My Kayaking Adventures
On May 18th (2007), I drove the 90 minute drive to Kenora, Ontario to meet with ‘Heather’ of the Hardwear Company. I’ve being talking with her over the phone about purchasing a kayak and I was finally going to meet up with her in person to try one out.
After finally finding a parking spot fairly close to the store, I went in to meet with Heather. After a brief introduction, we drove to the warehouse where we took two Current Designs kayaks out and down to the dock. The model I was going to be trying out was the Current Designs Breeze, a 13 ½ foot boat. Heather was going to be in a Whistler – a 14 ½ foot boat.
She explained a few things like how to actually get into a kayak without going for a swim, how to hold and use a paddle, how to place the boat into the water, and how to remove it from the water without hurting your back! I got into the boat while it was still on the dock so I could adjust the foot pedals – and to see if I could actually get into the kayak!
She placed the boat into the water to show how you do it, then let me try to get in. After safely getting in to the boat, she had me wiggle my hips a bit which of course rocked the boat. This made me a little nervous as I’ve never being in a kayak before and didn’t want to flip it over. I soon felt at ease so I paddled away from the dock so that Heather could get into her own boat.
She let me try two different models of paddles that where also of two different lengths (and of course two different prices) but after trying each, it was apparent that the second, the longer of the two at 230 cm’s, was my favorite and yes it was the more expensive one.
The Breeze also comes with a rudder which made it much easier for me to maneuver the boat without relying on how I paddled. I think one should learn how to properly paddle a kayak first but personally I’m really glad that I started with a boat that had a rudder. I also like having the rudder available incase some day I need one due to weather conditions – better to have one and not use it, than to need one and not have it.
She took me down a creek that lead into a small lake where she showed me where the kids jump off a cliff! It was quite high I thought. I could never jump off of that cliff! On the way to the lake we saw a duck, a couple herons and even a turtle resting on a log.
Although it was raining when I left home, by the time I reached Kenora the weather was great. Warm temperatures and sunny, and barely a breeze it was an enjoyable first time out on a kayak. Heather loves to paddle and tried unsuccessfully to talk me into paddling longer (we had being out for an hour by this point) but I said that I had to get going soon as I wanted to get home around the same time as Wendy and John got home from School.
At this point we took the boats out of the water and put her boat back into the warehouse. We discussed the differences between the two boats but the Whistler would have cost another $300 over the Breeze. All I saw that I would get for that extra $300 was 12 inches of boat, and an extra hatch on the bow. And due to the fact that I had to purchase a cockpit cover, life jacket, and a paddle as well as the boat – that extra $300 was just not worth it so I put the Breeze onto the back of my truck and strapped it in for the trip back to the shop to pay for everything.
On the way home I was constantly checking out the many lakes to see which would have easy access. I saw several I would like to paddle my new kayak on but I had to get home. Wouldn’t you know it though, the next day it snowed! 22º C on Friday and mostly sunny – to 1º C and snowing the next day! Only in Canada! I did have to work Saturday and Sunday but I was scheduled to be off the next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Will I go out for a paddle? The weather report indicates rain for all this week!
I got home about 15 minutes before Wendy and John but when they did arrive I was outside and called John over to my truck. He was pretty excited to see the new kayak (he’s never seen one before) so I lifted him up into the bed of the truck so he could sit in the kayak. He got really excited about that! He made me lift him up onto the truck 3 times so he could sit in it!
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On May 18th (2007), I drove the 90 minute drive to Kenora, Ontario to meet with ‘Heather’ of the Hardwear Company. I’ve being talking with her over the phone about purchasing a kayak and I was finally going to meet up with her in person to try one out.
After finally finding a parking spot fairly close to the store, I went in to meet with Heather. After a brief introduction, we drove to the warehouse where we took two Current Designs kayaks out and down to the dock. The model I was going to be trying out was the Current Designs Breeze, a 13 ½ foot boat. Heather was going to be in a Whistler – a 14 ½ foot boat.
She explained a few things like how to actually get into a kayak without going for a swim, how to hold and use a paddle, how to place the boat into the water, and how to remove it from the water without hurting your back! I got into the boat while it was still on the dock so I could adjust the foot pedals – and to see if I could actually get into the kayak!
She placed the boat into the water to show how you do it, then let me try to get in. After safely getting in to the boat, she had me wiggle my hips a bit which of course rocked the boat. This made me a little nervous as I’ve never being in a kayak before and didn’t want to flip it over. I soon felt at ease so I paddled away from the dock so that Heather could get into her own boat.
She let me try two different models of paddles that where also of two different lengths (and of course two different prices) but after trying each, it was apparent that the second, the longer of the two at 230 cm’s, was my favorite and yes it was the more expensive one.
The Breeze also comes with a rudder which made it much easier for me to maneuver the boat without relying on how I paddled. I think one should learn how to properly paddle a kayak first but personally I’m really glad that I started with a boat that had a rudder. I also like having the rudder available incase some day I need one due to weather conditions – better to have one and not use it, than to need one and not have it.
She took me down a creek that lead into a small lake where she showed me where the kids jump off a cliff! It was quite high I thought. I could never jump off of that cliff! On the way to the lake we saw a duck, a couple herons and even a turtle resting on a log.
