and the paddlers still weary and sore from the day before decided against more exercise and instead opted for a long lazy breakfast
supervised by this cheeky King Parrot who was palpably disappointed with our meagre offering
We eventually set off for some coastal sightseeing, taking note in particular of, what I think is called, Frenches Narrows - part of the Snowy River that runs parallel to the ocean which looks like it would be a haven for birds and a great paddle and the Yeerung River on the eastern side of Cape Conran.
We made it back to the Loft House in time for some serious nanna napping before heading out once more for a surprisingly good dinner at the Marlo pub.
On Thursday morning the paddlers, in a rather cavalier fashion, left G to do the final pack up and we headed to the Yeerung for a short paddle. Arriving at the convenient canoe launch site at 9.15am we quickly unloaded the boats and got ready to paddle.
By 9.15am we were all ready to dip our blades into the dark tannin stained water.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the King Parrot was supervising the pack up, no doubt wanting G to buggar off asap so a new lot of guests could arrive who might be suckered into providing something more to his taste.
Slipping quietly through the glassy dark water
Gorgeous - the boat of course!
It was such a wonderful contrast to Tuesday's hilly, narrow valley, wilderness feel.
L greased past me on the inside
And very quickly Bluey and I were left far behind
Which enabled me to enjoy some peace and solitude AND to get some good relflections :)
We came together again just before the last turn into the little lake/lagoon at the mouth of the river
The now closed mouth of the river
Where we pulled in to take a gander at the sea
We spent 15mins or so on the beach, taking in the view - this one is west to Cape Conran - talking and searching for the perfect pebble.
Then it was time to relaunch back into the pristine water
As we mooched along
And what a perfect place and time to practice. Sunny, no wind, glassy water and beautiful surrounds - on a pristine waterway . Well probably as pristine as it gets in Victoria - its estuarine section is surrounded by the Cape Conran Coastal Park and its middle and upper sections by state forest.
We paddled back up river, past the canoe launch site toward the Pearl Point Track Bridge
Once under the bridge the river narrowed dramatically and the atmosphere changed
The song, Down on the Bayou, popped into my head
and wouldn't go away!
The tea tree? was in full bloom and my little camera had a hard time coping with the contrast
The end of the line for us; those wussies in their cossetted composite boats weren't willing to risk a little gouge here or there.
Having turned round we retraced our path
with R tracking L through the snag infested section
At the same time as we were having our reptile encounter G, over at the launch site, was having an even closer one of his own - with a big old goanna.
At 12.10pm our paddle was over and with G's help we carried the boats out of the water.
After the usual loading of boats etc. we set off, heading for home, meeting up again in Cann River, for the sort of lunch at which Cann River excels - barely edible - regardless of which one of the several food purveying establishments you choose!
We had two days of fantastic paddling. Can't wait to head down south again. A big thanks to G for his car shuffling, cooking and clearing out which enabled the paddlers to spend more time on the water.
Trip Notes:
Put In/Take Out: Canoe Launch Site
5kms
3hours happily spent.
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