Trip Reports – Club Camps
Footloose at Adventure Bay
Club Camps are held every quarter – normally a week’s duration. An opportunity to visit other regions, paddle new waterways and socialize with club members. Trip Reports may fall outside the normal scope of the Club but are undertaken by Club Members.
An introduction to each report is displayed here. The full version will require ADOBE READER to enable you to read it. If you do not have this feature. Download it here…
Evans Head Camp Report Feb 22nd – Mar 1st, 2013.
Submitted by Sue Alcock
As we drove south along the Pacific Hwy, through torrential rain, 75km per hour winds, flooded roads and backwash from the semi-trailers, all we could think of “what on earth are we doing driving through this severe storm to go to a kayak camp” at Evans Head, NSW. But fourteen keen kayakers braved the elements and made it to our destination. We unpacked in the pouring rain, and listened to the roar of the surf in the background. Needless to say we all looked forward to a drink at happy hour at the ‘surf shack’ where we discussed what waterways were still possible to go kayaking along over the next few days. Our paddles were limited to several different paddles on the Evans River, another one in the Bundjalung National Park at Jerusalem Creek and one at North Creek, Ballina.
More details … Evans Head Camp Report – 2013 Sue Alcock
Brunswick Heads Camp Report Nov 25th – Dec 1st, 2012.
Submitted by Richard Sharpe
Brunswick Heads was the venue for the SSRKC camp for the second time in recent years with the previous most recent camp being held there in 2008. Massey Greene Holiday Park was the staging point for the camp with the majority of paddlers staying there either in cabins or camping on the foreshores of the Brunswick River.
Sunday afternoon 25th November saw an endless procession of cars arriving with their precious cargo strapped on top making it quite apparent to the other campers that the sunny coast kayakers were arriving as a force to be reckoned with.
As with all our camps, Happy Hour started right on time at 5pm and 19 paddlers with their wives and partners gathered together in a grassy shaded area at the entrance to the Park, for what was to be the beginning of a much anticipated paddle in the Brunswick Heads river systems. As camp leader I welcomed the group to the camp and gave an outline of the scheduled paddles for the week and in particular the early starts at 7am, necessary due to the early morning highs that prevailed for the entire week of our stay. Both Marshalls Creek and Simpsons Creek are only navigable around the top of the tide with oyster beds just below the surface which can cause serious damage to the hulls of the unwary that might have misjudged the tides. With the formalities over the group engaged in light hearted banter before heading off for dinner, with the local seafood establishment doing a roaring trade.
Sunday afternoon 25th November saw an endless procession of cars arriving with their precious cargo strapped on top making it quite apparent to the other campers that the sunny coast kayakers were arriving as a force to be reckoned with.
As with all our camps, Happy Hour started right on time at 5pm and 19 paddlers with their wives and partners gathered together in a grassy shaded area at the entrance to the Park, for what was to be the beginning of a much anticipated paddle in the Brunswick Heads river systems. As camp leader I welcomed the group to the camp and gave an outline of the scheduled paddles for the week and in particular the early starts at 7am, necessary due to the early morning highs that prevailed for the entire week of our stay. Both Marshalls Creek and Simpsons Creek are only navigable around the top of the tide with oyster beds just below the surface which can cause serious damage to the hulls of the unwary that might have misjudged the tides. With the formalities over the group engaged in light hearted banter before heading off for dinner, with the local seafood establishment doing a roaring trade.
More details … Brunswick Heads Camp 2012 – Richard Sharpe
Whitsundays Report Sept 3rd – 8th, 2012.
Pensioners in Kayaks perform Geriatric Rambo feats at Whitsunday Island Camp.
Submitted by Mike Gaspert
Paddlers: Dave – Camp Coordinator, Anita, Fay and Albert, Umi, Chris, Richard, Neil, Di, David, Jim, Mike and Dawn; Lorri and Dennis.
Day 1 Monday 3rd September.
Dave was right; it was a long drive to the Whitsunday’s, particularly with the extensive road works and traffic delays along the Bruce Hwy from Gympie to Rockhampton.
