The aptly named Motley Crew comprised paddlers from Coomba Park Wallis Spirit Dragons, Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, Port Macquarie Flamin’ Dragons, Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club, Coffs Harbour Dragon Boat Club, Grafton Dragon Boat Club and Lennox Head Rainbow Region Dragons and was one of eight crews attempting the marathon.

The adventure started at 4.45am when the sleepy paddlers and their partners were picked up from their accommodation for the drive out to the dam wall. 

The first 21km section included small rapids which were tricky to negotiate and resulted in the Motley Crew changing their name to the Tree Huggers after being swept into the bank. They soon settled in and started to enjoy the majestic east Kimberley landscape surrounding the mighty Ord.  T

The red cliffs were stunning and they even managed to spot eagles in the trees.  The first stop was at 9.30am at the Triple J camp at Carlton Gorge where morning tea was provided.

Back in the boat again for the second section to Echo Point, more than 11.5km away, it was an easy paddle for the crew knowing the longest leg was behind them.  

The next 14.5km was hard paddling with no current assisting, but a huge lunch was provided at Crossing Falls Boat Ramp which raised their spirits, as did the knowledge that they had only 8km to go.

Then the final leg and the team was in high spirits as they approached the finish at Kimberley Land Caravan Park, Kununurra around 4.30pm.  Waiting was champagne and nibbles provided by the organisers, Kununurra Dragon Boat Club.