Wednesday
10 March 2010 - update
Many
people asked about Harry's Banana Bread recipe. It's originally from the
Women's Weekly and is here, in PDF. All entries
will be judged at morning tea. |
Tuesday
9 March 2010 - Wyong River
Another
fantastic day on the water — warm, sunny, light breezes, thirty-two
people paddling... Wyong River is a lovely bushy place to enjoy nature and
relax. The only thing that bugs me is all the lantana on the banks. Perhaps
we could take some saws and some Round-up and kill some of it. I'm a Wyong
Landcare guy so I'm up for it.
Harry's photos are here. Anyone else who
has photos is welcome to submit them, see e-mail address at top.
Danny |
Tuesday
2 March 2010 - Wallarah Creek
Another
very pleasant excursion up one of our favorite waterways. A cool cloudy
day to mark the beginning of Autumn, but improving to perfect as we went.
Twenty paddlers enjoyed the adventure which included a couple of limbos
under fallen tree-trunks. There were some close calls but nobody actually
fell in. In Rob's case this was due to a grim determination not to let go
of the log even as his kayak drifted away listing badly to port. Harry has
some good pictures and so has Kee. Click on the Photo Gallery button at
the top.
Kee has his new kayak which is even
better than his old one. He has too much money. His wife Mandy sent us a
beautiful Malaysian noodle dish for m/t.
The plan is to slowly go around the lakes so next week is the next river
going south - the mighty Wyong! Should be a delightful outing.
Danny |
Tuesday
23 Feb 2010 - Davistown, Brisbane Water
With
about 17 people we were a bit fewer than usual, although 12 months ago we
would have thought that was excellent. A nice venue at Davistown, parking,
toilets, picnic tables, grass, ducks...
Some people came late, but Mike was there waiting for us, champion bloke!
Not long after we started, a fierce wind sprang up (see Seabreeze® graph
below) 20-25 knots, so we curtailed the trip somewhat. In the lee of islands
it was good, but in the open it was every person for him or herself (whew!).
The smart people came back early, but others, like Harry, Peter and Joanne,
were nearly an hour later getting back. Despite the challenges, it was still
a lot of fun and great exercise.
Welcome to Dennis, who came from Pitt Town near Windsor, so that's the end
of any complaints about distance from home for the rest of us.
By-the-way, Merle left a chair, freezer bag and water bottle at Davistown venue. Does anyone have them? They probably blew away.
Harry's photos are here.
Danny
|
Thursday
18 Feb 2010 - Clarence Town
Williams
River — what a beautiful place! About 20 people were there first thing
Thursday, some having stayed the night, others arriving early this morning.
This is quite a big river with rapids about 6km upstream of the caravan
park where we stayed, and a weir too far downstream to reach, but keeping
the water level high and the water fresh. There were a few little tributaries
for us Skylarkers to explore and plenty to see on the shores. Doug always
paddles as close to the left side as possible (and I mean going under overhanging
trees) so we don't miss anything interesting. I (Danny) did this once too
often and got caught on some pointy sticks and finished up in the drink.
When we reached the rapids, the paddlers in the long narrow fibreglass kayaks
watched while we (Doug, I, Richard, Russell and Glen), on our short plastiques,
paddled up to the rocks then disembarked and dragged our boats over the
slippery rocks and up through the raging torrent. We then climbed back aboard
and let the rushing water carry us down through the rocks and back onto
the flat river. Sometimes we got stuck and went back for another go. Doug,
who's up for anything, joined in even though his kayak is a sit-in Minnow-type
vessel, full of cameras, GPS etc. Richard and I demonstrated what can happen
if you get stuck on the rocks with the boat suddenly filled with water.
Luckily the sit-ons with their scupper (drain) holes were soon tipped out,
but I hate to think what would have happened to Doug's kayak in the same
situation. Richard and I both lost our water bottles, washed away never
to be seen again. Russ has taken many photos which will be available asap.
Anyway it was heaps of fun. Suzanne got too close to the whirlpools below
the rocks and was chucked in, but she was back on again laughing, and dripping,
very quickly. A check on Darryl's GPS later showed we paddled about 13km
there and back.
After lunch seven of us headed downstream for a couple of hours, exploring
several creeks and waterways on the way. We were so impressed at how beautiful
this river is - rolling green hills, big trees, water lillies, cows on the
bank... Bliss!
