Tuesday 23 July 2024 Wapengo / Bithry Inlet

 Today's plan had to undergo a quick rethink when we met up with R at the Murrah Bridge to find a long haul of the boats would be required to reach paddlable water. With little down river flow the 1.4m high tide (at the entrance) was making little impression up at the bridge.

After a quick review of our choices we jumped back in the cars and headed further south to the Wapengo Oyster sheds.

Upon our arrival we discovered the sheds to be a hive of activity. We parked in the last spots available in the car park and unloaded the boats amidst oyster harvesting in full swing.

They were a cheerful group and seemed happy to work around us as we loaded our boats and launched 

onto the placid waters of the lake at 9.20am. 

Paddling slowly against the still incoming tide we made our way down to Bithry Inlet. Paddling over school after school of fish we often found ourselves drifting back upstream as we stopped to watch the schools swim by.

L, at least managed to look up long enough to spot a Sea Eagle perched high in a tree.

Eventually we neared the mouth and for a change paddled across to the southern side of the inlet in order to take advantage of a calm backwater and to make the most of the sun.

Having landed at 10.30 R suggested it was too early for lunch so we should restrict ourselves to   morning tea and stop on the way back for lunch. And what a am tea it was - our individual Honor Bread favourites. Thank you R.

Morning tea turned into a rather lengthy affair as L took the opportunity to fly the drone for longer than usual as R and I chattered away and basked in the sun.  At 11.25am we took to the water to begin our return journey.

Having made our way back across the inlet we poddled upstream fish gazing as we went.  Lunch time arrived sooner than expected when, at 11.50am, this sandy beach and handy log was too good to pass up.  L got a little damp when exiting his boat and as you will see in the video, played the sympathy card, thinking he was in with a chance for a cushion. 

Our neighbours for lunch were an adult and two sub adult White Bellied Sea Eagles perched in a tree on the water's edge to our right. As we nattered amongst ourselves, they too intermittently had they own conversation - a mixture of chortles and quiet caws.  I didn't bother trying for a pic as it would have been into the sun.

At 12.45 we resumed our paddle and more fish gazing as we paddled slowly against the outgoing tide.

Returning to the boat ramp about 1.20pm, our exceedingly enjoyable and relaxing 6km paddle sadly over, we found the activity winding down and people starting to leave. In their place were piles of large bags of oysters awaiting pick up.

Here is the video

Trip Notes:

High tide at entrance: 9.52am 1.4ms