From the BOM computer modelling the forecast was made to order with a still morning rising to a 15 - 20Kn NE for our return from Bongaree to Scarborough.
The new launching place was in demand from a different direction. Tandem sky divers were dropping in for what was sometimes an apologetic bummer of a landing. You would hope the sand had been raked for less than friendly objects although, to be fair, most of the landings were right on a
tiny target.
Today's group were on the water and pacing by 0900. A radio call to Carol saw them head off while we dug around for the camera shy case. It was already hot but the turbid brown water was not particularly inviting so we doddled off at a quiet pace. This part of the Bay can be relatively barren, especially for the distance you can see at any one time. Today was no exception. More marvelling at butterflies whose fragility belies their endurance across open expanses. The wind dropped as the tide slowed and the water took on that graceful fluidity that makes mountains out
of molehills. The dearth of turtles and dolphins was made up for by the unexpected launch and belly slap of a manta ray. A second radio call confirmed Bongaree as the destination, not Woorim, although from our view point it could have been either given where the lead paddlers had ended up.
As we came into the mouth of the Bribie Passage, a silhouette broke the surface several times in the manner suggestive of a dugong. Poor creatures, all the sea grass floating on the surface was dead.
The group pulled in south of the jetty and made for a picnic on the grass in the shade of a gum tree. The shoreline was busy with families with small children. Brian and Leonie shared pictures of their recent trip to Antarctica. Their day paddles were amongst magnificent icebergs which looked like they were lit by a deep blue fire. Shane headed off with his lean mean racing machine having already paddled to Scarborough and return to get ready to head for Moreton and beyond. Everytime we paddle with Carol it is like having a private chef - today she had baked
a moist almond and apple loaf. Our contribution was less subtle -
more like a bomb. Another couple of days and it may have exploded too as it was ripe and surprisingly sweet and tasty for a seedless melon.
As we headed back the breeze was starting to lift but we did not get much of a shove until well past half way. By then the swell was starting to rise to a good skipping height but it was not until close to shore that I caught and ran with what I would
consider a particularly excellent set shoved up by a commercial dive boat. I have yet to paddle another boat that picks up and runs with swell as easily as the Artic Raider does, mind you I have yet to see another auto-launching boat like a Raider too.
As we came ashore there were more incursions from above so we put the boats next to the rocks figuring that this is where they wouldn't want to be. From here it was off to inspect a whacker packer for landscaping. It is such a joy to be out on the water.
We hope to divide our time more equally between the yard and paddling. If nothing else, one keeps you in shape for the other and it was yet another day where the BOM called the weather with remarkable accuracy.
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