Friday 15 May 2020 Wallaga Lake, a short paddle

L&I joined R on a short paddle on Wallaga Lake to introduce R's friend V to the joy of kayaking. Our original plan had to be truncated when L&I learned last evening that this morning was to be testing time for the fire sprinkler system that is being installed on the house.

We amended our plans a little and we met R at the Beauty Point Boat Ramp at 7.30am.  For reasons not totally apparent L decided we would take Big Red for an outing. For those who don't remember, Big Red is what is commonly referred to as a divorce boat!

We unloaded the boats and got ourselves ready and after quite a bit of seat adjustment on Big Red at 7.48am we got underway heading around into the bay on the south side of Beauty Point to pick up V.

Having collected V we headed for the southern shore of the lake, happy to get out into the sun and bask as we poddled across the lake.

Gulaga, looking magnificent in the morning light.

A pelican landing across our path

and joined by another

They seemed quite unperturbed by our presence, unlike the birds on Cuttagee.

As we head to the Narira Creek entrance a flock of Lapwings pass by

The entrance to Mead's Bay on the left, Narira Creek straight ahead

Masked Lapwings? on the wetlands

As soon as we got into the Creek proper the water turned glassy

A Sea Eagle eating something

While another was perched high above

We turned right, around the island to head back to the lake

R, cutting glass

Look at the affect the light reflecting off the boat has on the paddle blade.

It was beautiful down this arm of the creek.

Once back out in the lake we headed back. R accompanied N home whilst L&I headed for the boat ramp. L retrieved the car as I unpacked the boat and we had just finished tying her down when R with perfect timing appeared.

At 9.58am R pulled into shore and we had plenty of time to help load her boat before we headed home for the christening of the sprinklers.

Besides being a little chilly at the start it was a perfect day for V's introduction to kayaking. Blue skies, virtually no breeze, clear water and wonderful scenery and bird life. Fantastic. I just hope that paddling for two hours straight her first time out does not put V off this very pleasurable pastime.

Put In/Take Out: Beauty Point Boat Ramp
2hrs 10min
5.56kms (plus extra 1.2km for R)

PS The sprinklers do a great job