What a bunch of pikers. There were no takers for the Clontarf to Shorncliffe night paddle in the 30knot SE, including us. Plan B, to paddle from Clontarf across to Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve for dinner presented a very wet beam sea. A reasonable swell was coming in under the Hornibrook Bridge, which while do-able, was not necessary, especially at night. Tinchi Tamba Wetlands became
the starting point for Plan C, a paddle up to the end of the South Pine River with dinner at Bob Bray Park.
Bleeting Betty took us through the residential area of Bald Hills to the quiet carpark off Wyampa Rd. The area closest to the foreshore was blocked by temporary fencing where work was in progress. I hoped the weather would keep the hoons and
opportunists at home. There is something to be said about having
an old car in places like these. This far up the river was well protected from the wind and the tide was coming in strongly.
On the left a creek branched off. On Tom's map it looked like it curled around rejoining the Pine River just before the motorway. On a rising tide with a setting sun it was an opportunity to
check this one out. While there was plenty of depth, the creek became narrow and the mangroves formed low archways and eventually became impenetrable. This was later confirmed on Google Earth. Thankfully the moon was high in the sky for guidance back out as it was dark by the time we cleared the creek to continue up the Pine River.
A few boats were out and people were surprised to see kayaks on the water. I often wonder if they are looking at all. As the lights of an approaching boat became red and green, I quickly scuttled towards Mark. Mark thought I was doing the correct thing and heading river right. Tom read it right, he knew I was heading for the Marlin for protection.
After Bob Bray Park the river curls back on itself, slows, rubbish becoming frequent, then passes under two substantial rail bridges and widens into a small lagoon. We were right on the top of the tide. Having cleared a star picket and barbed wire fence crossing an arm of this lagoon it was decided not to push on as there was no guarantee of clearing it for much longer.
We pulled up and had dinner under the shelter at Bob Bray Park. While the last disposable BBQ we had was a great success, this particular one seemed to generate more smoke than heat. Dinner took longer to cook and we left having overeaten. Our full bellies appreciated the tidal assistance as casual paddling made 9kph to the pontoon. While the people had left they hadn't done the same with the fish heads and guts, scales, their empty bottles and cans. This is a great pontoon with a fish scaling bench and running water on the next level. People trashing it like this makes it easy to understand why councils would be reluctant to invest in such facilities or making them available to all, free of charge.
So you pikers, in spite of the conditions, there is always a Plan C such as this docile wander up the South Pine River.
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