After disturbing the darters, we set about unloading the boats and getting ready to paddle
Taking to the water
V&S were on the water and ready to paddle by 8.44am - must be a record - and soaked up some early morning rays waiting for L& me.
10 minutes ahead of schedule, at 8.50am we were all afloat. As we paddled up the Tuross a brief discussion was held to decide the route - Bumbo Creek or up the Tuross. The Tuross looked very inviting, so that was our choice.
As we were paddling approx 1 1/2 hours before high tide reached us we had to pick our way through some shallow water over sand bars/plugs.
The river was surprisingly attractive and abounded with fish, eels and birdlife. Because it mainly wends its way through farmland we had expected a more degraded system.
A couple of pelicans flying past
The river alternated between long deep pools interspersed with sand bars/plugs
We reached the 7km mark and paddled acouple of hundred meters beyond this point to the start of what I think, was the Coomerang State Forest. With no suitable lunch spots in site we reluctantly turned around and retraced our path back down the river for approx 1 km.
Maiden hair fern was abundant in this stretch
Reaching this large sandy beach at 11.15am where we stopped for an hour for an early lunch
Back on the water at 12.20 we continued on down stream. Once again L had calculated to perfection and while we had lunch the tide turned and we paddled back downstream with the outgoing tide.
With a couple of kms to go we stopped for a 'nature', fag and numb bum break, which made a huge difference to the last of the paddle. And although the effect of the tide was only slight it was enough to neutralise the breeze that had sprung up.
Paddling back down the river just after the tide had turned meant there was more water over the sand plugs and our journey was relatively swift.
Looking down stream from our launch - a paddle for another day?
Coming to the end of our Tuross River adventure at 2.20pm
Besides the usual suspects, we had a good sighting of three Nankeen Herons.
Trip notes:
from Weather Willy:
High Tide at Tuross Head: 7.30am
High Tide at Tuross River West Head: 9.05am
L. Calculated high tide at Snake Flat: 10.25am
Scheduled start of paddle at 9.00am
Put In/Take Out: Snake Flat, Tuross River up Bumbo Road
14.6km
5hrs 30mins
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