When we paddled Middle Lagoon, also known as Tanja Lagoon, last week we were offered accommodation at Tanja Lagoon camp (family connections don't you know) as they are closed this winter whilst building two more accommodation units. If you are into camping or more accurately in this case, glamping in a unique location I suggest you check out the website:
https://tanjalagooncamp.com.au
As we all have had multiple trips away cancelled due to Covid and being G's birthday week we opted to take up the offer. After perusing multiple weather forecasts for a good paddling day we set off for our big trek south - all of 20kms - on Saturday morning.
We couldn't have made a better choice - the day turned into one of those perfect winter days for which the Far South Coast is renowned and the icing on the cake - a full moon.
As L, R & I had paddled down the Lagoon last week, we opted to head up the Lagoon and see how far we could get up Sandy Creek, setting off at 11.15.
Sunny sky and glassy water - glorious
Startling a number of kangaroos from their slumber in the sun.
Paddling along the ever narrowing creek,
we eventually ran into too many scratch inducing obstacles for the longer non plastic boats and L called for a turn around.
Heading back down the creek.
And into a side lagoon along the way,
with wonderful reflections.
From there, all being hungry, we paddled back down the lagoon to the barrier where we pulled in for lunch at 12.55pm.
Sunny and sheltered from the light breeze that had sprung up we lingered over lunch and took a walk to the beach before launching again at 2.05pm
We paddled the rest of the lagoon in a clockwise direction (see last weeks pics) seeing heaps of birdlife and startling a couple of Sea Eagles, managing to get a pic of the second one as it flew by.
With the slight breeze behind us L decided to try his sail again. Once again sods law came into place and after spending 10 minutes getting it out and setting it up he sailed for 2-3mins before the breeze died away and the water soon turned glassy again.
Heading back up the lagoon toward Tanja Lagoon Camp.
We ended our paddle at 3.00pm.
Knowing we didn't have far to go - about 300 metres - we took our time packing up the boats before heading off to find out tents. Arriving at ours we discovered it had a beautiful outlook, not least the afternoon tea G had waiting.
Once everyone had sorted themselves out we regrouped for afternoon tea which led into one of R's legendary gigantic pickie platters which eventually led into hot apple pie and custard. Throughout the evening people would disappear only to reappear a short time later wearing more layers and looking a little plumper; by the time the apple pie appeared we all resembled the michelin man. Although our tents were toasty thanks to the ingenious pellet heaters we were loath to retreat inside as the full moon lit up the lagoon and the view was magical.
After a most affable evening we took to our tents, L&I opting to sleep with the canvas up at the front of our tent.
Just before 6.00am I woke up to see a bright white orb to what I thought was the south. In my befuddled state I wondered if Scotty from Marketing and his barking Pentecostals had got it right and end times were upon us - no wonder he's not bothering about Climate Change or getting us vaccinated I thought. Thankfully the brain cells quickly kicked into gear and logic not lunacy triumphed and I realised I was looking west and it wasn't the sun rising, rather it was the full moon setting.
After drifting off I woke again about 7.30am to find the sun lighting up the far side of the lagoon and during a morning cuppa in bed we watched birds flitting,
swans preening and feeding and wallabies and kangaroos grazing just off the front of the deck as the sun slowly lit up the whole lagoon. None of us have been 'glamping' before, now we are converts - even G who hates camping. Spacious, cosy tents, comfy queen beds, comfy seating, luxe ensuites and kitchens - what's not to like? And then there is the view - I think I might have already mentioned the view :). And (one last and!) in the case of Tanja Lagoon Camp, set on the shore of a pristine icoll (an intermittently closed and open lagoon).
After packing up we regrouped to discover we all, the paddlers that is, regretted not having planned for a dawn paddle. Another time perhaps.
Many thanks to Loz and Sam for their kind offer - which they may live to regret. Over lunch at the Tathra Pub we brainstormed ways in which we could induce Sam and Loz to turn the camp into an old peoples home for the CKC :)
9kms
3hrs 35mins
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