Only days after record Canberra temperatures and deadly fires in the Victorian forests, problems with poisonous algae plague our kayaking plans on Lake Burley Griffin.

Leaving the city to its misery, we head west for the hills.

At Casuarina Sands, it's warm and the river's cool and clean. A gentle breeze stirs among the rushes and trees as we haul food, drinks and BBQ equipment to the water's edge.

Time to take the plunge.

Traditional Aussie male cuisine rendered with flair by Mark and Ron.

Ron directs all wasps and flies to the cooking zone.

European wasps munch through the leftovers, showing a strong preference for rissoles.

Graham and Gary (photo left) make it to the river... and cross to the other side. Before taking to the waters, Graham explains the intricacies of knots.

Mentors watch in awe as Gary and Graham (photo left) display their sitting-on-water skills.

Neal and son examine design principles, while a mentoree (photo right) experiences an instant chill.

Serious tree-hugging from Mark (photo left) entertains our mentors.