Friday 16 September 2022 Bermagui River and Nutleys Creek

 Oh what a fabulous paddle we had today.  Setting off at 11.00am we paddled up the river on the last of the incoming tide. After going under the bridge we wove our way through the mangroves. Once back in the river we paddled steadily up to the confluence of Coolagolite Creek where we stopped for lunch at 12.20pm. Along the way we passed pelicans, herons, cormorants, pied oyster catchers, ibis, and egrets. Schools of fish, large and small darted hither and thither as we paddled over them.

At the confluence we disembarked for lunch and to laze for an hour as we waited for the water level to rise some more. At 1.20 we launched and paddled on up Nutleys Creek there now being enough water to allow us to glide over the shallow sections unhindered. Just before the bend leading to the first shallow section we spotted the first water dragon of the season, sunning itself on a log on the bank.

With the birds singing, insects humming, numerous kingfishers aflitting, an occasional fish ajumping and the clear water speckled with wattle and greybox blossom; with 

some sections dark and mysterious, the scene was set for a magical poddle up the creek.

And then if that was not enough, a Sea Eagle flew low up the creek and landed in a tree ahead.

As we approached it took flight again, onward up the creek until it disappeared around a bend.

Looking and listening, soaking it all in we paddled in silence until

a tad before 2.00pm we reached the blockage, which in previous paddles on a higher tides we have managed to wriggle our way through. We sat for a minute or two wondering what might be encountered beyond, before

turning and retracing our route 

with the aid of the now outgoing tide.

Despite a quick stop back the confluence for some seat adjustments, the outgoing tide and gusty wind on our backs from thereon made for a quick return to the campground where G, having braved the hazards of the track - deeply rutted, slippery, muddy patches - met us with the vehicle and trailer. Arriving there just after 3.00pm we found G fast asleep in the shade. While G helped load the boats, L cleaned up the mess of empty cans and broken glass left behind by some brainless oiks. 

A stop at the wharf for some delicious gelati provided the end point to another delightful paddling day.

The GoPro footage focuses mainly on the Nutley's Creek part of the paddle.

Trip Notes:

High Tide at River entrance: 12.20pm 1.6ms

Put In: Slipway Beach

Take Out: Campgroud up River

13.51kms

4hours.