We had an early start to the day and managed to depart on time at 7.00am. However S&V had what they hope is only a mechanical hiccup and had to pull up. As we were only 10kms ahead of them and they were keen to paddle we turned around and went back. After transferring their boats and gear we abandoned their car and resumed our journey.
Upon beginning our descent to the dam we could see it was shrouded in mist however after a pitstop to use the loos and by the time we were ready to paddle the mist had evaporated and, as you will see on the video, a sublime view up the dam presented itself on this beautiful autumn morning.
After taking to the water later than planned we paddled up the dam for a couple of kilometres soaking in the views and reflections and turned into Nelson bay. Having greeted a couple of campers heading out for a paddle we headed up Nelson Creek as far as we could go. There we stopped for morning tea. By the time we ready to head back the way we had come the day had warmed up and we were happy to paddle in the shade whenever possible.
Exiting Nelson Bay the first of our wildlife encounters happened - a snake swimming across the dam. A little further on it was a goanna swimming across the water. It must have been quite a tough swim, the first thing it did upon reaching the edge was to haul itself partially out of the water and splay flat in the sun.
Ten minutes or so later another goanna was spotted, this time much closer. Swimming is far more awkward for them, no wonder the first goanna flopped in the sun as soon as it exited the water.
As we pulled in for another stop, this time for lunch, I disturbed a water dragon which took off into the water, quickly disappearing, camouflaged amongst the reeds.
L flew the drone once more and nearly bid it goodbye. Whilst flying it up Brogo River all contact with it was severed for a few minutes. Quietly panicking (the rest of us had no idea of the drama unfolding) he kept pressing the come home button. As you will see the drone eventually responded, doing inadvertently, in drone speak, a magnificent 'reveal' as it miraculously missed crashing into the trees. Control was regained only after it was 3/4s of the way back and a quakey kneed L had to sit down whilst his heart returned from his mouth to its normal position.
As we lunched a light breeze sprang up. Thankfully the forecast possible thunderstorm did not manifest itself tho' the air did become a little oppressive and the paddle back to the boat ramp was a bit of a slog through heavy feeling water.
Having stopped in at the local mechanic on the way back for some advice, we drove on to S&V's car and followed them back to the mechanics where their car was left. Then it was into town for some delicious and well deserved gelati (thanks S&V) before dropping them home and thence ourselves.
9.00kms
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