What do you mean it’s Winter? Paddling beautiful Sydney Harbour

The Spit, Sydney Harbour. Sensational!

The Spit, Sydney Harbour. Sensational!

Sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s the middle of winter in Sydney.  After paddling in cold, wet and windy conditions for the past few weeks (the things you do when training for the Hawkesbury Classic!) it was incredibly relaxing paddling in the warm sun on glassy conditions on Sydney Harbour.

Apart from the initial disappointment for paddle mate Burnsie upon discovering @syd_harb_kayaks was closed and unable to rent him a kayak (the manager had just had a baby, so he’s forgiven!), forcing me to paddle alone, the day was perfect in every way.  Glassy conditions, paddling through early morning mist, another rendevous with the Coffee Boat, chasing a folding kayak for a closer look, and enjoying the bushland of Sydney.  Absolutely perfect (if you don’t count falling out of my kayak into the drink  at the end of the day!).  🙂

Glassy waters, Middle Harbour, Sydney

Glassy waters, Middle Harbour, Sydney

Approaching Bantry Bay, Sydney

Approaching Bantry Bay, Sydney

Paddling past sleeping birds in misty Bantry Bay, Sydney

Paddling past sleeping birds in misty Bantry Bay, Sydney

Paddling into the mist, Bantry Bay, Sydney

Paddling into the mist, Bantry Bay, Sydney

Look what the Coffee Faery brought me??

Look what the Coffee Faery brought me??

Klepper timber-framed folding double-kayak. 40kgs!!

Klepper timber-framed folding double-kayak. 40kgs!!

Pit stop at Northbridge, Sydney (nature called!)

Pit stop at Northbridge, Sydney (nature called!)

Did I mention it was Winter? Look at that beautiful water!

Did I mention it was Winter? Look at that beautiful water!

End of the paddle - The Spit, Sydney. Still glassy!

End of the paddle - The Spit, Sydney. Still glassy!

Bye Bye from the Fat Paddler!

Bye Bye from the Fat Paddler!

The Fat Paddler by Sean Smith