Incredible feat: ADF veterans Ross Boyd, Tony Turner and Ian Errington are on a 2356km journey from Corryong to the mouth of the Murray in South Australia.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Two retired Australian Defence Force personnel have paddled past Echuca-Moama as they raise funds for Soldier On.
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The paddlers, Ross Boyd and Ian Errington, served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Vietnam veteran Tony Turner is acting as their support person along the 2356km journey from Corryong to the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia.
The journey started on February 14 and is expected to finish in late April or early May.
Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation that supports current and former ADF personnel and their families.
Mr Boyd said he was excited to return to the daily routine after a three-day break on a houseboat in Moama.
“The highlight has been meeting residents and holidaymakers on the way,” he said.
“The first week was exhilarating, but since passing Albury, the water level has dropped and become more of a mental challenge than physical.
Soldiering on: Ian Errington and Ross Boyd make their way along the Murray River.
Photo by
Supplied
Over the past few weeks, Mr Errington has become familiar with the daily preparations.
“We are a third of the way in completing our journey,” he said.
“We normally depart at about 7am and go till about 9am, stopping for about 20 to 30 minutes. We’ll have another short break after midday, and we always try and finish by 3pm.”
While paddling on the water for so many days can be gruelling, Mr Errington was hopeful he “may have lost a few extra kilos” but had noticed his “shoulders are much bigger”.
Mr Turner has ensured the expedition has gone smoothly.
“I enjoy helping Ian and Ross as they go on this journey on the Murray River,” he said.
“It can sometimes be frustrating, but we enjoy each other’s company as we head towards the mouth of the river in SA.”
Since 2012, Mr Boyd and Mr Errington have completed several hikes in Australia and abroad.
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