NB Aqualife: Monday 11 July 2022 Wallaga Lake/Dignams Creek

Tuesday 12 July 2022

Monday 11 July 2022 Wallaga Lake/Dignams Creek

Since planning the paddle the weather forecast had deteriorated somewhat and the lake was looking beautifully bleak when we arrived at 9.30am. As the kayaks were unloaded

discussion quickly turned to how many layers we each were wearing. However El Captino assured us the day would improve. We set off about 10am paddling down the lake, heading toward Snapper Point where we pulled in for a quick break.

Heading up Dignams Creek

About 2.5km up the creek we paddled into a small backwater and found an easy access to the bank for lunch. Approx 50 mins and a boot swap later, L took over the GoPro and we took to the water to begin the return journey.

View back down the creek. The creek is a sanctuary zone and fish were rising and jumping all over the water. It was a delight to see but sadly reminded us of the ravages visited upon Cuttagee by the commercial fisherman.

Paddling down the other side of the island at the mouth of the creek.

In Dignams Bay

How's this for a Rorschach Blot

Another stop at Snapper Point whilst L flew the drone.

After which we thought we just had the slog back up the lake to our launching site. How wrong we were - the lake had another suprise in store for us - a wallowing? seal. After observing it for awhile we paddled around the corner and saw it's pal hauled out on the rocks.

Disturbing its slumber as we drifted by it sat up, gave us the eye,

and then, presumably perceiving no threat, flopped back down to resume his/hers former activity.

Continuing on we spied yet another seal, wallowing far out in the lake as we paddled steadily (approx 4kph) up the lake, reaching the take out at 3.15pm. From a not too promising start, the weather did indeed improve and we had another enchanting paddle on one of the lakes scattered down the
Far South Coast.