"Extreme Cataract" Australian Kayaking Championships @ Launceston Gorge

Hot Hot Hot weather for the Australian white water kayaking championships in Launceston today! the Lonnie gorge is normally a pretty laid back place where families go for a picnic, kids go for a swim, and I run most days, but today open the dam upstream and add 24,000 litres of water a second to the equation and it becomes all good fun! Apparently it is the only place in the world with class 4/5 rapids that actually flow into a city... cool

The rapids are level 4/5 out of a 1-6 grade range, so they are pretty full on! quite a few competitors came to grief right in front of our viewing spot on the bank of the gorge, not sure about the sense in kayaking upside down over rocks and rapids, but a few tried... One guy must have been able to hold his breath pretty well cause he passed by about 4 safety ropes thrown in to help correct him without success, which I imagine could be a bit scary!!! throw in some raft races, odd little canoe type things and it was a great spectacle.

Super day, lots of respect for these guys and girls!

Running in the Gorge

This is my absolute fav place to run in Launceston. Basically Lonnie is in a valley located on the banks of the murky Tamar River. The 'city' is not renowned for places to walk and run, in winter the air quality is often poor, and unlike Calgary the cars don't stop for you when you cross the street, so road running just isn't good for your health!

BUT, what we do have is an amazing gorge and basin which is only a short walk from the heart of the city. No cars, no fumes, just picturesque paths that wind up around the cliffs of the gorge into the first basin, which is complete with swimming pools and a suspension bridge connecting the two banks. If ever we are feeling extra keen the run can be extended 45 minutes by running further along the gorge paths up to the old Duck Reach power station built way back when!

The gorge has a nice pool which is popular in the summer months, and you can also swim in the basin waters if your feeling particulary brave and not worried about a little shrinkage ;-)

Others places of interest in Launceston include the nearby seaport development which is a nice place for a relaxing coffee or meal, and the wineries up river which are world famous for their pinot noirs (try the Tamar Ridge!)

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