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