As there were only three able to paddle today, we picked up V just before 8.00am and after a quick stop at Honorbread for some delicious morning tea we headed to slipway beach to launch our kayaks.
Taking to the water at 8.45am there was still quite a nip in the air, however the sky was blue: only the colour of water reminded us of all the recent rain. From the 4th to the 8th May we had 154mm (a little over 6 inches) and overnight of the 11th/12 we had another 42mm. We got off lightly; during the same rain event two nights ago Bega had 150mm and Wonboyn had 250mm dumped on them.
After admiring Gulaga we set off up the river.
Once under the bridge L decided to creep along the left hand side behind the oyster leases - Perhaps not such a good idea with the water so turbid you couldn't spot the hazards however we made it through unscathed and the mangroves look worth exploring on a big high tide when the water is clear.
Further up the river we were serenaded by a pair of noisy Sea Eagles.
At long last the bush is looking healthy again
The breeze having died away we cruised slowly on up the river admiring the reflections
As we crossed the river to the campground a lone pelican took flight and treated us to a fly by.
Reaching the campground at 9.50am we disembarked onto a layer of mud and debris brought downriver by the rain.
After shedding layers we spent just shy of an hour enjoying the chat, the sun, the bird song and our morning tea - the Kardemummabullars were sublime - we set off again at 10.45am.
Heading back the way we'd come V and I had a good sighting of an Azure Kingfisher, only the third we have seen in four years of paddling.
Back past the Sea Eagles, still banging on. At 11.50 we landed at Slipway beach our paddle sadly over.
Notes:
See previous entries for maps, tides etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment