Friday 21 January 2022 Bermagui River

 With a high tide of 1.8ms we thought we would be able to replicate our paddle of the 21st December when we explored the mangroves.

Setting off at 9.45am

Following the leader into the mangroves.

 However although the tide was the same we had forgotten the effect of all the water coming down river after the big rains and today the water level was about two feet lower and we could not penetrate into the wetlands or far into the mangroves. So we made our way back to the river and continued upstream.

Passing where, in December, we entered the mangroves leading to the hidden lagoon. You can see how much lower the water level is.

Cruising on up the river,

we stopped for a leg stretch at the campground and then paddled a further 1.66kms up stream to the big bend at Sea Eagle spit where we turned around and

headed back to the campground for lunch. 

Not the most salubrious spot at the best of times, today it was disgusting - some (from the discarded protein and muscle building powder containers) body obsessed bloke had left rubbish, including used nappies strewn across the campground. I lament what sort of person his child will grow up to be.

We didn't linger for long, L requesting a kayak swap for our return paddle. Here he is in my Old Town Castine,

And here I am in in his Seaward Chinook

Once round the next bend we braved the oyster bommies and went to the inside of the oyster leases.

Paddling steadily along on a mainly slack tide it took an hour to complete our return journey.

Back at Slipway beach unpacking the boats at 1.45pm

Trip notes:

Put In/Take Out: Slipway Beach

Tide at River Entrance: 11.13am 1.8m

13.5kms

3hrs 55mins