Paddling on A Mirror

Friday proved to be another spot of sunshine in between storm systems, as five of us set out from Hagelstein Park off Hwy 97, to retrace the route Mary and her husband had taken a few days before. She reported seeing sucker fish gathered in the freshwater where the springs come up along the lake shore. Sure enough, a nice little group was tucked into the rocks where the clear water flows. We were hoping for a breeze as Mary wanted to inaugurate her sail, but only gentle breath-like breezes graced the air. I have a picture of a lovely reflection of her sail on the lake...
It was remarkable to paddle on a flat lake surface. It didn't seem like you were paddling fast, or slow, or at all! Overheard: "It seems harder to paddle!" Yet, as I sliced through the flat murky water, marking passage by landmarks, trees, sometimes pausing long enough for my wake to overtake me, I thought- on a day like this, I could go on and on with time marked only by the distant shore and the passing of the sun.

Spring??

The question on everyone's lips this week has been the same, "Is it really Spring??"  That snow dump truly made it hard to believe.  But, if you look for the OTHER signs, you know that like us, it's a waiting game.  Buds are getting bigger, flowers are at the edge of blooming; things are poking through the ground, and plants in protected areas 'ain't waitin' no moe!!  and bear the snow.  It's Oregon after all-wait ten minutes and the weather will change!  So, counting on that this Friday,  Mary plans to try out her kayak with sail on the lake.  Hopefully we'll have a little of that wind still around to see where Mary ends up!  Stay tuned....
Our trip to Bend netted a few more books for the library, and a poke around a store that had used and consigned paddling gear.  I found  dry tops,  Emotion kayaks, something with a huge sail, and demo'd a  portage wheeler that doesn't collapse like the aluminum ones, but breaks down from interlocking pieces to store. Ok.  From now on I will make  notes with names of stuff in case you want to look further, or I want to go back! 

Sun Spots

Spring weather- cold in the shade, warm in the sun. Clouds come and go, and sometimes we hit it just right and snatch a couple of hours paddling on a local river. Like last Friday, when I went down the Williamson with Mary C., Charlotte B. and her grandson Alex, and Wendy. We put in at Collier rest area and paddled downstream on a river that was not too fast, and not too rocky, with plenty of opportunity to drift, relax, and enjoy the view.  It was the first time I went down and benefitted from Mary's leading the way. Alex, on the other hand found a few more rocks to stick on just beneath the surface of the water. It was also the first time I ran a smaller rapid, 1-2, and found it quite delightful. I was wondering  how going over would feel like and what the control would be like.  For this little rapid it was just fine!  Piece of cake!  I can't wait to go again!  We pulled out at Chiloquin near the bridge, after bringing up the possibility of continuing to the confluence of the Williamson and Sprague.  It was decided a no go as it seemed the water levels may have been borderline for more rocks than water.  I think next time, I would like to be on the scouting team for possible extensions like that.  After all, there is a lot more river to run. 
Be sure to view the photo album.  Mary has posted views from the campout destination for May.  Also, some links to PFD's if, like me, you're tired of standard PFD's hiking up to your chin when you sit in your kayak!

Checking out Shasta Lake

On a day in the middle of spring weather featuring snow showers, some sun, and more rain,  Mary and I set our sights for Shasta Lake and the North/South Gooseneck Cove boat-in campgrounds.  It turned out to be a perfect day.  Cooler in the morning  and sprayskirt appropriate for warmth, there was a light breeze in the morning and calm in the afternoon.  We took the Lakehead exit and went to  the lake road access where seasonal parking fees were not in effect yet, and parked on the bank.  It was easy to get in the water with enough rocks to avoid or use; the water level is good.  The campground is under two miles to kayak in to, with ROMTEC toilets, huge picnic tables and fire grates. The landing is local stone gravel on a mild slope, and the camping areas are small, but level. No water supply.   The lake shore is steep in most places but the water level is low enough in other places to invite landing and exploring. There are things to be aware of:  fast boats, rattlesnakes, and possibly poisen oak. We will have a  meeting soon to discuss meals and transportation.  Mary will send email with info.
Note the addition of two new features this week:  The photo album, which of course will expand, and "The Learning Curve" for a list of available books for us to borrow locally -in progress.  So, how do you like the site so far?  Comments are welcome!

The Learning Curve

Thanks, Mary, for the super post!  My vacation took us to the Oregon coast where among other things, I spotted two people taking off through the surf, in their sea kayaks.  Ahhh!!! It looked like fun in their head-to-toe wetsuits! The tide was low, that helped the wave situation, which following the storm on Thursday could've been worse.   One of the main things we planned was to do a 'book run' to Robert's Books in Lincoln City. (on hwy 101).  While Gary brought in his three totes, I made my way to the sports section where I found several  books on kayaking.  I plan on adding a list to the side of these books for a lending library for us locally.  There are currently 13 books ranging in topics such as basic paddling, sea kayaking, navigation, Puget Sound/San Juan/Gulf Islands trip books, and a couple on related topics.  One I'm sure could be of interest is "A River To Run", a more historical book about Glen Wooldridge who regularly ran the Rogue River to Gold Beach.  "The Laugh of the Water Nymph" features a cover photo of a kayaker plunging midway over a waterfall.  This book  has the appeal  of stories told by a person who loves the  adventure of hitting the rivers.   So, when your heels are drying off until your next paddling run, consider one of these books to put more ideas in your head! These books will be available soon.