Seventeen eager paddlers met in the car park in Rockingham early on a Sunday morning looking forward to a great paddle. A beautiful sunny day, but there was already a slight breeze when we set off at about 9.30 am.
We were split into two groups, one led by Colin and one by Gisela. GiselaÕs group led us out and we paddled directly across to the island then around to the southern tip. As we rounded the southern tip we hit a bit of swell and wind and the paddle became quite interesting. GiselaÕs group headed off to have a closer look at one of the large rocks off the southern end of the island, while ColinÕs group rounded the tip and headed up the western side of the island.
The waves and wind were making for an interesting paddle as we skirted the reef which surrounds most of the east coast of the island.
It was time for morning tea and we spied a nice beach with a break in the reef allowing us to paddle in. One by one we navigated the reef and the small waves and made our way to the beach. Some in GiselaÕs group decided they new better and headed off to find another way in.
Now it was time for a drink, a cake, a swim a snorkel and to enjoy the beautiful scenery and many birds.
After about an hour on the beach it was time to head off. By now the wind had picked up a bit and the seas were quite a bit rougher. We paddled around to the northern end of the island, the seas making it quite interesting for those in not so stable boats, but only one capsize for the day.
At the northern end of the island ColinÕs group made their way through the reef again and headed across to Seal Island in relative calm. GiselaÕs group stayed on the ocean side until they got to Seal Island.
There were a few fat seals lazing around on the island. We watched them for a while and then headed for home. The paddle back was quite a slog as by now the sea breeze was completely in and we were heading straight up into it.
After getting back to the cars, we packed up and headed for the nearby barbeques for a well deserved lunch.
A great day, thanks Jennifer for organizing the trip and to Colin and Gisela for guiding us for the day.