A lot of off and on rain and wind today. Between one of the calmer weather periods I did a kayak on Terrigal Lagoon.
The water was just just deep enough to paddle to the western part of the lagoon where there two small natural tributaries. Once in this area the trees blocked the wind an the water became glassy and reflective. The only water movement was the slight wake of my kayak. I paddled slowly here soaking in the quietness. There were also a number of submerged logs and overhanging vegetation to maneuver around as well.
I backtracked along the shallow channels and paddled towards Terrigal Beach. I beached on the beach and wandered down to the shore and watched the small crisp waves breaking on the shallow sandbank. The waves were too fast and small to surf but they ere enjoyable to watch.
I had a short time frame to play so I headed over to Georges River National Park for a kayak.
I found a nice parking spot just next to the Georges River. I launched from a small white sandy beach and paddled across The Georges River to Mill Creek.
The tide was going high so my paddle up creek was easy. It was mangroves at the beginning on both banks. After a short distance I spied a small creek on my right. I followed this very narrow waterway through the thick mangroves. A real 'African Queen' adventure.
Back on Mills Creek and I passed a group of young guys who had camped on the high rocks above the creek. It looked like a fun relaxing thing to do.
The mangroves gradually decreased and large overhanging native trees began to dominate. It was fun paddling under the overhanging boughs and around fallen trees.
I didn't reach the end as I had run out of time.
A great kayak even though it rained reasonably heavy about two times.
For a long time the water level has been very low. Too low for a decent kayak. But today it was fine.
I paddled under the western bridge and up to the backwaters of the lagoon. It was pleasant and adventurous paddling around the narrow waterways at the western end.
I paddled back and towards Terrigal Beach. I landed on the beach side and walked over the sand to the ocean shore. There were small waves breaking in glassy conditions … very pretty.
At Sydney again so I decided on a
kayak along a part of Cooks River and Wolli Creek.
It was a bit difficult finding a
place to launch. The place I had picked was actually fenced off from the water.
I drove about a kilometre along the river before I came to a parking area near
the water. I had to carry the kayak a short distance and launch down some
slippery stairs .
I was on the water and paddled
along Cooks River which was fringed with river mangroves. There were a number
of birds in spots and heaps of bridges to go under.The traffic carried by the bridges varied from trains, pedestrians, cars to oil pipelines.
Eventually, I reached the convergence
of Wolli Creek and paddled along it.
It was fringed by mangroves in
parts and weeds in others but it was surprisingly pretty.
There were a lot of fish jumping
about and a lot of cormorants looking for a feed.
There were a number of industrial
and highrise buildings on the eastern shore. On the western shore, there were
mangroves and other trees, parklands and a rocky hillside.
I checked the
surf which was a bit small and full. I drove over to Patonga Creek to paddle
around the mangroves.
Being high tide, I was able to
paddle amongst the mangrove trees. It was a nice feeling, paddling over the crystal
clear water and around trees with a canopy of green above me. Peaceful and serene.
There were a lot of birds about.
I could hear them but it was difficult to see them as they blended in so well
in the environment. When I managed to spy one or two, they were quick to fly off
or hop out of sight.
After my paddle, I drove the short
distant to Patonga Beach and enjoyed a cappuccino in the warm sun while looking over the
awesome view of Broken Bay.
Later, I had a middle of the day walk along
the Haven Beach and much later still, I had a sunset walk with Jacinta around
the Haven.
A beautiful morning - warm,
sunny, wispy clouds, reflections on the water.
I only paddled for 2km but spent
a bit of time soaking in the ambiance of particular spots.
The start of the kayak is always
pretty as it protected from most winds so the water is very reflective. There
are branches overhanging the shore and a couple of trees which have fallen into
the water. The birds were hidden but they were very noisy.
The next stop was the beach. The
paddle took me past the beach and only 50 metres from the ocean waves. There
were a lot of people walking their dogs. One of them I recognized was Paul. I
pulled in ashore and we had a chat for awhile.
The lagoon is sort of a t-shape
and over one of the crossovers is a bridge for car and pedestrian traffic. I paddled
under the bridge and enjoyed the reflections of light and water on the underside
of the base of the bridge. It was a bit mesmerizing.
Back across to the island and I
paddled a short distance into the other t intersection. It was fun paddling amongst
the water bounded trees and reeds. I spied a couple of birds foraging.
I packed my gear and drove over
to Terrigal Beach for a cappuccino. I ran into Michael and his dog. We sat,
walked and chatted about climate change.
After leaving Michael, I noticed
a group of seagulls sitting quietly and in a straight line along the promenade
wall. Sort of looked unusual to their normal frenzied activity.
This morning I drove a short
distance to Wamberal Lagoon for a kayak.
The sky was blue andthe wind brisk. I paddled around the edge of
the lagoon with the wind behind my back then on the return I paddled back on
the sheltered side.
At first, there weren't any birds
but at the far sheltered end of the lagoon there were a number of black swans,
ducks and cormorants.
The water level was high enough
to paddled amongst water boundedthe
trees.
It was a pleasant and quiet 5km
ride.
Afterwards, I drove to Terrigal
Surf Club for a cappuccino and a sit in the sun.
The surf was fairly flat and the weather was nice.
I started the morning with a kayak on Terrigal Lagoon. I was just about ready to start with I dropped my mobile phone in the water. I got the phone out but only time ill tell if it survives.
The kayak was nice. I paddled around the channels on the edge of golf course. played under the two road bridges and watched a lot of birds.
I met Jacinta for coffee at Terrigal haven then it was back home to get things ready.
Chloe's birthday - We had a nice breakfast on the deck at home then Chloe opened her presents.
We then drove to Davistown for great tasting lunch.
Back home, resting and then Indian for dinner, cake, candle blowing and wish making. I was so bloated and Chloe was so happy.
.JPG)
