Wood River Snags

Several weeks ago now, a group of us kayaked down the Upper Wood River.  This was the second time this season I had done so, and remembered that last year the big old pine tree at the Day use and access park had looked sick or dead then, and was slightly tilted. This year, it was not only the color of a long dead tree, but it had also fallen completely across the river, blocking our river passage.  Right behind it is another old fallen tree that in the past, have had to pick through a narrow opening on the right side downstream bank.  The water is swift as it comes from a u-turn bend into another slightly less of a bend. On the latest day we hopped out to portage around the tree, a Forest Service Ranger happened to be on the park side of the bank with a group of students.  She asked our opinions regarding the blockage, and how did we feel knowing we had to cross private property to get around the tree.  We told her that due to the swift water at that point, and the depth of the water cut banks, it's not the safest place to get out.  It is done, and best with the group helping each other steady their boats.  If you miss the pull out, being swept along, you run straight into the branches.  There are no holes to scrap through even, and it creates a serious strainer and entrapment hazard for open river passage.  The ranger recommended that we voice our concerns to the      Chiloquin Ranger Station.    Also at issue is the thought to let it lie as it is to create more fish spawning habitat, even though the old snag is still there.   
  The fun part of contacting a listening ear:  Chiloquin phone # is 541-783-4001, talk to Mike Cutler.  He will tell you to call the Klamath Ranger District and talk to Mike Lawrence, District Ranger, or Margaret Bailey, District Ranger, 541-885-3400.  If you want to go further you can call the Lakeview Interagency Office and talk to the Forest Supervisor, Fred Way at 541-947-6201.  Mr. Cutler told me it has been discussed and determined to be too dangerous to remove, but he didn't mention that dangers to boaters were considered either.  So, please call these people and voice your concerns.

And Now, It's August

   My summer kayak trip list is slowly being checked off as August inevitably heads into the fall.  This last weekend my family got together and it was a blast giving the older kids a chance to try out the kayaks in the relative calm dock harbor waters at Moore Park.  Even my 8 year-old grandson, Liam, handled the paddle and kayak pretty well. No dunkings, tippings, -just, "yeah!  I like it!"  I got in the word to my son, "See, you've got some built in kayaking partners!"  I wish they lived nearer.
  On our calendar for August 19-22 is a paddle camp at Waldo Lake.  The final arrangements will be listed shortly and emailed to anyone who signs up.  This week I'll be calling the Oakridge ranger station to inquire about the snow in the area, (Crater Lake still has bunches...you can't even get to the wildflower garden) and check on the mosquitoe levels.  At Union Creek, nearer to Crater Lake, there are reports that mosquitoes are very thick that have necessitated a large amount of repellent use.  I think I'll plan on bringing a screen tent, if the snow isn't saying other things about camping.  In a book I picked up recently, 'Canoe and Kayak Routes of Northwest Oregon', by Philip N. Jones, I gathered more interesting features to look forward to. The irregular shore line is roughly 21 miles, on a lake 6 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.  Primitive sites are dotted along the western shore which will serve as base camp to explore the shoreline.  There are islands, but they cannot be camped on anymore.  I'm finding the observation of lake winds more interesting as time goes on.  The book mentions the 'moderate to gentle southwest winds that usually blows each afternoon.'  A sail would be most interesting to use when heading downwind.
     Of special note on July's happenings:  Several of our group attended a River Safety weekend on the Santiam River.  The report was excellent for the training portions and the hosting group did very well with organization and PRIZES!  An event well worth repeat attendance.
   Enjoy the heat of the summer, the cool of the water, and may your kayak and paddle take you true.