Victoria’s latest sea kayaking sensation the “Retired or Unemployed Melbourne Paddlers” (RUMPs) and their SeaSaWW colleagues (Sea Swimmers and Work Waggers) set off from Altona on Monday for a paddle to Point Cook. A tight-knit and disciplined bunch, they paddled off with grit and determination for the arduous journey ahead. Struggling in the harsh winter conditions and a tough following sea…

 the paddlers finally sighted land – Point Cook. After an onerous seven kilometres, the weary kayakers struggled ashore, skilfully guiding their boats over concealed rocks and bravely confronting the corpses of massive blubber jellyfish floating in the shallows. Tired and exhausted but always prepared for an expedition, the RUMPs staggered up the beach to take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse, and replenished their energy from their meagre supplies. Faced with the long journey home, all that lay ahead was wilderness.

 But this historical event did not go unrecorded. As the wind picked up, so did the nuggety RUMPs’ spirit and after a democratic discussion to decide on the best paddling strategy…. …the paddlers soon reached Altona pier… …unnoticed by the local authorities. At last, the Gondwanan vegetation of the western front. Age will not weary them….