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Sunday, 23 October 2016

Shoalhaven Gorge Paddle

I had planned an overnight paddle from the Tallowa Dam to Fossickers Flat. Unfortunately I chose one of the windiest days. Arriving at the dam I nearly turned around and went home as the white caps on the river were testament to the winds strength. Deciding to at least paddle for a while I headed up into the gorge. A hard and wet paddle as the spray was whipping from the front of the kayak and the paddle into my face. Fossickers Flat is 15klm from the dam wall and I made it to 11klm and stopped at a nice beach and camp spot for a late lunch. The wind was just too uncomfortable to camp and I wouldn't have been able to light a fire. I turned around and putting the sail up raced back a quick 5 klm before the wind just stopped. Fickle. About 1klm before the dam wall and the car the wind started back again and continued strongly well into the next day. I will reschedule.


From the Dam wall boat ramp. 

Heading up the Gorge 




The drowned forest. I was able to stop here out of the worst of the wind. My anemometer measured a steady 24klm/hr out of the main funnel of the gorge. In the centre of the river I didn't have hands free to measure the wind or take photos. 






Stopped for a little break in a small cove opposite a bluff. From the shelter of the cove you could see the difference in the water. 


Superb gorge scenery. 

The turnaround point 



Spectacular scenery 






I enjoyed the sail and my arms appreciated the break. 



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