There were only 3 of us to take up today's challenge and L&I collected R's boat just before 10.00am this morning and she then followed us to the drop off point at what would be the end, if all went well, of the paddle - Comerang Forest Rd Bridge (also called Silo Farm Bridge). After dropping of R's car we drove up to the Tyrone Bridge, where because of the Bridge Works, parking was non existent, and the traffic, a surprising amount of it inlcuding a b double had to inch their way past us as we unloaded they kayaks at the far end of the bridge. L then parked the car a few hundred metres on where he could get off the road.
About to take to the water, we were ready to paddle at 11.27am
Now the reason I called today's paddle a challenge is because it is the first time the CKC will attempt flowing water plus other than the first obstacle that can be seen from the bridge we don't know what other obstacles and barriers we might encounter along the way. So it was with the enthusiasm of all intrepid explorers that we set off. The first portage was only 50 metres downstream of Tyrone Bridge.
A large tree right across the river which forced the water flow through the spot we needed to get out, so it was with some difficulty we pulled into an eddy just upstream of the tree. A short but awkward boat carry then ensued to the tree which L managed to haul all the boats over. Boats back on the water, it was a quick get in the boat as the flow swept us downstream.
Phew first portage done, time to take stock, and listen to L's advice on any similar encounters further on
Looking back to what we had just portaged over
All clear ahead, time to relax
Oops, we seem to be running out of water
A bit of boat dragging required up ahead
Then it was my turn
At the end of this shallow stretch was a lovely deep pool. The sand where the shallow section and deep pool met was extremely soft and I sank up to my knees. Unfortunately, while extracting myself, I lost one of my brand NEW shoes - bummer. L valiantly dug around for ages trying to find it, but to no avail. So leaving my shoe interred in the sand we paddled down the pool
Maiden hair, growing on the bank
Going with the flow
Another pool
From all the way back here I could tell what was going through their minds - "this looks like a good spot for lunch".
And stop we did, at 12.40 - it had taken us 1hour 40mins to do 2kms!!
Back on the water at 1.10pm - looking good
Shallow again
R&L made it through, I wasn't paying attention and ran aground a mere 8 metres from the end
Afloat once more
We wait while El Capitano decides which way
This way
Flowing water
On which L demonstrates breaking out into an eddy
There he goes
And again
R's turn
L checking what's around the corner as the river narrows dramatically.
The strongest flow yet and more opportunity to practice our 'break outs'
Hmm, what's ahead
This looks interesting
But not in a good way
Looking back upstream from the snag
L took off overland on the left hand bank to see how far it was to portage. He was away long enough for me to enjoy a fag - not a good sign. Upon his return it was decided to try the right bank. I hauled my boat across the pool and clambered up the bank to find an old vehicle track - fantastic. So while the others waded across the river I returned to my kayak and hauled it up the bank and down the track. Returning up the track I helped first R, then L with a final heave of their boats onto the the track. It was then an easy haul back down to the river -
only to see yet another blockage a little further on.
It was decided to continue wading with the boats to the blockage. It was quite tricky controlling the boats in the flow and poor R, shortly after this pic, had the water up to her chest as she struggled to keep her boat facing down stream. We managed to slide our boats through on the left hand side as we cautiously negotiated the underwater branches.
Back in our boats, past where a little creek came in from the left.
The next obstacle was just beyond this pic, where we had to perform some deft maneuvering - a zig to the right and a sharp zag to the left followed by some extreme tree limbo.
Not far beyond the tree limbo, at 2.28pm the farm bridge that denotes the tidal limit, came into sight - 3 hours after our start. 3kms done, 4kms more to go.
No more running water, but the incoming tide gave us good clearance
The last obstacle looking familiar, we realised we were nearly to our pull out point. As always, reluctant to end a good paddle we decided to stop for arvo tea on the little beach on the left. 15mins later we returned to the water - this last obstacle, after our earlier experiences - a doddle
And thar she looms, the Coomerang River Rd Bridge. We made it all the way - we were very happy little paddlers.
The end of our paddle at 3.30pm (the last 4kms done in an hour!).
Our trusty boats, baking in the sun waiting for L&R to complete the car shuffle
This stretch of the Tuross, like that lower down, is in good condition and the water teemed with fish the whole way down.
Trip Notes:
Put In: Tyrone Bridge
Take Out: Coomerang Forest Rd Bridge (aka Silo Farm Bridge)
7.11kms
4 hours
High Tide Tuross Heads: 9.18am
High Tide at tidal limit guestimate 2.00pm
River Heights:
Tuross at Eurobodalla: 0.71
Tuross at Tuross Vale: 0.38
