The wind for the entire time we were there was predominantly a NW, occasionally swinging to the NE and quite cool. This day the wind was around 15knots and it was a bit choppy. Still feeling somewhat over awed by yesterday's showing we launched from the beach, paddled south to the mouth of the creek to head inland. Approaching from the north, the location of mouth of the creek can be deceptive. The tiddlers were more like toddlers and needed watching whilst coming in across the bar. A few of us landed too far south and ended up having to drag the boats up the beach passed hostile fishermen to get into the creek.
The creek is fed by a swamp we had seen on our walk. After
passing through a small orchard of topiarised mangroves with large leaves it becomes a narrow channel meandering through tall reeds. A few creative paddle strokes are required to manoeuvre this 'one boat at a time' water course. All you can see was the person in front of you and the occasional flick of a paddle blade
above the reeds as those further ahead do a directional about face to follow this fascinating creek. Turning bays were limited and just added to the fun. In the end a hairpin bend vs a Mirage 19 had the creek put an an end to the exploration.
This creek is as beautiful under water. When it is warmer it would be worth spending more time snorkelling to see the many
fish skirting in and out of the reeds.
Back in time for lunch, a siesta (tough trip this one) then off up the 4WD track to check out the Bowarrady Lakes. This is where the bushwalker comes out of Brian and Ray as they maintain the same pace no matter what the terrain or grade. Heading along the beach Brian retrieved the water bottle which had washed up after being washed off his deck while coming into the creek that
morning.
It looks like most 4WD come to Awinya via the beach as the track was sporting wild flowers and had little evidence of rutting on
the inclines. After 7Km at the top of a hill from where you can view one of the Bowarrady Lakes it was decided to turn around. Looking on Google Earth later, it was only another 800m to the
first lake and a couple of Km to check out the rest. Maybe something to do another time and allow a few more hours.
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