Just before we set out Darryl gave me some money ($60) which I stuck down
the front of my wet-suit shorts, but when we got back it was gone. I remembered
where I lost it (won't say how), at the top of a creek near a little weir,
about half an hour's paddle back down the river. Douggie always has a great
sense of where he is , and explained that the creek was the same one that
runs down beside the caravan park, so I set off, in my wet shorts and rashie,
and sensible shoes, through about 800 metres of farmland, over or through
about 12 barbed wire and electric fences, long grass and prickles, threatening
bulls, back to where we had been, and found the money in the bulrushes.
Wasn't sure whether to be pleased or annoyed with myself.
The caravan park (Williams River, Shire of Dungog) was excellent, with a
Lions Park next door with perfect barbecues and picnic seating, and toilets.
The cabins were nice though many of us camped on the flood plain near the
river. The views were stunning everywhere. Clarence Town (named after Clarrie)
is a quaint little place with a minimum of facilities, basically a pub,
a baker's, hardware store, grocer's and a bloke who makes kayaks (need a
report on this, someone).
Clarrie and Margaret went on a 40km bike ride on the Wednesday arvo.
We will be back. Four Stars.
Doug and Clarrie's photos here.
Another paddle took place on Friday morning without my knowledge. Will the people involved please submit a report by COB today. You know who you are.
Danny |
Tuesday
16 Feb 2010 - Budgewoi
With
a forecast of SW winds 20-30 knots, we weren't sure whether Munmorah Lake
was a good idea, but seeing we were all there, we decided to give it a go.
I counted 27 paddlers, not counting Mike, who went home to get his seat,
and Joanne, who was late again as she doesn't know the area and got lost.
So with a beautiful tailwind we headed down towards Elizabeth Bay. About
two thirds of the way there somebody must have realised we would have to
paddle back against this lovely breeze so we turned around. Yep, tough going!
15-20 knots (see Seabreeze® graph below) with choppy waves. My kayak
has the same aerodynamics as an inflatable marker buoy so it was hard work,
but fun. Some of us then continued around the lake clockwise towards Halekulani,
while others went into Budgewoi Lake and visited the creek in the golf course.
We all finished up having a good paddle and earned our lovely morning tea/lunch
which was greatly appreciated.
Patrick fell off his Escape twice (I feel vindicated!). We had a few newbies
today, so welcome to Graham and Sharon, Tony, and Greg. Sharon couldn't
work out her paddle, but eventually came to grips with it and enjoyed herself.
But she is now looking for a left-handed paddle so if anyone knows ...
Harry's and Russell's photos are here.
Next week is Davistown so brace yourselves for an awesome paddle.
See some of you at Clarencetown. Yay!!
Danny
 |
Tuesday
9 Feb 2010 - Gwandalan
After a week of rain and horrid weather, today was picture perfect (as we knew it would be – it’s Tuesday!) and the number of keen paddlers increased again. Today we had 34 paddlers in 29 kayaks on the lovely Crangan Bay (Gwandalan) - well, I say lovely until a few of us saw a shark, aghhhhhh!
That is a first for this group. Ignorance is bliss. For those that didn’t
see it, they were none the wiser. Unfortunately, I did and it made me feel
more than a tad insecure.
Our fearless leader, Doug, was determined to cross the bay to Nords Wharf,
so, with safety in numbers (or so he told me, otherwise that shark was going
to get gravel rash before it got me, I was outta there!) we crossed and
had a glorious paddle right around the western side of Crangan Bay and then
back across to the boat ramp. So many varieties of fish could be easily
seen in the clear water (notice I didn’t mention that shark!?!?) and just
before we headed back some of our adventurers went up a creek and saw a
huge school (?) of eels. What an amazing sight!
We had morning tea at Suzanne and Russell’s new house overlooking the water. Most delightful! Many thanks to Suzanne and Russell for welcoming all of us to their home, again (this could become a habit, a very pleasant habit).
Doug’s GPS says we paddled 10.6km although as usual not everybody paddled the whole distance.
Our hat/cap order will be ready for next Tuesday. The cost is $11 each.
Condolences go to Robyn and Warwick on the news they received while out on the bay today, that Robyn’s brother in law, Ashley, had passed away suddenly. We all send you our thoughts.
Sue
Russell's photos now visible here.
|
Tuesday
2 Feb 2010 — Dora Creek
Thirty-three
paddlers including 5 new people, on 29 kayaks, paddled against the easterly
breeze down Dora Creek to Lake Macquarie. Most went into Lake Eraring and
some even circumnavigated that quite large lagoon while others hung around
near Pipers Point. I headed off towards Splingle Shitters Point to try myself
out in the rough stuff, but it wasn't as hairy as it looked, quite good
fun really.
