 | Huge waves were crashing onto South Cape Rivulet Beach. We couldn't see this from out at sea but Toby and I in the double would soon find out the hard way. We waited and watched for the big set to go past then paddled like mad. |
 | We completely misjudged the waves. I can remember turning round briefly and thinking we're in deep trouble here. Bracing into the wave was like hitting concrete. We were going so fast. Then we were upside down in the water." Let the boat go I" screamed as it thrashed around in the surf.. |
 | To begin with neither of us was particularly worried. We were only 100m from the beach. This soon changed as we were pounded deep beneath each wave, swallowing litres of water. In desperation we threw away paddles and angled along the beach avoiding the rip current. |
 | Bushwalkers on the beach were unconcerned thinking that we were just having fun in the surf. Toby washed up first, half drowned. Later I staggered up the beach, trusty video still recording the drama of our pounding. Toby had been convinced he was drowning. |
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After a long rest, we retrieved the kayak, undamaged
except for the rudder which was easily fixed. Toby lost his favourite
hat. The others judiciously crept in to the river close to the rocks
where the waves were smaller.To view a video clip of this trip click
here.
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 | Later we walked to the river to watch the bushwalkers trying to cross the swollen waters. This party were finishing the walk from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek. They said the crossing was the worst they had encountered. Some earlier walkers had been swept out to sea, losing boots and gear. |
 | Mick volunteered to be ferryman. One at a time he took them across the now deepening river. Toby wasn't very impressed with this saying we were denying them a true wilderness experience and the thrill and danger of the walk. |
 | Shedding all his clothes Toby picked out a stout pole and showed the bushwalkers how to do it the right way. It wasn't as easy as it looks as hidden tree trunks grabbed at his legs threatning to overbalance him in the swift currents. |
 | We made a number of efforts to get round South Cape but the succession of fronts brought gale force head winds and torrential rain each day. Eventually we resigned ourselves to sitting around the fire and waiting for arrival of the next set of bushwalkers to amuse us in their attempts to cross the river. |
 | Mick later set off back by himself as his wedding was only a few days away and he didn't want to be stranded here. After a bit of exploration, Grant, Toby and I followed later and were relieved to hear that Mick had got back safely. |
