The arrangement was to meet down at the lake at 6.00am for an early paddle before the forecast wind and high temperature arrived. L and I forgot to set an alarm and it was panic stations when we awoke at 5.50am. Luckily S&V hadn't yet departed for the lake and we were able to delay our departure for an hour. So showering, loading boats and gear, breakfasting and other necessities were done in record time and we arrived at the lake at 6.50am to find S&V paddling, in their new boats, back down Little Cuttagee after towing their original boats up to a friends further down the lake. Unfortunately, V discovered how much flightier sit-ins are compared to sit-ons as her new boat, whilst she was attempting to dismount, tossed her into the water.
L, who had down some foot peg modifications, was no longer last on the water and everyone had to wait for me
We were all on the water by 7.15 and it was time to be introduced to, and admire, the new boats
Meet Mango and P2
Waiting for the others to round the corner into the straight
Still waiting, a lot of talking going on
S in P2
Still talking
None of the forecast breeze and the reflections were entrancing
V in Mango
As we passed Blockheads bay the commercial fisherman was busy pulling in his net. Grrr
Continuing up the lake
And into the river where we disturbed some swans who swam ahead of us hooting for quite some before taking off downstream
Reflections
Browne's crossing, now well and truly underwater in the distance ahead
Where we pulled out for a quick nature break and stretch, before resuming our paddle upstream
With S&V in their new sleek, speed machines, it doesn't take much for me to be left behind.
We hit a shallow gravel bar and with only a boat length stopping us, it was Muggins - the only one in a sit-on, that had to leap out - like a gazelle - and drag the others through. Waiting for me to get back in my boat. S already having paddled on
The water was beautiful and clear
And fuck it, the camera was flat. That will teach me!
We paddled on for a further 100 metres before hitting another bar I couldn't drag the others through (lazy b's) and we decided to retrace our steps to the first gravel bar which had a big gravel beach. Where we stopped for morning tea about 9.15am.
After which we retraced out steps, being careful of all the underwater hazards we'd encountered on the way up. When we got back to the island L tried hard to talk V&S into practicing falling out, but they were having none of it. So that is a delight still to be savoured!
I have no idea what time we got back and therefore no idea how long we were out. But it was a paddle hugely enjoyed by all and most importantly, S&V are very happy with their new boats.
Distance paddled: 11.3kms
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