While we made our own travel arrangements, it turned out that the whole group assembled at Cape Hillsborough just north of MacKay, to camp at Smalley Beach on Sunday night.
While we made our own travel arrangements, it turned out that the whole group assembled at Cape Hillsborough just north of MacKay, to camp at Smalley Beach on Sunday night.
On Monday the group paddled from the camp site to Seaforth to have a cup of coffee, about 17 km round trip; a typical “Thursday paddle”.
The weather was overcast and seas were uncooperative. As we assaulted the beach at Seaforth we had our first “turtle” as the shore breaks challenged the group’s beaching techniques. A cup of hot coffee soon calmed the nerves. I would have preferred a shot of rum to boost my “Dutch courage”.
Some of the novice paddlers suggested they stay at Seaforth and have Dave come back with the trailer to pick them and kayaks up.
Dave used his significant man management skills and convinced the group they could paddle into the next bay which would make his pickup trip shorter.
Once on the water it was easier to convince the “self-doubters” to continue “one step at a time”. While in the bays, close to shore the water was calmer and the group only had to plough into the waves while rounding the points. We progressed slowly back to the camp site, with the final 4 km leg into the waves and head wind while difficult, was made easier as our camp site destination was in sight. All in all we had a good outing and we were particularly elated to be back at the camp site for happy hour, a meal and general morale boosting activities. It rained that night.
The weather was overcast and seas were uncooperative. As we assaulted the beach at Seaforth we had our first “turtle” as the shore breaks challenged the group’s beaching techniques. A cup of hot coffee soon calmed the nerves. I would have preferred a shot of rum to boost my “Dutch courage”.
Some of the novice paddlers suggested they stay at Seaforth and have Dave come back with the trailer to pick them and kayaks up.
Dave used his significant man management skills and convinced the group they could paddle into the next bay which would make his pickup trip shorter.
Once on the water it was easier to convince the “self-doubters” to continue “one step at a time”. While in the bays, close to shore the water was calmer and the group only had to plough into the waves while rounding the points. We progressed slowly back to the camp site, with the final 4 km leg into the waves and head wind while difficult, was made easier as our camp site destination was in sight. All in all we had a good outing and we were particularly elated to be back at the camp site for happy hour, a meal and general morale boosting activities. It rained that night.
More details … MIke Gaspert – Whitsundays September 2012
GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND DISCOVERY July, 2012
Submitted by Dave Pass.
Unloading at Keppel Is.
Day 1:
An early morning check with the coast guard confirmed that the local “tinnies” had already been turning back as it was too rough out there.
The “Freedom Fast Cats” were just next door and we and our 7 kayaks were soon stashed aboard and on our way across the bay. We provided considerable interest to both locals and tourists as we sorted and loaded our gear on the windy beach and then paddled south to see if we could safely make the camp site on Humpy Island. Once past the shelter of GKI our paddle skills were put to the test as we rounded Monkey Point and entered the 3klm wide channel with a 20+knot wind on the nose. Only the top of the front paddler’s hat visible in the troughs with short waves coming from various directions. A loaded kayak is a wonderful thing!
All safely on Humpy, we reflected on a great, if a little challenging paddle. Humpy is a perfect camp site. A sandy beach, even at low tide. Good shade, grass, toilets, water and a cold shower for those game enough. The wind was cold!
By dark, the wind had dropped out and we had hopes of the perfect paddle back past GKI to middle and Miall Islands tomorrow. Alas, the wind rattled our tents through the night and the forecast, via VHF radio, confirmed that we were in for another rough crossing to and around Monkey Point.
By dark, the wind had dropped out and we had hopes of the perfect paddle back past GKI to middle and Miall Islands tomorrow. Alas, the wind rattled our tents through the night and the forecast, via VHF radio, confirmed that we were in for another rough crossing to and around Monkey Point.
NOOSA CAMP REPORT June 3rd – June 8th, 2012
Submitted by Anita Coulthurst.
Noosa North Shore
Heavy rain 3 days prior to the Noosa camp and there’s a sense of deja vu with memories of torrential downpours that brought this same camp to a soggy end last time.
