3am. In your dreams Ted - well that is where I would be. 6:30 for 7:00 was early enough and surprisingly hot when five paddlers converged at the southern boat ramp at Weinam Creek for a casual paddle. Casual in planning but not pace. Launching from the muddy squelch at the end of the boat ramp we struck out with Ray in the lead. Being close to the low we almost struck out of water as we
made for the Ws.
At this time of the morning there was a plethora of ferries - both car and passenger. Scooting alongside the channel it was a smooth and quick run to Karragarra where at 8:00am we had a pause in the shade and pushed onto Caniapa for morning tea. By now it
was getting decidedly hot and the water thick. Several pleasure craft were rafted up off RQYS and many more were motoring through to a glassy expanse. Stepping into a welcome swim was followed by a munch on Ted's homemade treats and some sweet Greek
cake. Dean did the masochistic thing and ran up the sandhill. Just as well he made it back when he did as there was still some morning tea left and his boat was about to do a disappearing trick.
Heading back across to RQYS was a mild game of frogger with the cruisers and yachts. The day just got hotter and there was little breeze as we headed into the mangroves to cut across Ooncooncoo Bay around Kibbinkibbinwa Point on Russell Island to the ferry terminal. The tide was right in as were the ferries. The water murky and uninviting. After leaving Russell Dean and Ted mutineered and went south while we headed north for the mangrove channel at Garden Island. The light northerly was warm and made
the paddle that little more work and by the time we were on the homeward stretch a lack of paddle fitness was becoming all too noticeable.
A welcome lunch was shared in the shade at Wienam Creek. On a day
which reached the mid 30's, maybe 3am start wasn't such a bad idea after all.
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