We had a pleasant run back before a 15 knot ESE breeze (see Seabreeze®
graph below) with distances ranging from 7 km to close to double that for
the energetic ones.
Welcome to Barry from Newc, Joanne from Ourimbah, Hans and Jenny from the Toukley bike club, and Col from the Toukley sailing club. Most were pretty new at this but all enjoyed themselves. On Sunday Col fell off his catamaran on Lake Tuggers, and spent some time lost at sea before anyone spotted him. He's a great believer in life jackets now.
The only thing wrong with our launch venue here is a complete lack of facilities,
but we've been spoiled by our other venues. Harry's and Russell's photos
are here.
Danny
Tuesday
26 January 2010 — Tascott
Our
contribution to the Australia Day celebrations was a great success with
at least 32 kayaks putting in an appearance. The weather was very warm and
sunny. Progress on Murphys Bay, the Woy Woy Channel and Paddys Channel was
tricky at times with many power boats surging past providing ocean-like
conditions with the waves - fun for some and scary for others. Janaya freaked
and turned back, probably a good decision as things only got worse after
that. A couple of new people today, Alan, and Ian from the bike club - welcome
you guys!
Saw Mel and Anton from C-Kayaks having a rare day off.
The Tascott venue has many benefits — showers, toilets, grass, parking,
shelter, easy to find... Another beautiful day in the most enjoyable sport.
Distance covered today: 8500 metres. Merle's and Russell's photos are here.
Danny |
Thursday
21 Jan 2010 — Club Notice
Hey!
Kee is selling his hardly-used tandem kayak. See details here.
Also a message from Kee:
Attached is a photo of me after my hand operation yesterday. In addition
to trying to cure my locking middle fingers of both hands, I have asked
for some additional bionic muscles for paddling (not sure if he did this).
I shall be off paddling for a couple of weeks. (See Kee's photo here.
Click on Back Arrow to return here.) |
Tuesday
19 January 2010 — Wyong River lower half
A picture perfect day saw 23 paddlers in 21 kayaks on Wyong Creek and paddled 10.5km. The scenery was as picturesque and interesting as usual, however it is different to last week on the other end of the same creek. There is always something interesting to see on the creeks. We were joined by yet another new face today, so welcome to Mark, from Newcastle. We mustn't have been too scarey last week either, as Ron made a reappearance.
(Today's photos are here.)
Now, "Toukley Kayakers" hats and caps...
Today we had some samples of the hats and caps for your choice, if you wish
to purchase one. The price will be determined by the number purchased, however,
they should be in the range of $10 - $15 each (that includes the embroidery).
I have included some photos of the hats/caps available (modelled by a very
reluctant model, above). I would like final numbers by Tuesday 2 Feb. "Sizes?"
I hear you ask, well, caps are one size fits all and are adjustable; surf
hats with adjustable cord under chin are in 55; 57; 59; 61cm; bucket style
hat with white piping around brim are in S/M (approx 58/59cm) and L/XL (approx
60/61cm). The choice is yours. Just measure around your head with a tape
measure (no, you boys, not a steel tape, a dressmaker's tape) to get an
idea which size and which hat/cap would be best for you. I have 22 requests
from today, so hopefully by the 2nd Feb everyone should know about the hats
and have let me know. If you could also spread the word to those who may
not have access to this website, so no one misses out that would really
like one. Our email address is: suendoug@dodo.com.au,
so just send through your choices and sizes and I will take it from there.
Once the order is placed the Cap Factory will order in the caps and hats
and should be all embroidered and ready within 1 - 2 weeks.
Sue |
Tuesday
12 Jan 2010 - Wyong River
Another
perfect day in paradise. Twenty-six people came with their kayaks and we
paddled up to the weir with optional excursions up Porters Creek and Deep
Creek. This didn't take long enough so some of us went further downstream
and around the charming Charlton Island so we finished up paddling for miles
(about 10km for some).
Harrison, 9, brought his grandparents (see him above) which was just as
well as Trevor had to tow the tyke back to the finish.
I had a swim above the weir, on purpose, as it was over 30°C and it
was very refreshing. Harry has sent all his photos and they are here.
Russell's pix are here.
The day didn't end well for me and Mike as I ran over his kayak in the rush
to leave. He says he can fix it. I was going to the dentist where it took
them an hour to extract my favorite tooth for $590. So that was my punishment
I suppose for being careless.
