, for contacting many caravan parks which are situated on the river bank to ask if they would be kind enough to donate a campsite for the night. A warm shower and a pristine square of level freshly cut grass is always more enjoyable than a bumpy bank. Also the opportunity to recharge the video camera an important element of the caravan park stay. Secondly, for up-to-date and on-call weather reports in times of uncertainty.

To the caravan parks who donated a campsite and use of their facilities. Corowa Caravan Park, Kismet Lodge, Time Out Holiday Resort, Berri Riverside Caravan Park and Buronga Caravan Park

To all the people who accompanied me on the water, whether it be for two days or two hours. Terry Renford, Laurence and Carol of Hornsby and Phil Scanlon. Special mention must be made of Brad Butler who helped me cross Lake Alexandrina at the end of the journey. His local knowledge of the lake, knowing exactly which tiny, almost non-existent light on the horizon to paddle towards in complete darkness, is impeccable.

James Ronaldson for the speed of his touch-typing and his willingness to blog on many occaisions. Occaisionally it seemed as though he thought he was being neglected when not called upon to blog. Thank you James.

To those who blogged about me: Sean Smith (www.fatpaddler.com), Lauren Smelcher (www.cosmopolitan.com.au), Marc Hendrik (www.dasmonk.com), Tess (www.funtessa.com)

And last but by no means least, to everyone who donated to The Puffin Paddle and untimately The Puffin Magic Foundation. Your support, no matter how large or how small, is greatly appreciated. The generosity shown by all of you is amazing and my gratitude to you runs deep.

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