Monday forecast would be good for a reconnaissance mission, NW 20 to 28 then easing a bit and going to the West late arvo. Anyone interested
Yes, could be OK in the afternoon. I won't be able to make it though. With slightly larger board/sail, no reason why 20 knots wouldn't be fine for some epic long runs!!
Well I had a look
Went on another reconnaisance mission to Henty to check out the length of the run depth etc when its was not blowing too much.
Arrived there in a borrowed Novara and the sand dunes have moved onto the track a lot more making it "interesting" to drive in, had to have a few goes at one spot starting to worry a bit. As Dave said a few months ago not the best place to be on your own with no phone service and miles from anywhere.
Forecast was 20-30 NW swinging to W and easing to 15 -20 well the wind was 25 to 30 but NNW straight down the run so Gybed all the way down the full length of the run and walked /tacked back up just to get a track to overlay on G Earth to check out the Length
2.30Km
WOW thats awesome news johno, pity it didn't go west for ya.....now we need to go next forcast
Good effort Johno and bummer about the wind being too north. I was looking at the coastal weather observations yesterday and strength looked good, but NNW mostly, swinging NW occassionally.
How was the depth and what did you think overall? I estimated 2.3km as well, so we have certainly got the distance for the NM!!
How was the sand holding up in the new section? Did it still look similar to the photos I posted before?
Hi Johno,Dave
Do you think I would make it in with a Mazda Tribute all wheel drive?
Keen to give this a go with you guys next time it's on.
Are there many logs or objects under the water in the run that require scouting out prior to blasting down the run?
Cheers Russ
Hi Russ, I reckon your Tribute would get in OK, may just need to gun it through some of the sandier sections in case you bottom out in ruts and get bogged. Bear's Delica makes it in and was the first to actually get through all the way to the end!!
As long as it hasn't been raining too much and swell isn't too big, then you should be able to make it in without a snorkle
Once in, the speed run is actually pretty devoid of branches, etc. There are some along the leeward bank, but all pretty visible. There could always be something just under the water and it would be difficult to see, as the water is so brackish, but hasn't been an issue so far.
Hi guys
At about 1/2 tide the sand spit is quite high maybe 1.5 - 2.0 met above the water level It would be better with a bit more water to cover the shallow soft sand near the bank to make the walk back easier. The full length of the run I could stand up anywhere in less than chest deep max. North of the rigging area was deeper. Ther were no logs or snags that I found.
On the drive in there was only 1 deeper puddle about door level but on the way out I drove around it so no probs with water, the part where Dave's Prado floated sideways was dry sand this trip not even any mud. However going across the open sand dune the flat bits ok but the wind has blown a fair pile up just before you drive up the steeper bit and it slows your speed down at the wrong time so that was fun. Clearance underneath your 4wd is really no issue Russ so I think you would be fine in the Mazda just got to pour on the power.
Pic of the run from the rigging area down, best day I have had there sun wise.
