I had a restless night, waking up at 0330hrs, waiting an hour to go to the toilet, back to sleep from 0500 to 0730hrs. Kayaking at 0800hrs.
The entry waves were big this morning. I was a bit scared paddling out with waves rolling over my kayak, face and head. They seemed to go forever. About twelve waves to cross.
The sunnies came straight off as I couldn't see through the salt wash. Col tipped over as he tried to put his sunnies in the rear hatch due to the large swell. Ahahahahah! Cool way to start the trip (literally) and after making it through the waves unscathed!
I got to practice our recovery technique before heading out into open sea through large swell. As we rounded the point the swell was large enough that we couldn't see each other in neighbouring troughs.
After 3km we had almost made it to Mable Bay (big cave) but the swell picked up even more and Fiona became ill so we had to turn back. Bruce and I had to raft up with Fiona to prevent her rolling while vomiting.
It's unbelievable how crystal clear the water is, that is until we came across a big slick of muck on the surface that smelt like rotting fish. Our guesses consisted of sludge off a fishing trawler or whale vomit. Hmmm, paddling through burley in great white territory!!
Then it was crystal clear again with giant orange jelly fish and tiny egg sized glowing blue balls.
I was dreading the surf exit, only to find it had flattened dramatically and I paddled in easily, getting out completely dry. Col and Bruce had a bit of a play in the surf though with Bruce finally getting wet. Such a sad day for Bruce, losing his 25yr old brown leather hat. RIP!
A total of 6km this morning. Short but beautiful. The 1100hr deadline was met for our outing to the oyster farm where we had lunch and then cheese tasting.
On our way back to camp we went up 236 stairs to a lookout at the northern end of the neck. I had muscle burn and right thigh cramping. The view was amazing! The water had amazing colours with the sun out, differing from the west to the east. I played with panoramic photos, then limped back down.
The teenagers had chosen to stay at camp to finish their "structure" which looks pretty cool, plus walked on the beach, played cards, ate and chatted. Sounds lovely!
Col and Bruce again played in the surf with their kayaks, Jack deciding not to join in today, choosing to play with some photography instead along with Leah, Fiona, Jess and I. Jordan was laying on the beach watching, while Gary, Eliza and Amara went swimming in the beach. Crazy, Gary didn't have a wetsuit like the girls!
Col tipped over twice but managed to right himself the second time while still in the surf. According to Col, Bruce just didn't go hard enough to fall out. We got our first full group photo today posing on a log using Leah's tripod.
Time to clean up the kayaks and start packing up. We need to be ready by 0800hrs tomorrow to get to the ferry by 0930hrs for a 1000hrs crossing. It will be a 5hr journey in total, plus stops for tasting and shopping.
I've already booked us in for a boat trip Friday morning to see the seals and caves on the Tasman Peninsula. Still need to book a ghost tour.
Such a pleasant evening. Perfect weather, friends, campfire, good food and good wine. Surrounded by happy, laughing, relaxed people.
Our host Phil is sad to see us leave and would love to have such beautiful families back. He says he'll take us out fishing next time and says we can use his beach if we're ever passing through for the day.
Leah told him we'd send some lovely photos for his website.
Just enjoyed Amara doing my hair. Bliss!
