There is something magical about paddling amongst tree tops or over grassy meadows. And we weren't the only ones fascinated by the inundation that comes with a 2.73m king tide. In squally conditions with a blustery easterly there were people paddling the creek, dodging waves along the boardwalk or driving through
salty puddles as the tide and wind pushed the sea inland.
When we pulled up at the Shorncliffe foreshore only the triangle of the green channel marker was out and about and a 15 - 20 knot easterly firmly in play. The tide had hidden the boat ramp and claimed the footpath at the top of the breakwall leaving the launch exposed to buffeting by a choppy swell. Not a pretty in fibreglass, a distinct possibility of carnage and onshore
entertainment for the tide watchers.
The wind and swell had us slewing up Cabbage Tree Creek in no time. The creek looked full but remained calm in the protection of the mangroves. We and all manner of flotsam made our way upstream. No camping signs would have been more appropriate as no
paddling. The creek spilled over the wetlands and we went off road and over submerged grasses about 100m downstream of the boardwalk in a foot of murky water.
The conjoining with Nundah Creek was marked by a bright gathering of kayaks, possibly Sandgate paddlers. Some were waiting while others were having a rendezvous with bushes on the bank. Seeing what was happening we took our leave through a clear passage and headed out for the mouth of the creek. A collie on the boardwalk didn't like being bailed up by the waves and only stopped yelping
when it was finally picked up and carried. I too sprouted a set of chicken feathers at the sight of the regular short swell that was cresting into a metre surf. Maybe if there had been more than just the two of us, or someone like Gaven to gaff hook me out of the water I would have continued on.
About face and back upstream along with an impressive array of vegetation. The tide came right up to under the boardwalk and gave us access to the Boondall Wetlands where even the picnic grounds had succumbed. Some of the houses backing onto Nundah Creek gave a new interpretation to pool fence or had a
convenient maritime setting with boats afloat in the yard. One place stood out - it was a huge house that would have done Noah proud, ready and waiting for even higher tides.
We pulled in at the roadway where you can portage to Kedron Brook Floodway. Here we were joined by Brian and Andrew. We shared morning tea before heading back together on tide that was now racing toward a 0.2m low. Within half an hour the waters had
dropped by a foot and the current gave us an impressive lift. The
wind still had plenty of huff, this and a muddy bank in place of our earlier crossing soon has us back at the portage. There were few clues that the place had been taken by the creek only hours before and the magic lost to a rapidly receding kingtide.
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