After Merrijig we caught up with the first group and then stopped for lunch. After lunch we returned to our two groups only this time the players went first.
It was not long before the willows increased and at times they were right across the river, making it difficult to get through. At higher levels the trees would make it extremely dangerous. In places we tried to cut a path through to make it easier for the less experienced paddlers following us but at other times we had to portage. The lower section in particular has always had a problem with willows but this was the worst I’ve ever seen. I certainly wouldn’t be recommending a trip on the river until they’ve been cleaned out.
At the last wave the players enjoyed the final surf of the day. After a while we started to get worried about the other group but they then appeared. They’d had some problems with the trees and some swimmers.