Sunday 3rd June at happy hour in Jim and Barry’s unit a collective decision was made to reverse Monday and Tuesday paddle due to the inclement weather.
Monday 4th a perfect morning – sunny clear skies greeted us with the Noosa River full and inviting. We launched at Munna Point with 16 paddlers and headed towards Tewantin, detouring into a side creek to observe the house-boat-hide-out with an interesting side commentary from Barry, then past Branson’s Makepeace Island…and into the entrance of Lake Cooroibah. A suitable morning tea spot was located and here we were visited by a “younger than most of us” guy on a narrow tippy 680 surf ski – who duly informed us he paddles from Tewantin to Boreen Point and back before breakfast (well almost!). An invitation to try out the ski was not taken up though there may have been a couple who were tempted. On the return paddle a stop a Harbourtown in Tewantin to organise a fish & chip venue for our full moon paddle that night. A fortuitous decision after Jim pointed out the large concrete blocks just visible on the surface of the river which would have presented a serious obstacle for kayaks at night.
Sunday 3rd June at happy hour in Jim and Barry’s unit a collective decision was made to reverse Monday and Tuesday paddle due to the inclement weather.
Monday 4th a perfect morning – sunny clear skies greeted us with the Noosa River full and inviting. We launched at Munna Point with 16 paddlers and headed towards Tewantin, detouring into a side creek to observe the house-boat-hide-out with an interesting side commentary from Barry, then past Branson’s Makepeace Island…and into the entrance of Lake Cooroibah. A suitable morning tea spot was located and here we were visited by a “younger than most of us” guy on a narrow tippy 680 surf ski – who duly informed us he paddles from Tewantin to Boreen Point and back before breakfast (well almost!). An invitation to try out the ski was not taken up though there may have been a couple who were tempted. On the return paddle a stop a Harbourtown in Tewantin to organise a fish & chip venue for our full moon paddle that night. A fortuitous decision after Jim pointed out the large concrete blocks just visible on the surface of the river which would have presented a serious obstacle for kayaks at night.
More details… Noosa 2012 – Anita Coulthurst
TASMANIAN CAMP REPORT Feb 11th – Feb 26th, 2012
Submitted by Richard Sharpe.
Ready to Rage - Hobart
The Tassie trip was to encompass 3 of the best kayaking areas in Tasmania, namely Bruny Island, Port Arthur and Freycinet Peninsular. Each of these areas provided outstanding scenery and paddling conditions for the group of 18 members of the SSRKC.
The majority of the group came down on the airport shuttle from the Sunshine Coast meeting up with the rest of the team from Brisbane for the 9am flight to Hobart. A small hiccup occurred on check in when a novice check in clerk checked me in as Jim in spite of looking at my drivers licence.
As we were waiting we compared seats and realised that only the first person to go through the gate would have got on board. Luckily we discovered the error before boarding. On arriving at Hobart we picked up our transport of one 12 seater minibus and a station wagon. Some of our group had arranged their own transport and others took their own vehicle and kayak across. Charlie a professional driver volunteered to be our bus driver for the trip and drove us to Barilla Holiday Park at Cambridge where we stayed for two nights before heading off to Bruny Island on Monday.
As we were waiting we compared seats and realised that only the first person to go through the gate would have got on board. Luckily we discovered the error before boarding. On arriving at Hobart we picked up our transport of one 12 seater minibus and a station wagon. Some of our group had arranged their own transport and others took their own vehicle and kayak across. Charlie a professional driver volunteered to be our bus driver for the trip and drove us to Barilla Holiday Park at Cambridge where we stayed for two nights before heading off to Bruny Island on Monday.
More details…Tasmania 2012 – Richard Sharpe
TWEED RIVER – CHINDERAH CAMP REPORT Nov 20rd – Nov 25th, 2011
Submitted by Brian Inman.
Reflections near Fingal
The camp started with a pleasant happy hour on Sunday night, and after allowing for a little mellowing to take place, I ran through the weeks paddling.
Monday.
