As we ate breakfast two humpbacks swam by a leisurely pace in the gutter 300m offshore. We set off in calm conditions in search of more whales whilst heading north for Wathumba. Aside a couple of dolphins, flying fish and an occasional loggerhead turtle, Platypus Bay was deserted.
About 3Km out from Wathumba three whales surfaced. The sails were pulled down and we kept a respectful distance. I waved politely as two of the three spy hopped us. Being equally matched in numbers only, and having witnessed what a ramming by a mere dugong can do, it was really a
timid wave, not the sort of rowdy bollocking that comes from 40
feet up on a giant powered catamaran. With no rescue boats in cooee I was mindful not to wish for too much action. However the decision was not ours to make and we can't have been all that interesting as they just continued as they were.
By the time we arrived at Wathumba the tide was streaming out taking with it baby eagle rays, a small shark and plumes of sand suggestive of other rays. A quick lunch was had on the ever enlarging bank before heading out to search for the main channel. Paddling against the tide with limited wind assistance made for a full day.
By the time we landed it was straight for a warm fresh
shower, sundowners and dinner. The campfire in a can was more of a bonfire obliterating the need to any supplementary lighting. It was extinguished to watch the light show of two storm cells moving to the north and south. A low profile launch
weighed anchor further towards the mouth of Awinya Creek but like us was spared the fury. A few spats of rain heralded an early night. The tide was full. Little waves rolled into the sandy bank making a peculiar sound like the growling of the intestines of a huge monster as they curled in on the beach, hitting the sand
bank passing on down the line of the beach.
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