Tuesday 27 February 2018 Lake Mummuga

It was only S&V and L&me today, G&R having temporarily deserted us for the land of the long white socks. S&V arrived in a most timely fashion, at 6.20am, 10 minutes ahead of schedule. We headed up the highway to Attunga Street, Dalmeny, our put in point.

Taking to the water at 7.55am

First we set off down the lake, against the still incoming tide.

Heading toward the island over increasingly shallow water

Paddling down along the island at the end of which we ran out of water.

We then had to pick our way back across the lake to the southern shore; S at one stage requiring a dismount when she ran aground. Having made it across we proceeded down the southern side

 in still shallow water.  Shortly after rounding the corner in the pick below the ever adventurous S ran aground once more, requiring yet another dismount. We found deeper water just before the pedestrian bridge where we turned around and retraced our path.

Ably assisted by the incoming tide we once again picked our way through the shallows. For my part scraping over the odd rock on the way (a few new gouges were discovered on the bottom of Bluey when we loaded her on the trailer).

A trio of Masked Lapwings serenading us as we drifted past their sandbank

Once in the deeper water, heading up the lake beyond our put in point, we were greeted by the sight an abundance of huge jellyfish.

The northern side of the Lake is bounded by Eurobodalla National Park

Pulling in for tea at 9.00am

To find a conveniently placed bench beside the Mummuga Lake Walking Track

 The view from the bench

Looking back down the Lake from whence we had come

Morning Tea, being a rather long affair - many matters of state to dissect and discuss - we took to the water again at 8.50am

Reaching the head of the lake we were faced with 3 choices. The first attempt was up the middle branch which petered out after a couple of hundred metres. Next choice was the right hand branch which looked as though it was going somewhere

The water was shallow and muddy after the recent rain

It finally opened out into a shallow lagoon

Retracing our steps back down the creek

 We then headed back across the top of the Lake to try the left hand branch toward the sawmill on the highway. This one looking far more promising

Further on, the first of a range of obstacles to be negotiated.

 Next obstacle

This is spot the water dragon

Nearly the end of the line. Around the corner is the bridge taking the highway over the creek. Just beyond which was an impenetrable barrier across the water way.

 Coming back

How much longer can this magestic tree last?

We paddled back down the Lake against a gentle breeze and finished the paddle at 11.30am



After packing up, we drove south looking for somewhere to have lunch. Being a Tuesday options were thin on the ground and we ended up back in Bermagui lunching at the Sundeck in the sun as we watched huge tuna being unloaded from one of the commercial fishing boats.

Trip Notes:
Put In/Take Out: Attunga Street, Dalmeny
High Tide: Dalmeny Beach 6.42am 1.79m
8.86km
3.5hrs

Friday 16 February 2018 Buckenbowra River

It was a seriously early start this morning - departing at 5.20am to collect R for the two hour drive up to our launch site at Beach Camp on the Clyde River.

Aiming to take to the water an estimated two hours before high tide reached this point we found not much beach left from which to launch. Quickly and as quietly (in deference to the two lots of campers) as possible we unloaded the boats, loaded them with our gear and launched - 5 mins ahead of schedule at 7.55am.

Setting out in unexpectedly glassy conditions (forecast was for 16kmh wind), across the Clyde River

Entering the mouth of the Buckenbowra River

A Striated Heron taking flight

The view that greeted us as we rounded the corner

Our leader pauses, deciding which to take around Ryans Island

To the right it is. Reflections

Heading round the top of Ryans Island

Morning tea at 9.00am, 5kms into our paddle. 5kms in one hour - lots of tidal assist

Taking to the water again at 9.26am

Continuing upstream

R&I trailing the pack in what is now the norm.

In a huddle - giggling girls, as L&! wait patiently to gain their attention to discuss turn around points and lunch options.

The decision was made to paddle for another 1/2hour and look for a lunch spot

We stopped for lunch at 10.40am, at approx the 10km point, a bout 1 1/2km short of the tidal limit.

As we lunched we watched a school of large fish - mullet we think - swimming idly back and forth not five feet from where we sat. Halfway through lunch the tide turned and we took to the water again at 11.30am to begin our return journey

R explaining the camp set up which S,R&I had just checked out. If we can find out who the owner is, a possible future launch or overnight camp site.

With about 6km to go the long delayed wind made its appearance and in the opposite direction from what was forecast.

On a sheltered bend we stopped for a leg stretch and a snack

Back past the site of morning tea

The now reopened Runnyford Bridge looms in the distance. Another possible launch site from which we could reach the tidal limit.

About 30 mins after paddling under the Runnyford Bridge the breeze became strong and constant

Taking shelter in the lea of the small island just upstream from the mouth of the Buckenbowra for a regroup and a quick rest before tackling the crossing of the Clyde.

Once we reached the mouth we paddled upstream on the Clyde for a 100 metres or so before turning to cross the river to combat the rolling swells coming upstream and the outgoing tide. Some of us turned a little too soon but luckily the outgoing tide was not nearly as strong as expected and the water was sheltered off our landing site and we all made it safely back. This time with lots of beach exposed on which to land. L was last off the water, finding his sleek speed machine a bit hard to handle in the swells, at 2.25pm.

After unpacking the boats, carrying them up to the car, loading & tying them down, packing the cars, changing etc etc the general consensus was we were all tired but not exhausted by our 20km paddle - our longest yet. We then went our separate ways agreeing to meet up again in Bodalla for a well deserved icecream an indulgent end to a lovely day's paddling.

Trip notes:
Put in/Take out: Beach Camp off Rotary Drive Bateman's Bay
20 kms
6hrs 20mins (minus 1 1/2 for lunch and breaks)

High Tide:
at BB Bridge 9.51am (1.75m)
at Nelligen 10.21am
at Beach Camp est. 10.06am
Tide turned 10kms up the Buckenbowra at approx 11.05am