Off to Tumblegum. On the way attracting a lot of attention with our convoy of 24 kayaks especially at Tumblegum. Down the beautiful Rous River for morning tea with a great view of Mt Barney. Then through the canal and on to Condong for lunch, before heading back to Tumblegum into a stiff breeze. A great paddle.
Distance paddled 22 km.
Tuesday
Off to Kingscliff for a morning paddle along the Cudgeon Creek. We were unable to reach the lake due to blockages, but found a great morning tea spot. My thanks to Peter for helping some across a log. Another stiff breeze on the way back. No dolphins this time.
Distance paddled 16 km.
Off to Kingscliff for a morning paddle along the Cudgeon Creek. We were unable to reach the lake due to blockages, but found a great morning tea spot. My thanks to Peter for helping some across a log. Another stiff breeze on the way back. No dolphins this time.
Distance paddled 16 km.
More details…Chindeah 2011 – Brian Inman
NOOSA RIVER CAMP REPORT Nov 3rd – Nov 5th, 2011
Submitted by Richard Sharpe.
The annual Noosa River camp kicked off in perfect conditions on Thursday morning from the Canoe Launch site at Elanda Point.
Noosa River 2011
Anita and Evan were the first to arrive shortly after 6am and were already packing their kayaks on the beach when I arrived not long after. We had to unload the cars down a short track away from the car park which could only accommodate 5 cars at a time and once the rest of the group started arriving in mass it became important to unload as quickly as possible and then return to the car park to allow the others in. Anita was leading the camp and after a short briefing 25 of us headed off to the observation centre Kinaba at the mouth of the Noosa River. The group comprised of a number of day paddlers who would paddle up to Harry’s Hut and return, a group of campers who would only stay one night and 4 campers staying 2 nights and returning on Saturday morning.
More details…Noosa River Camp Report 2011
LAKE BARAMBAH & LAKE BOONDOOMA CAMP REPORT Sept 4th – Sept 10th, 2011
Submitted by Graham Garrett.
As a departure from the normal paddling venues, a decision was made to do a five day camp visiting two large inland waterways in the South Burnett region, Lake Barambah (Bjelke-Peterson Dam) and Lake Boondooma. As it turned out the decision was a good one, with both dams near full capacity.
Balancing Rock
Special thanks must go to Jim for organising and leading the paddles over the five days. This entailed an initial drive through the district weeks earlier to check out accommodation options and interesting areas to paddle.
A drive of some 145kms. from the Sunshine Coast brought us to Lake Barambah, located just south of Murgon. The Yallakool Caravan Park was our home for the next couple of days. The group stayed in a mixture of cabins, camping trailers and caravans. Although the dam is well stocked with fish and the surrounding countryside is dotted with several wineries, the dam’s appeal to us lay in the
paddling options. Arriving on the Sunday we had high expectations for the Monday paddle. Eleven paddlers formed the group, Jim, Don, Jan, Ron, Brian, George, Terry, Carmel, Lorna, Richard and Graham.
A drive of some 145kms. from the Sunshine Coast brought us to Lake Barambah, located just south of Murgon. The Yallakool Caravan Park was our home for the next couple of days. The group stayed in a mixture of cabins, camping trailers and caravans. Although the dam is well stocked with fish and the surrounding countryside is dotted with several wineries, the dam’s appeal to us lay in the
paddling options. Arriving on the Sunday we had high expectations for the Monday paddle. Eleven paddlers formed the group, Jim, Don, Jan, Ron, Brian, George, Terry, Carmel, Lorna, Richard and Graham.
Light rain was still falling when we launched from the caravan park boat ramp. We headed off into the light rain and fog for a 17.7 klm trip. Following the shore line past the saddle dam wall we continued exploring the far side of the lake. The bird life was a surprise with flocks of black swans, pelicans, ducks and the odd sea eagle. The recent increase in water levels had flooded many of
the small trees and made for an interesting paddle, as we terrorized the wildlife at every turn. After morning tea in one of the many sheltered bays and the sun now shining, we headed back across the lake to the camp sight.
the small trees and made for an interesting paddle, as we terrorized the wildlife at every turn. After morning tea in one of the many sheltered bays and the sun now shining, we headed back across the lake to the camp sight.
