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.