An Entertaining Day on The Clarence River

Sunday 28^th May 2017

Our last day in Iluka is overcast and there is a thick fog when we look out over the water early this morning. Naturally it is very still and a little rain is possible.

Today’s plan is already formulated, as we have booked on the Sunday Live Music Cruise run by the ferry company. It originates in Yamba and will collect us at 11.45 am, and the cruise continues up to the Harwood Bridge and back.

The ferry is absolutely laden with passengers when it pulled into Iluka and there are about 10 of us joining the cruise here. Initially it looked like it was going to be pretty cosy on board. To our great surprise, about half of the passengers got off at Iluka carrying bags of vegetables, plants and all sorts of things. We then learned that there was a market on in Yamba this morning, and all of these Iluka based people had caught the early ferry over to get the bargains.

Once on board, the crowd was of a comfortable size, maybe 50 people. The bar is already open and seeming to have a reasonable amount of business, and the crowd are true grey nomads. We are feeling a bit young, but it looks like it could be a bit of fun.

The live band, a duo, with much electronic back up assistance, appeared and announced that they played music from the 60’s till present, and it was not too long before they had everyone clapping and enjoying some great 60’s and 70’s music.

The ship's dog is dressed for the occasion

It is still overcast, so most people are inside enjoying the music and keeping the bar and food service staff busy.

After a few beers, the grey nomads livened up, and many were up dancing enjoying music we all grew up with.

The cruise turned around at Harwood bridge and went quite close to the Harwood Sugar Mill (which doesn’t look much different to when I had a job interview there in 1969).

Harwood Bridge

Harwood Mill

Nice House (and boat) on Palmers Island !

It started to rain, but no-one cared as the band kept the place hopping all the way home.

Our little adventure turned out to be a lot of fun, and where else would you get half a days entertainment and a cruise for $20 a head.

It was then back to Mica visa the IGA supermarket to get ready for our planned departure tomorrow.

It is raining tonight, so let's hope the forecast for a nice sunny sail tomorrow holds up !