More details…Murgon Dams 2011
WHITSUNDAYS REPORT May 29th – June 6th, 2011
Submitted by Mike Gaspert. This venture was undertaken by club members but was not an official Club Outing.
Paddlers: Dave (Organizer, Leader), Martin, (Co-leader), Anita, Arny, Bruce, Jim, Pete, Sue, Glenys and Greg; and Dawn and Mike.
Route Map of the WHITSUNDAY WANDERERS
Read about the group’s adventures as they spend an idyllic week in arguably a sea kayaker’s paradise.
An extract follows:
Shute Harbour – Joe’s Beach, Whitsunday Island
Eleven heavily laden kayaks with twelve POBs left Shute Harbour on time and we were flushed out of the bay by the outgoing tide. The group headed southeast paddling across the northerly flowing current on a clear day with little breeze and minimum swell. Although the heading was southeast our track was across the channel and in good time we found ourselves skirting the southern shore of South Molle Island. We paddled close to the shore taking in the scenery and made our way to Denman Island where we stopped for morning tea, placing our kayaks onto a rocky coral festoon beach. While we rested Martin and Dave tried to lighten their load by giving away iced banana cake and fruitcake, respectively. After much pleading Martin won out and placed an empty banana cake container in his kayak after convincing many to take a second or third helping.
Eleven heavily laden kayaks with twelve POBs left Shute Harbour on time and we were flushed out of the bay by the outgoing tide. The group headed southeast paddling across the northerly flowing current on a clear day with little breeze and minimum swell. Although the heading was southeast our track was across the channel and in good time we found ourselves skirting the southern shore of South Molle Island. We paddled close to the shore taking in the scenery and made our way to Denman Island where we stopped for morning tea, placing our kayaks onto a rocky coral festoon beach. While we rested Martin and Dave tried to lighten their load by giving away iced banana cake and fruitcake, respectively. After much pleading Martin won out and placed an empty banana cake container in his kayak after convincing many to take a second or third helping.
The Intrepid Group
The second leg of journey took us across open waters between South Molle and Whitsunday Islands. While Whitsunday Island dominated the horizon, we also had clear views of Cid, Dent and Hamilton Islands. Surprisingly the group was reasonably disciplined and kept together for most of the journey. The group regathered at the south of Cid Island and paused before entering Cid Harbour, a body of water forming a natural harbour between Cid and Whitsunday Islands. It was a short distance from there to our first destination, Joe’s Beach campsite on the west side of Whitsunday Island. We beached the kayaks at low tide and the boys helped to carry the fully laden kayaks some 30 metres across the sand and coral flats onto the beach above the high tide mark. Dave commented that this leg of the trip “concerned him the most” and he was happy to have it completed uneventfully.
More details…2011 Whitsundays_Mike Gaspert
TIN CAN BAY CAMP REPORT May 15th-21st, 2011
Submitted by Brian Martin.
Accommodation at Tin Can Bay Tourist Park
Tin Can Bay was the location for our club camp. A fishing and boating paradise located on the Cooloola Coast, two hours north of the Sunshine Coast , at the southern end of the Great Sandy Strait.
Jetty Ruins - Poverty Point
Twelve members participated in this camp and we enjoyed five paddles covering much of the bay. The inlet itself is a huge area of water but we knew from previous experience the timing of paddles is crucial due to the rapid disappearance of water once high tide has been reached. This area is not called part of the Great Sandy Straits for nothing! Weather generally was favourable with most of the rain experienced falling during the hours of darkness. Paddles were mostly in the range of 20 km in length and included Snapper Creek, Kauri Creek, Poverty Point with the ruins of a very old jetty still visible, Cooloola Cove, Carland Creek and Teewah Creek. Highlight of the Snapper Creek paddle included occasional gunfire from the nearby military reserve. No need to tell everyone to keep their heads down! A low flying chopper above us added to the excitement. Extra activities included viewing the morning dolphin feeding at Snapper Point and the usual club dinner which was held at the local country club on Wednesday evening.
Thank you to those who attended making the camp possible. Also thanks to both Peter and Jim for their input.
