The Life of Water

Sunday afternoon I set out for a short paddle on Upper Klamath Lake, noting the wind at my house, which is  in the same vicinity, appeared to be light.  When I arrived at the boat launch a short while later, I could plainly see that the winds were elsewhere and sending choppy waves to shore.  The short paddle turned into an intense study of wave action while pulling through troughs and splashes and cutting through waves in a sideways direction,  staying parallel to the shoreline at a safe distance.  The winds were still not heavy at this end of the lake.
 Yesterday morning I took a walk on the hill overlooking the lake, and made note of the smooth lake surface in the morning sun and thinking of other times that I've noticed this phenomenon.  Camping at Waldo Lake, of course, and taking the canoe out in the dawn as the rising sun filtered through the tree tops.
  Morning paddles on the lake offer quiet waters, sometimes with rising mists that appear 'sprite'- like.  In the  afternoon, winds pick up across the water.  What seems interesting is that the winds have a familiar pattern based on the surrounding hills and how the air seems to flow based on where they are situated.  The wind and air flow seem to follow a fairly predictable  pattern from one side of the lake to the other.  Not very scientific, just a comparison that may be useful.  For instance, I think, "Do I want to work more going out or coming in?"  I choose going out against the waves and  the wind  at my back for a swift ride back, though with the waves at an angle to the shoreline, concentration is still needed for what I can't see behind me.  Waves, for example, that are a little larger for no good reason, and some action that wants to send me out into the lake instead of towards the shore.

Upper Klamath Lake



Shore Acres SP, Oregon Coast



Benham Falls, Deschutes River

  When we talk about paddling rivers, we talk about volume and flow; rapids and obstacles like rocks, holes, strainers, and more.  When we talk about the ocean, we talk about tides, waves and surf.  We talk about about eddies, wind conditions, and water temperature.  All to get to know the character and the life of water, and perhaps ourselves as well.