ERNIE Pelda always wanted to return to a life on the water.

Having lived on a houseboat on the Murray River a few years ago, the Mildura truck driver was keen to resume the lifestyle for another year.

But there turned out to be a number of obstacles between Mr Pelda and his goal.

After a fruitless search for the perfect boat, Maggie's Zoo was found at Lake Eildon, about 600km from Mildura.

"I ...