Club camps such as this one are most enjoyable (especially happy hours) and form a major part of the socialising aspect within our club.
Brian.
NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORT Feb, 2011
Submitted by Brian Martin.
New Zealand offers some superb kayaking and no matter what your skill level there are opportunities for all paddlers. Jim Blyth had organised our trip and selected three locations offering completely different types of paddling so we knew we were in for something special.
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park
NZ Adventurers
All of us were to kayak the first location, the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island. This is one of New Zealand’s top kayaking locations, boasting some of its finest beaches, many accessible only by walking tracks or by boat. It is NZ’s only coastal national park and with its golden sandy beaches and sheltered turquoise waters, this is a kayaker’s paradise.
We were met by Tony, from Golden Bay Kayaks on Totaranui Beach, with our four doubles in which we stowed all our gear before heading off on our 3 day adventure. We spent our first night at Bark Hut sharing sleeping quarters with 26 mainly young bushwalkers, which was quite an experience! The next day saw us exploring the local area with its tidal lagoons, beach caves and beautiful sandy shores -we even found our own private beach for lunch. The third day was probably the best with a look at the seal colony on Tonga Island and then an encounter with some killer whales surfacing barely 20 metres away! Being so engrossed in trying to get photos we had no thought of any danger. The final highlight was the agile Anita jumping from the kayak onto rocks to pose in the aptly named Split Apple Rock. Our wonderful trip ended early in the afternoon, at beautiful Kaiteriteri, where we met up with Tony again. I was amazed by the number of kayaks, both single and double, we encountered on this trip showing just how popular this activity is. I was also curious to see how a double seakayak would perform in these choppy ocean conditions and would certainly recommend them due to their stability and load carrying ability.
We were met by Tony, from Golden Bay Kayaks on Totaranui Beach, with our four doubles in which we stowed all our gear before heading off on our 3 day adventure. We spent our first night at Bark Hut sharing sleeping quarters with 26 mainly young bushwalkers, which was quite an experience! The next day saw us exploring the local area with its tidal lagoons, beach caves and beautiful sandy shores -we even found our own private beach for lunch. The third day was probably the best with a look at the seal colony on Tonga Island and then an encounter with some killer whales surfacing barely 20 metres away! Being so engrossed in trying to get photos we had no thought of any danger. The final highlight was the agile Anita jumping from the kayak onto rocks to pose in the aptly named Split Apple Rock. Our wonderful trip ended early in the afternoon, at beautiful Kaiteriteri, where we met up with Tony again. I was amazed by the number of kayaks, both single and double, we encountered on this trip showing just how popular this activity is. I was also curious to see how a double seakayak would perform in these choppy ocean conditions and would certainly recommend them due to their stability and load carrying ability.
More details…Brian Martin – New Zealand 2011
EVANS HEAD CAMP REPORT June 6-11, 2010
Submitted by Sue Alcock.
Evans Head - Courtesy of B Plenkovich
OVERVIEW
Evans Head is a sleepy little seaside town just 35 km’s south of Ballina, NSW, boasting long unspoilt beaches, fantastic wild life, National Park walking areas and great water ways for those who enjoy all types of water sports.
Evans Head is a sleepy little seaside town just 35 km’s south of Ballina, NSW, boasting long unspoilt beaches, fantastic wild life, National Park walking areas and great water ways for those who enjoy all types of water sports.
Twenty-four people attended the camp (four non paddlers) staying in an assortment of accommodation. Nine people enjoyed the comforts of the Evans Head Caravan Park, three rented a beautiful house and the other twelve were all in together, so to speak, sharing an upstairs area and ‘dorm’ area below and situated right on the banks of the picturesque Evans River, just a few steps from the shops, parkland and river mouth. Apart from the daily paddles many of us went on walks, watched the dolphins playing at ‘the wall’, watched Martin kayak surf and on occasions, some folk caught sight of the migrating whales out at sea. The restaurant situation however was a little limited, but it did not seem to bother anyone at all.
A few members arrived earlier so took advantage of the beautiful days by exploring around the waterways near the township and along the winding fresh water creeks. We were very fortunate with the weather, enjoying warm, sunny days and slightly cooler evenings than we are used to on the Sunshine Coast ……… and best of all no rain!
