Bass Strait Updates

Trip Notes for 6 March 2006

From Bare Back Cove (Wilsons Prom) to Port Welshpool

Just before the first shower in 11 days: Claudia

Kevin cheated on the trip: He shaved twice in between.

We leave our "False Refuge Bay" at 10:30am with the outgoing tide. Very windy on our port tack. Adrian and Bruce have a seal frolicking between Rabbit Island and the mainland, whilst Kevin and I take the shortcut through Rabbit Rock and the mainland, so we miss out on the fun. Lunch break at the southern end of Three Mile Beach. Paddle into stiff N/W 25 knots, increasing to 30 knots. Very rough section at Corner Inlet, where the strong wind opposes the incoming tide. To quote Bruce, Kevin, and myself: "the roughest section of the trip was 5 km from our destination" (Adrian considers Wright Rock on Thu 2nd March at the roughest section). Metre for metre for metre for metre we fight our way past Snake Island and Little Snake Island. Since it is so rough, we never make it between the channel markers; consequently, we come into a very shallow section off Little Snake where the boat is slowed down by the drag of the shallow water, and we can;t put our padles into the water properly. Arrive at Port Welshpool at 3:30pm.

Take photos of all four paddlers just before the shower block. HOT SHOWER!! I had never combed my hair not once since Tasmania, so this is a real treat! Into the restaurant for a hot dinner! Life is good.

Bruce just before his shave.

Adrian on his way to the running hot water.

Stats for the day
  • 43 km in 5h, including 30min break.
  • Average speed (excl. break): 9.56 km/h