NB Aqualife: Friday 17 May 2024 Wallagoot Lake

Sadly D'd, for whom this paddle had been planned, had to cry off at the last minute. As the boats were already loaded and the morning being so fine L and I decided we would still head out for a jaunt upon the water.

Driving out we discussed changing destination and decided to stick with the original plan. We were so happy we did; upon reaching Wallagoot we discovered the lake to be the fullest we have ever seen it. At last we would be able to explore in full the lagoons at the mouth of the lake.

Whilst unloading the boats our eyes were continually drawn to the pretty sight of this little wooden sailing dingy

Setting off from beside the submerged boat ramp at 10.45am we

headed down the lake to

an opening on the spit with plenty of water for the kayaks.

The lagoons ahead were packed with swans,

in every direction.

Heading left

we soon caused more swans to take flight.

The lagoon was teeming with fingerlings - from schools of teeny 1cm ones to schools 10cm fish interspersed with small groups of larger fish. We hugged the northern shoreline and

poked about among the reeds.

The way opened up and invited us onward.

Are we nearing the end of this arm? We pause; with the water now glassy

it was time to lose oneself in reflections.....

Approaching the end

a way is discovered.

Through an old fence line and close to the seaward dune.

Appreciating the autumnal colours we paddled on

until we reached the limit a stone's throw from Wallagoot Gap. We could hear the slap of the waves and see hikers looking down into the Gap.

Retracing our step back through the fenceline

and then following the southern shoreline of this lagoon

'til we found a gap and headed east, landing on a little beach opposite the closed mouth at 12 noon, disturbing a Sooty Oyster Catcher as we made landfall.

An hour later, after a leisurely lunch and a quick up and down with the drone we continued on our circumnavigation.

Crossing the shallow waters at the mouth

we spied a small group of little birds of which this was the closest. Having spent hours trying to identify it since arriving home have I had any success?

NO. At first I thought a Little Ringed Plover until I read further and discovered it migrates from Eurasia and is a rare visitor to Aus and then mainly to the Top End. More study ... was it a Ringed Plover, an equally rare visitor to Aus and from even further away - at least it has been spotted on the far south coast. Last choice is a Double Banded Plover but the colours don't seem quite right and it seems a bit large. The Little Ringed Plover is about the right size :( :( :( I would be very grateful to be enlightened..... Anyone?

Continuing to hug the shore

Now under blue sky it was quite toasty.

Poddling along we

turned into the narrow back water that is usually too shallow for exploration. Reaching the end.

New growth springs forth

Finding a crossing in the spit we returned to the main lake and continued south for awhile before

turning and heading back across the lake to the boat ramp. Out in the lake there were masses, a profusion, a plague of jelly fish from tiny ones the size of a 5cent piece to ones with heads of 20cm or more. In the dark water they showed up white and clear with pretty markings.

This delightful and interesting outing ended at 2.05pm when we pulled up on the submerged beach at the picnic ground. There ensued a lengthy chat with an old gentleman - 78. He is battling cancer and now finds his plastic sit on top to heavy to lift and carry on his own and spotting some fellow oldies he came over to enquire about our kayaks.

And now what you've all been waiting for - the drone footage. With the lake so full I very much regretted not taking the GoPro.