Thursday 3 April 2025 Cuttagee Lake: still closed after 158ml of rain

 Starting on Friday 28th March it rained nonstop until some time the following Monday night; 158ml (6 inches) and most of it falling as good soaking in rain. Over the same period we had big seas and high tides pushing water over the sand plug into the lake, so it was an anxious wait to see if Cuttagee would open.

Happily for us kayakers, the sand plug held and looks as though it may have increased in size so with perfect weather conditions we were set for an enjoyable paddle.

Along with N from next door we launched at 11.00am and went for a short exploratory paddle as we waited for S&V to join us before heading up to the bridge to check out the water level and to view the pelicans that have taken up temporary residence.

Then we headed up the lake and into Cuttagee Creek to see how it was recovering from the fire. Stopped by an impenetrable tangle of branches we turned and paddle a little way back to a pebble beach to stop for lunch and this was where I packed the GoPro away.

Paddling back down the creek N took a pic of this Sea Eagle in a branch overhanging the water

and near the mouth of the creek, the flock of pelicans we'd disturbed earlier had resumed their positions.

Further back L, followed by S&V, found a low spot in the silt jetty and with a couple of twists and turns floated over into Aafke's back lagoon. Back down the lake at the eastern end of Far End we poked around and found a short cut (tho' not in time) through to Little Cuttagee where we emerged, twig bedaubed and triumphant.

We poddled, chatting, slowly back across the lake until we said our goodbyes and parted ways. Nothing can beat an enjoyable afternoon on the water.

11.86km