Even though the batteries died in my camera quicker than I expected I managed to get enough photos and video for this trip report. I went down the coast about 2 hours from home, a great spot that I'd never been to before and which turned out to be a nice little adventure at a great secluded spot which I had all to myself.
I had friday off the week before last and managed to negotiate with my better half, with suprising ease, that I have the whole long weekend to go hangin' and paddlin' by myself... I haven't had any time, in between work and commitments at home, for myself for quite a while, so I think that helped
The weather forecast turned out to be accurate, thunderstorms & wind & a lot of thunder & lightning so I was lucky that I left my inadequate stock Clark tarp at home and took my wilderness equipment 3x3m tarp instead. It performed flawlessly and not only kept me dry during the long stormy nights but gave me enough space to not feel cramped during the day when I was stuck at camp while it was hammering down with rain. I did end up with some beautiful sunny days though and the good ol' Aussie sun was belting down when it came out, I guess no-one told it summer hasn't started yet!
It was a great place to explore by foot and by kayak with tracks through the coastal scrub and some nice detours along the estuary to paddle up. Lots of wildlife, birds, kangaroos, an echidna and a few snakes which kept me wary as I was walking around. Not to mention the ticks, I had so many... none made me sick luckily, just a bit itchy for a few days where they bit me, I guess I pulled them out before they could do too much harm, I was almost constantly checking after the first couple...
I took my Shamu IX UQ & -4 sleeping bag which turned out to be way too warm (ludicrously warm, the sleeping bag went back in its sackI need to get myself a much lighter weight top quilt or maybe I might try and make my own) on the first night and had to be loosened up a bit to let some air flow through but it worked nicely on the saturday night when there was a cool change. At least I could tighten and loosen it up easily whilst laying in the hammock, made life a lot simpler.
I have a trip planned in about a month out to the Granite Belt for 4 days but I can see myself going back down to this spot now that I know how good & how close it is. Its great to discover such a gem and one that isn't often visited... But next time I'll take my fishing gear & extra batteries for my camera.
Enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOv1OAwAlNc
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