Our first paddle was down the Silt Jetties that line the Mitchell river where it empties into Lake King. After a lazy start to the morning we hit the water at 10.45am.
It was our first chance to see KT> in action in their new boats
One of the private jetties that are dotted along the route
GT in his Tarpon 140
The Mitchell River silt jetties is one of the world's most significant finger deltas dating back 6000-10000 years.
When the jetties were first mapped back in the 1840's they were twice their current size. However changes in water salinity and the subsequent dieback of shoreline reeds and land clearing have resulted in water and wind erosion .
Due to erosion trees have slumped into the water but gamely live on.
In recent years extensive erosion control (which is still continuing) and replanting has taken place in an effort to preserve what is left of the jetties. Sadly the shoring up of the shoreline with rocks has had a negative effect on the native water rats and shorebirds.
We pulled in for lunch at 12.20pm about 3.6km from our start point
With a convenient platform with seating and a loo across the road
Back on the water at 1.10pm ready to begin our return journey
Another eucalypt surviving its slide into the river
GT looking like he has a pelican on board
We finished our paddle at 2.15pm
Trip notes
Put In/Take Out: Rivermouth Rd Boat Ramp, Eagle Point
7.30km
3hrs 30mins
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