Wednesday 8 July 2020 Couria Creek Bay, Wallaga Lake

Yet another beautiful day dawned down here on the Far South Coast. We met up at Paynes Island, just before the Wallaga Lake Bridge; all of us arriving before the allotted time!  The plan was to paddle the final part of Wallaga Lake not yet paddled by any of the CKC.

Long time no see, A joined us today and after appropriate greetings

we took to the water at about 10.25am.

Approaching the lovely Wallaga Bridge

Going under

Woops, avoid the barnacle encrusted bits.

Once again we had glassy water to entrance us

 We headed to the left and paddled across the lake and made the turn into Couria Creek Bay (also known as Killarney Bay).

 Hmm, hope that is only someone burning off - and those clouds don't look too promising!

Keeping to the right hand side we glide past the 'headland' guarding the entry to the first bay.

 
More of the now ubiquitous jellyfish

We circumnavigated the first bay and rounded the point into the 2nd bay

 Near the head of the 2nd bay.

At the end of the third bay we discovered a perfect place for morning tea - flat with an oyster and rock free shallow landing. Too good to pass up, plus, now the sun was obscured by cloud some of us wanted to don more layers.

After a 20 minute break, where A surprised and delighted us with Kardemumbullahs (sp?) we took to the water once more

 to continue our circumnavigation of Couria Creek Bay.

 Wherever there is a flatish space, shell middens line the shore. I wonder how old the deepest layers are?

The head of Couria Ck Bay straight ahead. We still have the 4th bay to the right to explore.

 Nearing the head of the 4th bay we disturb two Pelicans who take to the air.

And there they go. Couria Creek comes into the bay through the flat area beyond and just to the right of the lead pelican.

As we circumnavigated this last bay we closely inspected 'Mens Erection' a very elaborate and presumably private picnic area, complete with roofed table, large brick bbq, toilet and boat ramp. On the other side - a couple of jettys and a beautifully constructed memorial seat overlooking this pretty little bay.

Exiting the bay we headed past the creek entrance and back up the main bay (across A's kayak), angling across to the distant shoreline

Approx a third of the way up the lake the sun came out and we found a sunny, flatish spot to stop for lunch.  An uprooted tree with shells entangled in the roots informed this was yet another midden site.

Just to prove we're not obssessed - politics never rated a mention during our repast! Without our timekeeper we are at loss to know when we stopped or for how long.

By the time we had finished lunch a light, but steady breeze had sprung up, but much to L and S's (who also packed a sail today) disappointment we were (as is usual) paddling into it. So, sadly, no sailing today.

Nearing the bridge we passed this Great Egret, so intent on fishing that it took no notice of either the cars whizzing past or us paddling by.

I think our paddle ended about 2.10pm. All packed up and ready to go at 2.30pm

Trip Notes:
Mouth Closed
Put In/Take Out: Payne Island
9.74kms
Approx 3hrs 40mins