This was our luxury accomodation for 5 nights on the Murray River, Echuca. We were lucky to be invited with 3 other couples to sample this fine vessel. Indulgence is the largest commercial houseboat in port. It has a full kitchen, 42" plasma TV, large loung room, 4 rooms with ensuites, spa and second kitchen on the upper deck. Every little attention to detail was made.*
This beautiful arrangement greeted us when we boarded the Indulgence. It is all artificial and cost AUD$1,000! (the owner told us so). There were also other lovely fresh arrangements on board too.*
This is the Thong Tree at the Port of Echuca. Not sure of the history - maybe the workers who find odd thongs, nail them to the tree.*
This is the wharf where boats tie up. Our friends from Echuca have seen the river right up to the top of the wharf (big floods back in 1992). At some point in time, it will rise that high again.*
This is the Emmylou - you can paddle up and down the river and enjoy a great meal aboard.*
Some of the local houseboats have funny names...*
...there was Slakaz also...*
... this is the Ivy-May - a dear little paddle steamer...*
...they come in all shapes and sizes, big and small...*
The drought is having a terrible effect on the river with lots of erosion - bare tree roots all the way along.*
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Eventually, these shacks will be forced to move back or they will end up in the river.*
I got some good sunsets...*
...such a peaceful time of day...*
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Boats go whizzing by all the time with skiers, knee boarders and kids on floaties.*
Now to the food - as you can see, we had oysters, prawns...*
...beautiful fresh crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) from our region and crisp Cape Jaffa Unwooded Chardonnay...*
...tasty salads...*
...did I mention crayfish, oysters and prawns...*
...another meal on the upper deck...*
...cheese platter and wine...*
...rack of lamb on mash with carrots and green beans and a redcurrant & orange glaze...*
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...lasagne and salad...*
When it was our turn to cook we had Wagyu fillet steak, salad of rocket, pear, parmesan and walnut with sweet mustard dressing and roast baby potoatoes...*
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There was a bread maker on board so I made bread rolls and a french stick...*
... I did a bit of this...*
... Angus did a bit of that ('another G&T, daahling?) ...*
... we watched boats and people all day long. Some of the boats are very expensive (one was estimated to be AUD$80,000) ...*
... fishing for trout with Mozzarella cheese as the bait...don't ask, it works!*
We had really warm weather so we swam a bit but you must be careful of the current - it can sweep you away. Hope you like my pics of a very beautiful place in Australia.
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Cheers - Joolz
