Yesterday's paddle was erroneously planned around high tide. So, despite glassy water beckoning all morning we did not set out until 1.30pm by which time the forecast breeze was making itself felt.
Setting off from Payne's Island we headed round the northern end of Honeysuckle Island - the combination of wind and shallow water making it hard going. Seeking out the leads and channels through the shallow waters we wended our way toward the entrance - to find it closed! We could have paddled on glassy water in the morning; bummer.
Still, there was plenty of bird life, wheeling overhead, flying past, perched and hunting along the shoreline to take our mind off the wind.
About halfway along the eastern shore we paddled into sheltered water and started to look for somewhere suitable for a leg stretch.
After our snack and chat - the wind earlier having precluded much talk - and watching a stingray glide slowly by, we set off into the maze of reed beds. Here it was completely sheltered and quiet except for the chatter of small birds unseen in the reeds and the occasional noise of startled kangaroos bounding away as we approached.
Exiting the reed lined labyrinth we discovered the wind had largely died away and headed down toward the beautiful Wallaga Bridge to get around the sand bar that lay between us and Payne's Island.
Reaching our take out at about 10 past 4, we unpacked the kayaks and then sat on the bench, warmed by the last of the sun on our backs and enjoyed the view for awhile before loading the boats and heading home.
6.35kms
Note: You can check the BOM NSW river heights for Wallaga Lake at Regatta Point (as I should have done):
https://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDN60234/IDN60234.569032.plt.shtml
This will indicate if the lake is closed or open.
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