2023.12 - Jurien Bay Islands Kayak - Part 2
Xander and Leanne paddle and sail their kayak from island to island in search of sea lions.
This post is part of my epic summer 2023/2024 road trip adventure, spanning Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, also featuring Leanne and cameos from numerous other adventurers.
To start at the beginning click here.
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Our big adventure had begun, and we had visited two of Jurien Bay's islands already the day before, but there was more left to see.
Given we were now onto our third flat tyre we had no way of leaving town even if we wanted to!
Fortunately it was now a Monday and so after a quick bounce at the caravan park we went to see the local tyre shop.
Pit Stop
The staff at Jurien Bay Tyre & Auto were friendly and professional, it didn't take long to organise a full new set of tyres, and with the workshop only a 5 minute walk from the beach we made a plan to head out on the kayak while the work was being done.
Setting Sail
One of the reasons we were so excited to get back on the water that day was that the wind forecast was outrageously favourable.
First there would be a moderate north-easterly, gently pushing us to the back of Boullanger Island. Then the wind was going to die off, perfect for exploring about. Finally from midday the wind was predicted to become a south-westerly, increasing speed all afternoon and therefore providing an express route home.
Setting out things went exactly as predicted, as soon as we were clear of the shore we unfurled our sail and rode the wind straight to Boullanger Island.
Boullanger Island
This time as we approached the northern headland we had to briefly lower our sail to adjust course. Then we continued sailing through the shallows to the channel between Boullanger and Whitlock Islands.
We had our first break there; snacks, water bottle refills, Leanne had one of her signature rests while I went for a wander and found a crab.
Essex Rocks
For this leg of the journey there was no convenient tailwind, so we packed the sail away and paddled through the gentle cross-breeze as we made our way South.
As we approached the island the resident sea lions came into view, sunning themselves on the eastern beach facing the mainland.
Curious Sea Lions
The sea lions were very interested in our kayak and swum out to investigate us.
Adorable Entourage
Unfortunately in the busyness of the morning logistics we had forgotten our snorkel masks, so we didn't get to go in with the sea lions this time.
However as we left Essex Rocks and drifted on the last wisps of the easterly to Escape Island the sea lions insisted on following us and playing all around and under our kayak.
Escaping the Sun on Escape Island
By this point we were quite hungry and the sun had a bit of a bite to it. We found a small limestone cave to escape the elements and refuel.
Express Wind
Emerging from the cave we found the winds had changed exactly as predicted. The powerful sea breeze was now gusting powerfully back towards the jetty. We paddled clear of the island then set sail, Leanne in the front acting as the mast, and me at the back keeping us steady with rudder strokes.
With the wind had come increased swell and so we had to be alert as the kayak pitched up and down, bridging and punching through the troughs and waves. I was only able to snap the picture below as we passed the calmer waters around Boullanger Island.
When I checked my Strava at the end of the journey I saw our max speed had been 18kph!
Reflections
Logistically this day was a huge success we made a bold plan trusting the wind and it all worked out perfectly!
Equipment-wise it was annoying that we forgot the snorkels, but understandable given everything else going on.
I’d hazard a guess that if we had our car running at 100% we probably wouldn’t have forgotten the masks!
Trail Tip
Plan Ahead and Prepare
It’s the 1st principle of Leave No Trace, and it came up a few times here:
Planning our day around the wind was absolutely a great move that really enhanced our experience, if you have the flexibility to do so I’d recommend it to anyone.
On the flip side we would have done better if we’d known we couldn’t land on Essex Rocks before getting there and seeing the sign, thus pushing our lunch back by an hour.
Links
Next post: Monday 2023.12.25
After taking a week in Perth for maintenance on their car, their bikes and themselves Xander and Leanne head east, now accompanied by new Guest Adventurer; Erica! Their first stop? Wave Rock and Lake Magic Salt Pond in Hyden.
