The following day split into paddlers and walkers. Keen to complete the second walk from Harrys Hut to Figtree we set out with Chris and Ray. Ray reminds me of my lawnmower, start her up and she just goes no matter what you run over. A brisk leg stretch through some beautiful rain forest thick with palms
presented us with what seemed like an extension of Lake Como. The lawnmower kept up the pace throughout the watery incursion although I doubt the mountain bike riders would have been as successful. Lunch was shared with fewer mossies than expected. There were thoughts of heading up to the Cooloola sandpatch for sundowners, but by the time we were back the idea had dissipated. Carol in the meantime had hauled Murray and Noel over 30Km to Campsite 15 and return. Cooloola sandpatch also had equally limited appeal amongst the paddlers and was replaced with casual sundowners on the jetty with universal approval.
The map shows a second arm of the Upper Noosa River not far from Lake Como. With the higher water level it seemed like an opportunity to check out what appeared to be a substantial
watercourse. It was also a great day to go looking for the everglades with the water lilies Glenis and David had paddled. The river split and while the left arm was wide it quickly
narrowed and became bounded by tall reeds. It was at least half a paddle depth but it was tortuous and it was this that had us backing out. No place for a 580. After morning tea at Figtree we paddled towards the island where the pelicans usually roost and
turned left heading towards the top of Lake Cootharaba. A jet ski flying out of nowhere gave the position of the entrance to the everglades. There are many places better off without jet skis, this being no exception. Further inland the protected channel was lined by water lillies. It forked, with a log blocking the right
arm, taking the left channel it split again with a log blocking the left arm. By now there was some water movement and we waited while Ray disappeared into the reeds. The channel did not go far before ending in what looked like swamp and Ray came out backwards.
Onto Teewah for lunch in the sun on the jetty and to wait for the promised wind. It was coming from the NW, but only doing around 10 knots offering a light push which Carol took advantage of with her newly fitted sail. It was a bit of a slow plod back with two very shiny Prion Millennium kayaks powered by
colourful Werner paddles arriving at Elanda soon after.
A couple of beers didn't touch the sides at the pub and the coffee does not come recommended - but then again a pub does beer not f****** lattes. The drive home stalled in heavy traffic well before the Bribie
Island turnoff - it was the only drag in what had been a another great weekend on the Upper Noosa River.
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