Umhlanga to Zinkwazi

A late start hoping for the forecast SW 15kt to arrive, on the water at 08h00 from “Grannies Pool” Umhlanga. Paddled through a long rain squall for the first hour – loved it, the drops on the water reminding me of the Matrix, reading the sea’s movement more clearly in the rain. All that rain sent every river down in flood, pumping muddy water out to sea for the rest of the day.

I’d hoped for a 90km day to Amatikula but a nagging SE wind and a strong head current (easing further north) kept things slower. Repaired VHF radios, thanks to Imtec/RadioHolland, meant Warren and I could chat properly again. Stopped briefly at Tinley Manor to stretch the legs before the next leg to Zinkwazi.

That leg had some drama: a manta/skate leapt six feet clear of the water; a shark gave me a mock charge, veering off right next to my paddle and splashing me all over. Dolphins and turtles too. Coming into Zinkwazi I stayed clear of the flooded river mouth, beaching on the north side and ferry-gliding across to reach Warren and the Land Rover. Lucky to land a last-minute stay at Avalon B&B for the night.