L&I arrived early at the Baragoot Bridge to scope our launch site and more importantly to see if we could get under the bridge; it looked doable - just.
Having had a head start, for only the second time ever L&I were first on the water and it was a beautiful day for a paddle
Not the easiest of launch sites
we paddled over a variety of recently submerged dune vegetation including pig face, tussocks, grasses and daisies.
By 9.50am we were all on the water. Getting under the bridge proved tricky for some and for those who can no longer bend too well there was only millimetres to spare. Once we were under the vista opened up
and we began our circumnavigation.
Even though the lake is surrounded by properties, they only occasionally intruded.
It was another morning when reflections caught the eye
Lines of old fence posts were intriguing
We paddled on up the creek keeping an eye out for a suitable leg stretch site upon our return
Nearing the end of the line.
And here it is an old tree with a raft of debris heaped up behind it. There looked to be paddlable water beyond but no-one was keen for a portage!
So at 11.25am we began retracing our steps to the spot A and I had scoped earlier, where with some difficulty as the creek was deep with steep banks K&A and L&I disembarked for a quick leg stretch and some of K's delicious carrot cake whilst S&V remained in their boats.
Taking to the water again after, for us, a very short break of 10 mins or so
S&V had gone on ahead and explored another little waterway entering the creek, upon their return to Mangans they spotted an obliging Kingfisher
Meanwhile the rest of us had resumed our circumnavigation around the top of the lake and here we are exploring a small bay on the northern side.
After which the group came together again and we proceeded up the northern side of Baragoot
Finally, after having a close shave with the bridge and nearly rearranging my nose*, we paddled past our launch site and under Barragoot Swamp (yes the spellings are different - don't ask me!) Bridge, which was positively capacious compared to Baragoot Bridge and into and up Baragoot Swamp.
*L nearly gave himself a priest patch
With time against us we couldn't linger very long and we returned to the launch site and discovered getting out was harder then getting in. However thoughts of our next appointment imbued us with stronger muscles and more agility than we knew we had and by 12.50 we off the water with all the boats up on the bank.
We hurriedly packed up and loaded the boats keen to reach our next destination - home - where G and R (sitting this paddle out due to an old knee injury making itself felt again) having collected our Eastwood lunch orders had already arrived and whilst awaiting our arrival were putting the finishing touches to a much anticipated repast. A most convivial end to a gorgeous morning paddle.
Verdict: Baragoot Lake: well worth doing, know one knows why, other than low water levels, we ignored it for so long.
Trip Notes:
Put In/Take Out: Baragoot Bridge
8.88kms
3hours
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