Wathumba is very different and a remarkably beautiful place on the top of the tide so the next day we headed back up there to visit the National Park campground. We also planned to check out the camping options on the northern spit, keeping an eye out for whales as we
went. We found the campsite host to a gaggle of 4WD towing an impressive array of campers and a double axle boat trailer. An emboldened dingo strutted around, it was the only dingo we saw in the middle of the day, although tracks indicated that they daily visitors at Awinya.
The campground was well kept although the showers out of action. It was a surprise to find flushing toilets. We went directly across the lagoon heading for the beach just west of the first clump of mangroves. We climbed the bank and came across a magic place marked by pandanus. It was a level area that
could accommodate a couple of smaller tents. More sheltered from the SE compared with the end of the spit this place held a commanding view over the sand dunes and turquoise water to Rooney Point. Simply magnificent and a great staging
post for day paddles out into Platypus Bay or further north.
Moving west along the spit we paddled past the fallen trees adorned with black cormorants. We pulled ashore to check out a ladder which turned out to have a handrail fashioned from a star picket and the remains of a boom. The ladder climbed the bank to a large open level area shaded by pines. A generous dingo box was in good condition and there were the remains of a substantial camp fire. Moving on we paddled by two larger catamarans moored in front of an attractive
beach which we left unvisited before pulling up close to the end of the spit. The area amongst the casuarinas on the end of the spit was exposed to the SE and not all that attractive. It was peppered with white papery remnants .
The only downside was that to visit here at the top of the tide came with tidal opposition for the 11Km return paddle. We took our time, staying in close to shore getting out to take a look at clues suggestive of creeks draining swamps. All creeks, with the
exception of Awinya had what looked like sponges of dense green weed that formed a thick mat which put up little resistance when stood on. It was not clear whether this actually grew in the creek or had been swept in there by the tide. What was clear was that when it piled up on the edge of the creek it stank. It certainly spoiled the appeal of many creeks, including Bowaraddy. The sandy shore was dotted with the pretty pink of pig face flowers, the sunshine yellow of hibbertia and purple of scaevolea
fans.
From the kayak cabbage palms and pandanus looked like they marked an attractive tropical place to camp. The realty was they heralded a swamp thick with reeds and a rampant vine. About as romantic as coconut palms and rats. Eventually we landed on a
deserted beach followed by the usual routine of a warm shower, feet up in the hammock, sundowners, this time to the setting of a classic blazing sunset. Tonight we had a surprising amount of company offshore - around six yachts had anchored in the relative shelter from the SE which by now was here to stay. Dinner turned
out to be a tasty surprise and will be back on the menu - lime and pepper cous cous, dehydrated onion, garlic, mixed with a large can of tuna in oil splashed with fresh lime juice. A slip
of a moon appeared then sank as a fiery trace. We spent sometime staring into the heavens for an unseen shooting star, then yielded to a sleepy retirement.
|
Next day
|
|
Setting out
|
|
Who said there were no hot showers ?
|
|
Colour co-ordinated sailing
|
|
Coming ashore at Wathumba Campground
|
|
4WD occupants
|
|
Checking out the spit
|
|
Directly across from the Campground
|
|
A small level campsite
|
|
With a magnificent view to Rooney Point
|
|
Ladder stairs up the bank
|
|
To a large level campsite with a dingo box
|
|
Kayaks resting on the point
|
|
Leaving Wathumba
|
|
Typical creek with masses of weed
|
|
The swamp it drained
|
|
Pig faces were out in the dunes
|
|
As were hibbertia
|
|
And scaevolea
|
|
Typical western beach at low tide
|
|
A pretty looking campsite
|
|
Marked by cabbage palms
|
|
Invaded by a vigorous vine
|
|
And backed by a swamp - forget it
|
|
Another typical creek
|
|
The weed that formed mats in the creeks
|
|
Plenty of tracks around
|
|
Sailing on the SE
|
|
Nearly there
|
|
Coming ashore at Awinya
|
|
Time to put the feet up
|
|
Afternoon hues
|
|
How good this this ?
|
|
Time to enjoy the important things
|
|
The crew
|
|
Classic sunset
|
|
Even a finger nail of a moon
|
Next day
|