The ships log:
Wallingat River August 2003.
Prior to paddling the Wallingat I did a quick run through the National park to where we had planned to paddle to the next day. This was a bit of a disappointment (not the park) but the water access has a large 5 meter drop down to the water. Not the place to lug or even attempt to empty a fully laden Kayak.
David and Dennis arrived that afternoon where our overnight stay was at the Tuncurry Caravan Park right on the water front. The weather was looking a little gray but the morning start was good with no wind and light rain forecast that evening. The plan was to head down the Wallingat river and camp overnight at either one of two places sighted on the map. The four day weather forecast was for 30 knot winds late Sunday from the North West.
Arriving at the first site, it had a nice grassy area and shelter shed with table. However, it was decided to push on a further 5 km to the next one as there was still plenty of daylight.
The next site was a bit of a disappointment with no shelter shed and a muddy landing. The rain started and the 3 x 3 meter tarp was up in a flash. This was to be our mess for the evening. The rain persisted but still managed a nice fire.
The next morning was overcast with
a very light drizzle. The paddle back was windless but keeping in mind the wind
that was forecast to arrive meant we had to head up to the top of the Wallingat
in good time. Just short of the bend in the river it hit with a bit of vengeance
starting at around 15 knots and gusting to 20 knots it was a difficult last
2 km.
Arriving at the top of the river it was time for a snack and coffee. The wind
continued to pick up but the direction now was in our backs.
It was time for the Golf umbrella (Kayak sail) we were traveling at 10 km/hr
without paddling (measured with GPS) As soon as I popped the umbrella it turned
itself into what appeared to be a stick with bits of wire and some cloth attached
! But the thrill was still traveling at 18 km/hr during the gusts.
Watching the speed rather than the previous days track, I missed the turn off
! This meant a quick stop, as the paddle into the wind was near impossible.
To paddle the 100 meters back took around 20 minutes full on paddling making
a distance of a few cm with each stroke. It was good to get back.
The wind log measured at the Local Coast Guard that afternoon was averaging 35 to 40 knots.