The Launceston Historical Society’s September meeting featured an audio-visual presentation titled Clytie and Me by Guy Burns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The presentation focused on amateur explorer Eric Sargent, and his many trips and treks through the Tasmanian wilderness.
The presentation took viewers through Mr Sargent’s life in the outdoors, from his early days in scouts, to his many years running Cradle Mountain tour guide company Craclair Tours.
Mr Burns explained that Mr Sargent is a pioneer in the Tasmanian outdoor scene.
“Eric’s first trip as a scout was in 1947, and the following year he went to a very remote area across the Eldon Range, and very few people have done that even today,” he said.
“Other than the first guys who went through in the 1930’s, there were no other guided tours through Cradle Mountain until the 60’s when Eric started them up again.
“There was a 30 year gap of guided tours through the reserve.”
The title of the presentation, Clytie and Me, is a reference to Mr Sargent’s beloved boat Clytie.
He was gifted the canoe more than 80 years ago as a Christmas gift, however it sat untouched for nearly 60 years.
After retiring, Mr Sargent found his old boat, and restored it to working condition.
Even at the age of 89, he still rows Clytie every Thursday.