This years trip took place over the Australia Day Weekend and six intrepid members made the long journey south. Geoff Emery, Kerstin Beckmann, Ian Viapree, James Chapman and Gill & Geoff Palmer.
It should be noted that Gail and Colin Priest were unable to attend this year, as Gail has had an operation, their attendance was missed by all and we wish her a speedy recovery.
The water levels were low, we have been very lucky in the past few years with relatively high levels. So navigating the Inlet was not always in a straight line between two points, as it was necessary to paddle off the route at times to find deep water.
We all decided that Windy Corner gave the best possibility of deeper water paddling and we were soon making our way to the the campsite and had everything set up by late afternoon. There was even time for Geoff E and James to have a leisurely paddle to Shannon Island and back, or maybe it was a time trial?
The weather forecast was very favourable to us for the trip, with mainly light to gentle breezes predicted. However, we were perfectly positioned for the last day, even if the wind did increase, we could even walk the kayaks back to Camfield where we had launched, the water level was that low.
Our first trip was to Clarke Island, always a popular campsite, but this year the low level made the approach hard work and eventually most paddlers opted for the walking option. Many of us decided to walk and tow our kayaks to Bald Island and one of the party even continued walking to Birthday Beach, just so he could say he had done it! Maybe not the first to walk between the islands, but a novel experience even so!
It was a very hot day, and with little wind for relief, plus shallow water to paddle in, the conditions soon took their toll. We all met at Coal Point, before paddling to the River Mouth, but half of the party decided that enough was enough and went straight back to the camp. They were the sensible ones. The two Geoff's and James continued on to the the sea, and then the long slog back in hot conditions and shallow water. Of course, James and Geoff E weren't racing, but it was amusing watching them sneak looks at each other, and increase their paddle rate when the other wasn't looking..........
We all rested for the remainder of the afternoon in our saunas/tents, as the wind was calm and the heat high. Geoff E emerged at regular intervals to cool off.
The party split for the next paddle, with Gill, Kerstin and Ian heading for the River Mouth and the two Geoff's and James for the Shannon River. Both groups had a good morning paddle, the trip to the sea went well and Gill and Ian swam in the sea before returning. The Shannon River trip was a pleasant surf virtually the whole way, with the wind behind us. Navigation was the key to finding the hard to see entrance of the river and 318 degrees will forever be etched into our minds, as this is the course required from Shannon Island.
With good water in the river we soon made the campsite where the river splits in two, and had morning tea, mainly devouring Geoff E's fruit cake which was delicious. We were wary of the wind conditions as we approached the Inlet for the return paddle to Windy Corner, but to our delight, the conditions had eased to a gentle breeze, but with strong gusts. The competitive element eventually took over with James taking right bank and the two Geoff's staying centre channel, and Geoff E and James were soon pacing each other again - not that they are competitive!
On two occasions over the weekend, we were impressed with James's attention to the welfare of wildlife on the Inlet. Firstly, with the Emu's we sighted in the Cut to the River Mouth, where he steered us away, as we may have frightened them. Secondly, in the Shannon River where he guided us away from a possibly injured swan.
This trip is not just about the paddling, it is also a real get away from it weekend. Each paddler has to take their own water, food and equipment, as we leave the cars behind and pack everything into our kayaks, which makes it something special.
The company made the weekend one to remember. Thank you to my fellow paddlers for a very enjoyable time
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