NB Aqualife: Tuesday 13 December 2022 The Murrah

It has been so long since we paddled - 6 weeks for us, longer for S&V. Desperate for a paddle we ignored the wind forecast and met up at the Murrah Bridge at 20 past 10 to find two tinnie trailers and another vehicle already there. The Murrah is becoming a favourite spot, both for tinnies and kayakers. Unfortunately, with some people being inconsiderate morons, that means finding the place festooned with toilet paper. We have found the odd beer bottle or can before but this is a first for toilet paper. Very sad.

As we got ready to launch (an hour and 20mins before high tide at the entrance) we were happy to see there was enough water to float us downstream.

Setting off at 10.45am, my suggestion to paddle upstream being ignored, we headed downriver. With the sun shining, schools of fish darting hither and thither, and in this top section, being sheltered from the wind, it was an absolute delight to be out on the water.

Even the headwind, further down the river, didn't deter our enjoyment. Passing the little beach that was to be our lunch destination an Eastern Reef Egret (I think) flew past. With the incoming tide making the water swirl there were a couple of ooh aah moments threading our way through the oyster covered rocks.

At the entrance we spent a fun 30 minutes or so, playing in the broiling water, and under L's guidance, endeavouring to improve our paddling skills after which we headed back to the sheltered beach, reaching it at 12.15pm. There we lingered for a little over an hour enjoying the view, lunch and each others company.

Setting off again L directed us back across the lagoon into the full force of the now tail wind and he popped up his sail. At the lower entrance to the back lagoon we left L to his sailing on the river and headed into the lagoon. As we paddled up the sheltered water of the lagoon a sea eagle flew low overhead dangling a large fish from its talons, such a wonderous sight to behold all chatter ceased and I forgot to turn on the GoPro.

We found L, with sail packed away, sheltering in the upper entrance to the lagoon awaiting our return to the river. For once the wind remained in our favour and we had an easy paddle back to the bridge. Paddling the last section on slack water we reached the bridge at 2.10pm to find the water level considerably higher than we set out; and where, sadly, once again my suggestion of venturing upstream was ignored by all. I've put comparison pics of the water levels after the video.