A Windy Early Exit At Kangaroo Point, Brooklyn.

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Day 4 of our four day paddling trip on the Hawkesbury River. It was only 18km to Parsley bay, our exit, so we enjoyed our sleep and departed at 11:30am.
As there was some time available, we took the opportunity to explore the neighbouring mangrove covered island.
Spencer is at the confluence of Mangrove creek and the Hawkesbury river. The mouth of Mangrove creek looks as though it would be the Hawkesbury so it is easy to make a navigational error. The compass assisted a couple of times to ensure we are on the correct path.
Some pelicans were roosting on the defunct pylons outlining a shoreline community pool. Of course the action of reaching for the camera was cause for shyness and immediate evacuation.
Upon rounding the island, the tranquillity proved to be one of Loki's tricks. Wham! We were assaulted by a blast of wind that stayed with us most of the way back.
This water taxi was near a place of refuge out of the wind. Luckily we had skirts to cover the cockpit and were heading into the wind rather than sideways.
The wind was from the south east and the main direction of travel was south east, with one switch back where it was in our tail. We found a beach at an outdoor camp for kids to rest at. (Milsons Passage).
The signal strength on the mobile was weak, I could message only. I was able to contact Bob from Hawkesbury Kayaks and arrange a different pick up location at Kangaroo Point as I felt it was too dangerous to be in the open waters entering the ramp at Parsley bay.
We were picked up just after five pm. Bob was welcoming as ever and introduced us to his wife and children. We had a cup of tea together and left in good spirits.
Little incidents: we were nearly blown into the mangroves about an hour out of Spencer. I lose my hat from a wind gust and it drowns quickly in the murky depths.

Wrap up: Our paddling distances were right for a a non paddler and paddler. The weather, scenery, equipment and accommodation all slotted in place to make a great mini holiday. We had a day up our sleeve, so it was possible to spend an extra day at Spencer should the need arise. The it was a head wind and the waters were reasonably well behaved so there was no need to take that option.

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Location: Brooklyn NSW 2083, Australia

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