Saturday 6 September 2020 Tuross River: Coomerang Forest Rd Bridge to Highway Bridge

Having no idea regarding the condition of the river after the floods of February and late July the decision to do this paddle was a bit of a gamble. Even though the river is still higher (1.29m at Eurobodalla) than normal we timed our start so we would hit the sand bar riddled middle section of the paddle approx an hour before high tide reached the area to give us extra depth through the section. 

Thankfully the thick layer of mud covering our put in point had disappeared - there was some concern our fellow paddlers might have baulked before we began - and the river looked benign.
When L&I checked out the bridge on 17 August the water was over the cross members of the bridge and the river flowing strongly.

After unloading the boats L&V left to do the car shuffle.

Upon their return we finished loading the boats and at 9.55am were away on our adventure.

20 minutes into our paddle we came across an inviting beach.

Is it too soon for morning tea?

Unfortunately it was, so we paddled on

 A gently flow carried us along.

 We came to our first island and the only section requiring a little care as the flow picked up and there were some obstacles to be wary of. Watch that submerged log V.

 What log - oh shit, that log.

 Next were some upright sticks

 to be negotiated

and then it was a clear, shallow run to the end of the island.

The flow coming from the other side of the island - looks as though we made the right choice.

Next island - easy peasy.

Into deeper water once more. In the distance on the right hand side is a fly fisherman in a tinny. We must be over the worst of the shallows.

After the Coomerang Forest, 5.14kms into our journey we stop at 11.0am for morning tea.

 After a 50 minute break we were on our way again.

During the break clouds amassed and a breeze sprung up.

20 minutes of paddling however had us out into the sunshine again

and the breeze dropped mostly away

12.30pm found us at the 8.43km mark and this sandy beach - a handy lunch spot.

55 mins were spent munching and in the usual political discourse.  Particular attention was paid to the appointment (who's paying?) of the Mad Monk as an Adviser to Britain's Board of Trade. Out of all the justified criticism against his appointment no-one thought to ask what actual trade experience he brings to the board!!!  Whatever, thank you Britain for ridding us of this pestilent could a'been priest.

Back on board at 1.25pm we toddled off on the last leg, the breeze having reappeared

A Falcon or Hawk nest overhanging the river - all I can tell you is that the bird in residence was of medium size and brown with a barred undercarriage.

Ahead, the last bend before the home stretch

The bridge which marks the end of the paddle.

We'd all had a lovely paddle - up to this point.  The boat ramp was rough concrete and the bank on the lower side of the ramp rocky, the upstream muddy.  Lawrence in first at 2.15pm chose the upstream side to protect his boat.  Unfortunately this turned out disastrously. He got out of the boat and immediately sank to mid thigh in the thick, glutinous mud. Seeing this V&S decided to chance their boats on the rocks and I grinded onto the bottom of the boat ramp. Then we watched helplessly as L took 10 exhausting minutes to haul himself, using his boat as a prop, the 10 feet to firmer ground. BUT he didn't loose his shoes this time. While L rested and tried to rid himself of mud, we slowly packed up

and then set off for Coomerang Forest Rd Bridge to collect the other car.  On the way to cheer L up, V offered to shout us all an icecream at Bodalla which needless to say had the desired effect. Thanks V.

Trip Notes:
High Tide Tuross Inlet: 10.13am 1.5ms
High Tide Tuross River West Tuross Head: 11.48am 1.45ms
High Tide Snake Flat: guestimated 1.13pm

River Height Eurobodalla gauge: 1.29ms

Put In:  Coomerang Forest Rd Bridge
Take Out: Not recommended! Highway Bridge

12.5kms
4 hours 20minutes (inluding 1hr 45mins of breaks)