Well, a great time was had by all.
Patricia picked a great house for us all to bed down in each night.
On arrival Saturday morning, Tom and I found everyone up and getting ready for the mornings paddle.
After a cup of coffee and discussions on where we were paddling we headed off to Durras Lake.
On arrival we sorted out the kayaks and headed out on to the lake. The lake was much higher than all had remarked about earlier over the breakfast table. For those that had paddled there previously the lake had been very low. At least this time we would not have to portage.
After launching from the boat ramp we headed down to the beach entrance and found that the entrance was blocked. This explained why the water level was up.
After paddling back to the boat ramp and leaving Warren and his wife in their sit-on-top and collecting Lyn into our pack we headed onto the lake proper.
We saw Sea Eagles, other bird life and lots of jumping fish on this placid waterway. As the river was up we paddled between trees and into the marshlands.
We stopped for morning tea on a small outcrop where most got out for a stretch. Tara didn't want to get her woollen socks wet so she remained in her Mirage.
After paddling some more areas of the lake we stopped for lunch in the sun and out of the breeze. Although the wind was not strong it still had a chill to it.
On completion of lunch it was time to head back to the boat ramp once again for the next phase of the day.
Back at the boat ramp we decided to head to the southern end of Durras beach near the resort. Some had had enough paddling for the day and considered a walk along the beach to be more pleasant.
At the beach Patricia, Tom, Adrian, David, Rae and myself put in and paddled north along the coast just outside the breaking waves. After paddling to the north point and taking some photos it was time for the run home with the swell across the bay. Adrian, Rae and Tom had departed the group earlier and returned to the southern end.
Patricia, David and myself had a good run back south and on arrival at the beach watched Adrian carry out some rolling practice.
We came off the water at the right time as it was starting to cool down. Back to the house for hot showers and work out dinner arrangements. Some stayed and cooked whilst others headed into Batemans Bay for Fish and Chips. Having somewhere comfortable to relax after a days paddling was wonderful.
The next days forecast was for clouds. The BOM was wrong again and the day was picture perfect. Not a cloud in sight. Patricia had planned for us to head north to Burrill Lake launching from Kings Point. After a good breakfast of fresh eggs and baked beans on toast we loaded into the vehicles and headed north in a convoy.
On arriving at Kings Point we discovered that to use the parking area and boat ramp there was a cost involved. As fruigal paddlers we found another launching site nearby and put to launching onto the lake. Burrill Lake had lots of water in it so the high tide mark was above the mud. After launching the kayaks and ski onto the lake we headed inland to find Stony Creek. Along the way we saw more bird life and copious fish jumping as if to say "catch me".
Whilst paddling along we were joined by a black kelpie who swam out onto the lake and kept tabs with us up and down the bank. We found Stony Creek and paddled up its girth until finally coming to the end. Although it did continue we could not get any kayaks up there. Even a creek boat would find it a little too dry to paddle.
It was a good time to break out for lunch. On the surrounding rocks we gathered for our feast along with our new companion. Unfortunately the dog had found more than grass to roll in and needed coaxing to keep away at least while we tried to eat. After lunch we launched our kayaks delicately in amongst the rocks and headed back onto the lake for the journey home. Everyone had a good pace for the return journey and we left our four legged friend about the same place we picked him up from.
After loading the kayaks onto the cars some headed into Ulladulla for a pie and some headed back to the house for showers. After a bit of cleaning and emptying the house it was time to depart for Canberra. After saying our goodbyes to all we went our seperate ways.
Thanks to Patricia for organising another great weekend away and to all that shared our companionship.
Looking forward to the next adventure.
