First on the agenda, after breakfast, was boat trialing on the Bay.V, S, & R were trying 3 different sit in kayaks. G, L & I found ourselves a spot in the shade to take it all in. The first trial with V&S was undertaken in perfect conditions. Then the wind hit like a small freight train and the rest of the trials were unfortunately just that, a trial - to stay upright and vaguely in control of the boat, so not a fair testing at all. So with no conclusions reached beyond 'thank god that's over' and after all of us spending a considerable amount of money in the kayak shop (other than V, the organiser of this little jaunt) we repaired to the coffee shop to plan today's paddle.
In looking for sheltered water, it was decided to do a one way paddle across the top of St George's Basin and head up Wandandian Creek.
After the drive to Basin View boat ramp we unloaded the boats and did the car shuffle to Bewong. Upon our return we found that V&R had managed to get all but G and L's boats down to the water. So with only G's boat and Precious to be carried down we were soon taking to the water at 2.30pm in what turned out to be a sheltered part of St George's Basin. There are three entrances to Wandandian Creek from St George's Basin and we aimed for the right hand entrance.
Having paddled, wallowed and surfed across the head of St George's Basin we reached calmer water
and I was able to reach for the camera
Here come the others. The houses are where we launched
Only to run aground themselves close to where V had given up trying to refloat and was hauling her boat across the shallows
After hauling our boats over the soft mud and with the wind trying to snatch out boats away we made it onto the creek.
Getting out breath back
But it was worth the effort
Once out of the wind it was oppressively warm and any shade was sort whilst waiting to confab our which route to take next
It was decided to hang a leftie and then a right and head up into Tullarwalla Lagoon. However once we turned right we felt the full force of the wind once more and it was decided to retrace our route and continue up Wandandian Creek.
Back on the creek with much more civilised conditions and clear water.
G coming in for a 15min break
Continuing on I hug the shade
While the others are still in the sun
Tree trunks along the bank. Much of the Creeks northern bank is protected by Corramy Regional Park and contains two endangered ecological communities: River-flat Eucalypt floodplain forest and Swamp Oak floodplain forest.
Alternate route around an island
Everyone is seeking the shade now
L making a graceful and cooling exit from Precious at the end of our journey
Waiting for space at Bewong Boat Ramp
One (and probably more) good thing came out of today's boat testing. After testing unknown and less stable sit-ins in unfavourable conditions, the slappers found, with some determined paddling, the choppy and windy crossing of St George's basin a breeze.
Trip Notes
Put In: Basin View Boat Ramp
Take Out: Bewong Boat Ramp, Bottle Brush Avenue
7kms
3hrs 30mins
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