Carp-a-thon

The creek at the farm where we fished for carp.

Sam's survival hut.

Last weekend, we participated in an annual event: THE CARP-A-THON!

The Carp-a-thon is a fishing tournament like no other I've ever been to. There are NO LIVE WELLS, no daily weigh ins, no relays of runners or super prizes.

The Carp-a-thon takes place in Morundah, about 25 minutes out of Narrandera and it's purpose is the help rid the surrounding streams and rivers of an invasive species: European carp. The carp are considered a "garbage fish" and when they are caught, they are killed. They are ruining the delicate balance that exists in the river and stream ecosystems and must be extinguished.

The Site

We went out with Rod, Marie, Jarrod and Lauren as well as Brigitte and James to Helen and Alan's farm in Morundah. They live on the creek and so we had prime creek footage to fish out our weekend. Many families camp on the creek for the weekend and we SORT OF did. Rod set up a shade tent and barbecue kitchen complete with flags. He also set up fishing rods all along the shore in holders and complete with bells to let us know if a fish was on.

We arrived mid-morning on Saturday and I took a spot in one of the comfy camp chairs and the boys dispersed among the trees, the bank, the snacks. We always feel like we are among family when we are with the Smiths and O'Briens. We are welcome and we are comfortable and when you are so away from home, it is a feeling that you treasure.

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Cooking up brekkie with Marie.

We set about the serious business of fishing - as well as eating and chatting and by nightfall, we had about 7 carp. Once caught, they were put in a "feedbag" that was hanging off a nearby tree to go in the next day. As night began to fall, a fire was lit from all the firewood the boys collected and we shared a yummy spagetti bolognaise. Thanks Brigitte! We sat by the fire and enjoyed the peace of the creek and the company of one another until we were all a bit drowsy... time for bed! Instead of crawling into swags or tents, we headed back to the farmhouse and retired to our nice comfy beds - well, some of us did. Sam, Jake, Lauren and James camped in tents in the yard. We were a bit leary of snakes in the area and decided to play it safe - I NEVER would have camped outside anyway! I did however, stink like a campfire, eat lots of hearty camping food and abstained from a shower the next morning. I'd say that's a pretty big step - not to be repeated anytime soon :)

Rod's fab base camp

The Carp Throw

One of the main events of the Carp-a-thon os the Carp Throw. Competitors are divided into age groups and by gender. The throwing area has a measuring tape that runs along it's length and a spray painted throw line. Contestants hold a dead carp and attempt to throw it as far as they can. There is a marshall and the leading throw is marked with a squashed beer can (very technical) until it is either beaten, whereby the can is moved or is declared the winner. All the boys attempted this event but without being victorious. My Canadian boys were new at this and they all came within the top 3 - not bad for their first time! In Sam's age group, I was sprayed by the guts of a carp that went out of bounds. Can you say Y-U-C-K and EWWWW and GROSS??? Did this happen because I was trying all weekend to avoid the vile, stinky fish?

The trailer of carp ... hurray for ridding the water of these foul fish!

We enjoyed another truly unique Australian experience and we have to thank the O'Briens and the Smiths for once again hosting us and making it a fun and memorable weekend! Thank you!