Watchem locals were delighted and bemused as a new resident, Pete, paddled his way around the entirety of Watchem Lake — on an inflatable sloth.

Pete, who recently moved to Watchem from Melbourne to work at the local lentil farm as a machinist, decided to make his debut in the community with a unique aquatic adventure. 

Armed with nothing but an oversized inflatable sloth and using only his hands to paddle, he spent hours navigating the tranquil waters of the lake, drawing the attention of locals and wildlife alike.

What made his journey even more remarkable was the support he received from an unexpected entourage of ducks. As he paddled, dozens of ducks surrounded him, quacking curiously and accompanying him for part of his journey.

“I became one with the ducks,” Pete said with a grin. “We really connected. It felt like I’d made some proper friends on the lake.”

The spectacle sparked excitement among Watchem residents, many of whom stopped to wave, snap photos, and cheer him on. One local, Gloria, called it “the most wholesome thing I’ve seen in years.”

Pete promises more escapades in the future, hinting at a “koala float” next time.

For now, Watchem has gained not just a new resident, but a new story that will be told fondly for years to come.