Friday 24 November 2017 Nelson's Lagoon

Earlier in the week we received a txt from V suggesting a paddle on Friday; a couple of days later another txt arrived suggesting lunch at the newly re-opened Tathra Pub. So L decided a morning paddle at Nelson's Lagoon would fit the bill.

We arranged to meet at the car park at 9.30am. S, of S'nL said he might join us (and with this particular branch of the family 'might' really is a 'might), so it was a pleasant surprise to see not only S arrive, but L as well.

The 300 metre path and drop down to the water proved more of a challenge than we'd anticipated, but eventually we got all the boats down - a special thanks is due to the person who invented kayak wheels! At 9.53 we were nearly ready

At 10.00am we were launching onto this stunning waterway. El Capitano's plan for today had been a short paddle followed by a session of learning how, if possible, to re enter our kayaks from deep water.
However, upon launching it was discovered the water was unexpectedly cold, down to 14oc, according to L of S'nL, due to the recent spate of cold winds. So the second part of the plan was summarily abandoned - much to the relief of the CKC. And L and S'nL, being relieved of their upcoming coaching and retrieval session, could just enjoy the paddle.

The tide was wooshing in and we had to keep paddling, else we started floating backward

S, of S'nL waiting patiently in his sleek speed machine for us laggards in our sit-on-tops to catch up

I can't think of enough superlatives to describe the water and surrounds

L, of S'nL on her paddleboard

Sublime

The L's checking the entrance (while S, or S'nL was already out, surfing the waves)

Was it a flood or a very high tide that deposited this log here?

Here come the rest of the crew

And there goes S and R out the entrance! with those in the sleek machines, looking on

Heading back down the Lagoon, being whizzed along by the incoming tide

Insert your own 'superlative'

G, pedalling

V, scouting ahead to see if we can get through

And yes we could if we stuck close to the edge

Soon after, S'nL left us to return to their chores and we rafted and let the tide take us for awhile waiting for G to join us and when he didn't we decided to head back.

The return paddle wasn't as arduous as anticipated and we made good time.  By the time we had lugged the boats up the steps and back along the path it was noon and the unfit half of the CKC were pooped.  Once packed up and changed we headed eagerly to the Tathra Pub - beautifully renovated, unfortunately the food was somewhat disappointing.