Tuesday 10 October 2017 Brou Lake

Yesterday's paddle was a special one for the CKC. G took to the water again, having last paddled way back in the middle of April when we ventured up the Bega River.

Once again it was an early start to try and avoid the winds that have been dictating the timing of our paddles since the middle of winter. We reached our put in point at Brou Lake about 9.10am and set about unloading. G unloading the bargain pedal Hobie he found in Moruya last week.

Setting up the 'tubbies',  renamed the 'Slappers' after paddling into the wind on the second leg of our outing.

V took this lovely study of the pelican

At last, we were away at 9.45am

But not for long. G&R returned to shore to correct G's rudder problems. Meanwhile we rafted

Until V& S decided to return to shore to fit drip rings to one of  the lightweight Werner paddles lent to us by L's nephew that V was trying out

Rudder fixed and drip rings fitted we paddled around the corner and headed up the creek

There was a feel of the bayou's about it

There was heaps of birdlife. Swans flying over us

We turned around just after this corner

On the return trip down the creek. L took a diversion into a side lagoon. So much for El Capitano's decree that we stay together! So he wants it noted his paddle for the day was 11.5km
Back in the lake proper, and now paddling into the wind that had sprung up EARLY while we were 'up the creek' we headed to our launch site for for morning tea

Back at the launch site around 11.30am, having paddled 4.75km everyone decided, bugger morning tea, lets have lunch.

After a leisurely, and yummy lunch, we took to the water again at 1.240

Leaving George to snooze in the sun

We headed seaward, hugging the shore to try and avoid the wind for as long as possible

Tucked behind the dunes, R, L&I watched some Godwits feed as we waited for V&S while they landed at the sand bar for a windy visit to the ocean.

Pressing on once more we crossed some more exposed water

Passed a pelican, probably the same one that greeted us upon our arrival

And into another lagoon, disturbing a flock of swans

And then up another channel

And around this point (where we stopped for a 10min break on the way back) into the last lagoon

The 'Slappers' still making their way up the channel

Stopping for our 10 min break. The ground was quite spongy - at least to L and me!

Returning down the channel, prior to beating our way back across the open lake to our launch site.

Back on dry land at 3.00pm. After unpacking and loading the boats we said goodbye to G&R and headed our weary way home.

 However --- as we approached the Bermagui Co-op we could see that the Gelati shop was still open so a quick detour was made to reward ourselves with a cone.

Trip Notes:
Put In/Take Out: Just before Brou Lake campground
10.7kms
5hrs 15mins