Hamelin Bay

Finally our eagerly awaited Australia Day paddle to Hamelin Bay was upon us. The attendee list fluctuated wildly during the planning stage. There were 12 of us in the end. A large and varied group made up of senior sea kayak instructor Les Allen, his girlfriend Jo a novice paddler, Les’ nephews Brad and Steve both strong paddlers especially Steve-o himself an instructor, Sandy Robson on the final leg of her year long paddle around Australia and the 7 of us from the Outdoor Club.

More photos here.

Beach landing

the view from the Cape to Cape track

Rounding Cosy Corner

Team building

Exploring Hamelin Island

Saturday

Our plans were fairly fluid but we knew the forecast was for strong winds. We put in at the sheltered waters of Hamelin Bay and told our lift, Simon’s Dad, to come and meet us there in two days time.

As we left Hamelin Bay we rapidly became accustomed to paddling the fully laden boats before rounding Hamelin Point into the teeth of a persistent south-easterly. For about an hour and half we battled on steadily, sometimes making forward progress, at other times paddling just to maintain position. Despite the difficulty in communication we stayed together well as a group.

We landed behind some rocks that provided shelter from the wind and waves. Safely on the beach we lunched on the traditional meal of tinned tuna and tortillas.

After lunch it was decided that battling further into the wind was futile and that we would stay where we were for the night. We unpacked and set about entertaining ourselves for the afternoon. Whilst a few people went snorkeling, others had a snooze and most set sail again in the kayaks to further explore the coast. Some went as far as Cosy Corner whilst a few of us found a nice friendly surf beach and played in the waves.

Upon our return Brad and Steve went fishing for dinner and the rest did some swimming and snorkeling and ate Maria’s delicious carrot cake. After dinner and sunset we had our own mini Australia Day fireworks display, well some sparklers.

Sunday

Attempts to get up mega early and be on the water before the wind picked up were only partially successful. Into the familiar headwind we battled around to Cosy Corner for lunch. To earn our appetite we built human pyramids. Safety equipment was worn throughout.

Back on the water we headed out to sea to explore the interesting rocks, mini islands and arches. Our curiosity satisfied we landed at a good spot to camp for the night. A few brave souls went out with Les to play in the big waves offshore. Brad and Steve went fishing and others explored the Cape to Cape hiking trail. Brad also oversaw the building of a mighty sand fortress and Maria gave us a lesson in carving, creating some beautiful figure heads for the kayaks from Cuttle fish bones. Our efforts to replicate her were woeful.

During the night the tide came in and the swell picked. Not only did this destroy our sand castle but also gave us nightmares about a scary beach launch.

Monday

Morning came and the waves had died down considerably. We packed the kayaks for one last time. Sandy launched first to a guard of honour of paddles commemorating the last day of a year long trip which has seen here kayak much of the coast of Australia; a fantastic journey and remarkable achievement. We were honoured and bemused why she chose to spend the last three days with novice paddlers, and general clowns, such as ourselves.

With the wind finally at our backs we steamed back to Hamelin Bay in no time. Steve and Sandy raised their sails and I unfurled my beach umbrella. Sadly the wind speed was out with the operating limits of my homemade sail and I was forced to resort to paddling.

Arriving early, we decided to explore Hamelin Island before returning to the safe waters of the bay to perform our victory rolls.

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