The water was glassy calm. That sort of calm that makes the horizon hard to distinguish and gives you a strange feeling of imbalance. The only sound was that of birds passing overhead and the swish of the paddle as we glided along the coastline, cutting through the crystal clear water.
We found our way through the reefy shallows to a quiet beach to stretch our legs and observe the local bird life.
We then headed along the coast towards the entrance to the bay, investigating oyster beds and having a conversation with the local Black Faced Cormorants.
Pointing seaward we sensed an approaching weather change. There was no change in the water conditions but there was a warning in the sky.
Many, many years ago I was told by Peter Carter, a Senior Sea Kayak Instructor, to look up and observe the sky where you will find many answers to the weather. Peter has been around for a long time, some say since the Jurassic Period, and certainly he knows his weather patterns for Southern Australia.
The first indicator of an impending change was in the sky. Streaky Cirrus clouds fanning out across the horizon.
With Peter’s good advice in mind we headed to a safe shore and explored the ocean side of Streaky Bay on foot.
The ocean side is spectacular, rugged and unforgiving.
I saw a sign that said “Pearly Gates” 1 km ahead, but I’m not sure if these are the ones.
Streaky Bay is said to be “Heaven” for surfers and Sea kayakers and for Carcharadon carcharias. (Great White Shark)
As I write this the wind is registering over 30knots and increasing. Looks like it will be quite a night in this gale. Cheers Ian Pope.
P.S. I should give Peter Carter his correct title.
Peter Carter BA, BEd, Dip Ed, MACS (Snr), OAM. The last one is the Medal of the Order of Australia received for “services to Canoeing”. Also, a long list of canoe and kayak instructor awards and Life Memberships should be noted. Plus he’s one the few sea kayakers that are older than me. 😊
PADDLING SOUTH 