More details…EVANS HEAD CAMP REPORT
Trip Report
THREE MEN IN THEIR KAYAKS.
Submitted by Dave Pass. This venture was undertaken by club members but was not an official Club Outing.
Terry, Martin and Dave circumnavigate Whitsunday Island. 21st June – 25th June 2010.
Sunrise in Paradise
While Terry M’Garry, Martin Dale and I pack up our camp in the pre dawn gloom, the tide has crept across the coral flats to fill Peter Bay and to gently lift our loaded kayaks off the sand. Just a hint of light in the eastern sky as we paddle across the calm bay, our paddles creating pools of phosphorescence as we follow the coast north. The sea turns to the colour of molten lead in the early light and the paddling becomes a little more challenging as we round the first headland and approach the north end of Whitsunday Island. Our spirits lift and the friendly chat increases as we round the top and the sun lifts above the horizon to bath us and the spectacular cliffs in crimson. Martin and Terry paddle in close to the cliffs, occasionally disappearing behind isolated rocks, enjoying the lift and wash as the waves reflect off the shore. More cautious, I stay a little wide intent on reaching our immediate objective, Hook Passage. The passage is the cause of our predawn start as we need to pass through the narrow passage with it’s whirlpools and steep waves when it is in its most benevolent mood! Our timing is good and we are swept south through the passage on the last of the rising tide into the tranquil water on the sheltered side of Whitsunday Island. The morning sun is yet to climb above the pine clad peaks as we beach our boats in a spectacular little tropical bay for a well earned breakfast.
More details…THREE MEN IN THEIR KAYAK1
MARYBOROUGH CAMP REPORT - MARY RIVER. September 5th – 10th 2010
Submitted by Peter Jesberg.
Accommodation Base: The Wallace Motel & Caravan Park. Ferry Street, Maryborough.
Monday 6th
Downstream from Maryborough. Overnight rain of 50 – 60 mm and steady morning drizzle saw a party of ten at Tiaro, ready to paddle upstream. However, the river had
risen, overnight, to a level of 2.66m, with a brisk current running. Though not dangerous, prudence deemed we cancel for the morning, return to base and reconsider an afternoon option.
Afternoon: Depart Lamington Bridge downstream at 2pm. An assisting run-out tide, around 8km/hr, generated easy paddling for a 3 pm arrival at the Rowing Club. Low tide left the boat ramp very muddy so we used the pontoon to extract.
More details…Peter Jesberg – Maryborough 2010 V2
Trip Report
A DINGO STOLE MY PFD!!.
Submitted by Dave Pass. This venture was undertaken by club members but was not an official Club Outing.
Dave and friends frolic with the whales at Frazer Is.
Don’t come up now…Don’t come up now… my thoughts as a huge hump back whale slipped smoothly a meter or two below my kayak. So close, I swear I could see it watching me as it approached, so close that the scars and barnacles were visible on its back.
But I get ahead of myself, excited no doubt!
Two days previously (Fri Aug. 27, 2010), six club members had met at the Urangan boat harbour. Sue Alcock, Yvonne Harrison, Bruce Nicholson, Arny Hale, Terry Mc Garry and I were a little tense as we attempted to fit all our gear and food/water into our kayaks. None had previously paddled the 11k across to Fraser Island and up into Platypus Bay to kayak with the whales
Don’t come up now…Don’t come up now… my thoughts as a huge hump back whale slipped smoothly a meter or two below my kayak. So close, I swear I could see it watching me as it approached, so close that the scars and barnacles were visible on its back.
But I get ahead of myself, excited no doubt!
Two days previously (Fri Aug. 27, 2010), six club members had met at the Urangan boat harbour. Sue Alcock, Yvonne Harrison, Bruce Nicholson, Arny Hale, Terry Mc Garry and I were a little tense as we attempted to fit all our gear and food/water into our kayaks. None had previously paddled the 11k across to Fraser Island and up into Platypus Bay to kayak with the whales
More details…A Dingo stole my PFD 2