8 paddlers braved a cool overcast morning but conditions were good with a light NE breeze and high tide to paddle to Kent St Weir and return. Sandra, Allen, Kevin, Brian, Doug, Michael, John and myself were good company for a paddle through one of the nicest stretches of Perth’s river systems.
Doug led us through the tricky shallows and pathway to the weir though we had to reign him in a bit to Sunday cruise mode to allow for some of us slowies.
A lengthy coffee and chat up at the weir was enjoyed and some played in the fast flowing water coming out of the floodgates for a while,and we took off with a light tail wind and current only to find we were a man short, KP was still playing back at the weir perfecting his white water manouvers in a 580 Mirage ,but he radio checked and caught up with us.
Some paddlers used the ‘short cut’ but came out behind the pack strangely and the rest of the return paddle was an easy cruise with a record of noone hitting a submerged post, I usually get one!
There was surprisingly little birdlife this time,not even the usual pelicans past Shelley Bridge, must be escaping this cold weather somewhere! It was good to meet some new paddlers to the club and enjoy a social paddle in great conditions and scenery.
Till next time
Cheers
Pel Turner.