The wind forecast for today was SSW 4.6km/h at 11.00am, heading up to SE 8.5km/h at 1.00pm, then dying down to ESE 4.1km/h by 3.00pm. Fine for a paddle one would say. However what the wind actually did was get up to ESE 16.7km/h at 11.40am. By 2.20pm it had swung to the East and was gusting up to 14,8km/h and hardly going below E 13km/h for the remainder of our paddle. No glassy water for us today.
By 11.10 we were loading our gear into the boats
Individual methods of boarding one's boat
Some, gracefully done, others extremely inelegant!
By 11.15am S was first out, closely followed by the rest of us
Crossing the river to get to the deeper water
Which not only pushed us along at a good pace but was beautiful to boot
Following the channel back across to the right hand side of the river
We continued our poddle upstream, letting the incoming tide do most of the work
Not long after we had entered the lake, paddling southward the wind hit us full in the face
and without the aid of the incoming tide it would have been a real slog through the choppy water.
Once in among the oyster leases the water was calmer and we passed over some beautiful underwater meadows.
After leaving the shelter of the oyster leases we had to 'hang' for awhile, whilst L headed to shore for a nature break.
Once L had rejoined us we paddled on for another 5 minutes or so and spotted this little, oyster free beach to land upon for our lunch about 12.35pm
We do lunch in style and like a good view
Although some among us are hardy types
While taking in the view we were entertained by courting pied oyster catchers and serenaded by a sea eagle circling overhead. Added to good company and a yummy lunch (thanks R), life doesn't get much better.
By 1.30pm we were launching again
V taking it easy while waiting for the troops to gather
Continuing our paddle southward to the head of the lake
After reaching the top of the lake we headed toward the western shore
Yes it is, and up we go. We all love a creek to explore
Sadly not very far. No good to the right said S
And no good to the left said V
So we turned around and headed back to the lake and the wind in our faces
We continued along the western shoreline on the inside of the oyster leases, where the water was too shallow for G; who whilst we were exploring the creek had headed across the lake to chat to some fellow Hobie paddlers.
Boat yard and slip
Passing the boats at the end of the jetty feeling rather small - a novel experience for me!
R settling her hat firmly on her head as we head back across the lake and into the wind. Once again L had timed our paddle perfectly and we crossed the lake on slack water.
Before exiting the lake back into the river, L gathered us together to pass on advice on how to get back to the beach in, hopefully, one piece and without being swept out to sea with the outgoing tide.
Even though we were paddling directly into the wind as we went down the river, the outgoing tide made for easy paddling.
Once again we passed this weirdly moored/beached trimaran
Following L's instruction we all made it safely back to our sheltered launching site. Ending our paddle at 3.23pm.
After unpacking and loading the boats etc V&S headed off and the rest of us decided fish and chips seemed like a good idea which we duly indulged in upon reaching Merimbula.
Trip Notes:
High Tide Pambula Beach: 1.29pm 1.6m
High Tide Tea Tree Point (in the lake): 2.40pm 1.57m
Started paddle at 11.20am
Put In/Take Out: Pambula River Beach
12.7kms
4hours
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