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
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