Danny |
Friday
8 January 2010 Adventure Club
Doug
and I launched at the Chittaway shops on Ourimbah Creek, and paddled up
to the weir. We dragged our kayaks over the wall and rocks and kept going
as far as we could, another 2 km. We struck a few hazards, like fallen trees
and submerged logs but it all adds to the fun. It's a beautiful creek up
further, very natural, plenty of bird life, cicadas, water dragons, fish...
One low tree had three fledgling darters (snake-necks) which are very timid,
and as we approached they drop into the water like sacks of flour, only
to surface 20 - 30 metres away with just the head poking up for a look.
The fish are amazing - in some areas the water is thick with them, and as
we glide past they suddenly make a splashy getaway all around us. When the
ducks or herons fly low over the water, all the fish scramble for the deep,
so when you see a bird flying up the river, the water underneath explodes
with fleeing fish, looking much like the duck is strafing the surface with
a machine gun. Very funny!
This part of the river is not navigable by any kayak over 3.5 metres, and
sit-ons are much easier to get out of and back in again, so most of you
will never be able to do it. Sorry.
Danny |
Tuesday
5 Jan 2010, Tuggerah Lake, ex Canton Beach
Beautiful
morning, 29°C, light breeze, sunny... We just paddled down the east
side of the lake for an hour and 20 mins, had a rest, then came back. Only
the breeze had picked up to 15 knots NE, so the trip back for me at least
was one hour 45, and it was hard going, with waves breaking over the front
of the kayak to keep me cool.
Some amazing number of people turned up, about 32, with 6 tandem kayaks.
Not everyone did the full trip, which was about 14km, and I don't blame
them.
I must say it was very relaxing having our lunch at the sailing club, all
facilities, chairs for everyone, balcony with great view over the lake,
so all those who got back early (long sit-ins, and tandems) were able to
relax on the balustrade and watch those slow-pokes struggle back, while
shouting words of encouragement to them (like, slacker!).
See the Seabreeze® graph below. Select from Harry's or Russell's photos here.
Danny
 |
Sunday
Moonlight Bike Ride 3 Jan 2010
While
the weather looked like it might spoil the night, it didn't. The inclement
weather didn't deter the eight hearty club members that turned up for
the ride.
A balmy night, no rain, no full moon for that matter either, lots of
cloud cover made for a very enjoyable ride.
We left the Co-op just after 7pm all decked out with our head and tail
lights and glow sticks on various parts of our bikes. There
was very little traffic and we were mostly on the cycleway which made
the ride a whole lot safer . We encountered a rather large water hazard
on Minnesota Road, but we all survived.
A cheer squad was at Woongarrah, lead by Harrison, Jill and Trevor's
grandson, to cheer us on. We tried to get a reaction from the Lonards,
but they pretended not to hear us.
By the time we arrived at Buff Point it was dark but we were well equipped
with lights so it wasn’t a problem at all.
Between Noraville and Canton Beach a fine mist of rain fell, which was
quite refreshing, the only rain we had all evening.
We arrived back at the Co op at 9.20pm, safe and sound and all the more
satisfied that we all had completed and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Not
one casualty.
Don and Sue were waiting for us with coffee and cake to top off a great
night.
The photos are here.
Doug |
Friday
1 January 2010, Ourimbah Creek Moonlight Paddle
With
rain in the afternoon and forecasts of showers and storms, we could only
turn up and hope for the best. And the best is what we got. Yes, it was
cloudy. No, we didn't see the moon, but everything else was perfect. Twenty-seven
paddlers turned up to try their luck. The temperature was about 27°C,
no wind, and cloudy daylight. We paddled down to the lake which was amazingly
tranquil and beautiful, with pelicans and other birds our only company.
I hope the photos can do it justice. There was just enough breeze at this
stage to cool us down as we paddled back upstream into the most glorious
sunset, with blue sky patches, white cloud, pink and grey clouds, all reflected
in the glassy water... We went up under the road bridge and waited till
it got dark, then paddled back downstream to the Park, all coloured glow-sticks,
navigation lights, bike lamps, torches. It must have looked amazing from
the many back porches where the ordinary people were having their tea.
Top all this off with a supper comprising all the best left-overs from last
night, using the excellent facilities at Sunshine Park, and we finish up
with a fantastic night out. Many thanks to Sue and Doug for organising everything,
and to everyone else for coming despite the dim prospects. See Doug's and
Russell's photos here.
Thanks so much you guys!
Danny
Russell's photos of Swansea 15/12/09 have arrived, including the amazing
pipe crawl, and can be seen here.
Also last week at Elizabeth Bay - check out the photo gallery. |
To
see old reports up to 30 June 09 — click here.
For reports 1 July 2009 to 31 December 2009 Click
Here.
 |