Although it was raining when I left home, by the time I reached Kenora the weather was great. Warm temperatures and sunny, and barely a breeze it was an enjoyable first time out on a kayak. Heather loves to paddle and tried unsuccessfully to talk me into paddling longer (we had being out for an hour by this point) but I said that I had to get going soon as I wanted to get home around the same time as Wendy and John got home from School.
At this point we took the boats out of the water and put her boat back into the warehouse. We discussed the differences between the two boats but the Whistler would have cost another $300 over the Breeze. All I saw that I would get for that extra $300 was 12 inches of boat, and an extra hatch on the bow. And due to the fact that I had to purchase a cockpit cover, life jacket, and a paddle as well as the boat – that extra $300 was just not worth it so I put the Breeze onto the back of my truck and strapped it in for the trip back to the shop to pay for everything.
On the way home I was constantly checking out the many lakes to see which would have easy access. I saw several I would like to paddle my new kayak on but I had to get home. Wouldn’t you know it though, the next day it snowed! 22º C on Friday and mostly sunny – to 1º C and snowing the next day! Only in Canada! I did have to work Saturday and Sunday but I was scheduled to be off the next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Will I go out for a paddle? The weather report indicates rain for all this week!
I got home about 15 minutes before Wendy and John but when they did arrive I was outside and called John over to my truck. He was pretty excited to see the new kayak (he’s never seen one before) so I lifted him up into the bed of the truck so he could sit in the kayak. He got really excited about that! He made me lift him up onto the truck 3 times so he could sit in it!
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May 22, 2007
My first solo paddle.
The sun was out but so was the wind. I was anxious to get that boat in the water so I drove down to the Government dock to check on the waves. The waves didn’t seem too bad so I headed back home to load of the kayak and all the gear.
Once I was finally ready to go, I drove out of town towards the Fenez’s place who live on Thunder Lake. They are both teachers so I knew that they where both at work on this Tuesday morning. Parking in their driveway, I unloaded the boat and gear and carried to the beach. I was smart enough to remember to wear shorts but stupid enough to forget a towel – or eat breakfast/lunch.
I removed my (steel toe) running shoes and my pants (swimsuit underneath of course), put on a pair of water shoes and steeled my nerves for my first (solo?) paddle. Placing the boat into the water, I carefully got into the kayak without falling into the water. I was pretty happy about that part. I may not have being graceful, but I was dry.
The winds where not too strong but the surface of the lake wasn’t exactly smooth as glass. I headed towards an island with the waves breaking over the bow and occasionally spraying me. The water was cool so it felt pretty good to get the occasional spray in the face. I had to paddle fairly hard to make any headway and although it was tough going, I rather enjoyed it. As far as I could tell there was only one other (fishing) boat on the lake at this time.
I pretty much pointed the bow into the wind to hopefully make it easier for me when the waves did hit the boat – keeping the bow straight into the wind and waves I wasn’t as concerned about a wave hitting me broadside and possible causing me to loose my balance and tipping me over. I wanted to get used to the movement of the kayak
I considered paddling over to Aaron Park but I wasn’t 100% sure as to it’s location and I also didn’t want to go out into the middle of the lake with that wind. I stopped just off shore from the island out of the wind for a short rest and to take a drink of water that I remembered to pack with me and then I was off paddling into the wind again.
Paddling out to a point, I decided that maybe I’ve gone far and long enough that maybe I should think about heading back. Before I turned around I thought about turning on my GPS that I forgot to strap to my leg (or turn on). I couldn’t find it with out causing the boat to get too rocky while looking for it so I thought it would be best to retrieve it once I returned. Assuming that I had actually put it into the boat in the first place.
I had purchased a replacement strap that I placed some Velcro on to allow me to attach my GPS to it, allowing me to strap it to my leg so it was within reach if I needed it. I would also be placed where I could see the screen easily, but as mentioned – I forgot to strap it to my leg when I first started out so I’m not even sure this set up will even work.
On my way back to Jackie’s beach, the wind was strong enough that I really didn’t need to paddle. I could utilize the rudder easily enough and use my paddle as a sort of a sail to move the boat. This was slow going, however, so I paddled as well. With the wind at my back, me paddling, and the waves coming up from behind me it was pretty fun going. It almost felt like I was surfing or something when bigger waves came up from behind.
For this first trip, I was only out for an hour but the first 40 minutes or so (when I was paddling into the wind), it was hard going – a good workout. My shoulders should be fairly sore tomorrow!
I was on my own so I wasn’t in any hurry to keep up with anyone nor did I have anything to prove to anyone so I went at my own pace on my way out, and on the way back. Since I was going at my own pace, I found that I quite enjoyed my first outing in a kayak, even if I was only out for an hour. I hope that the next time I go out for a paddle, the wind is a little calmer but because I did go out in windy conditions, I feel more confident in the fact I was able to control the boat from flipping over when the larger waves did hit.
May 23, 2007
Looking out the window this morning it looked like it was going to be a nice day as far as the winds where concerned so I packed my gear and strapped down the kayak and heading for Thunder Lake again.
The lake was quite calm, not mirror flat but pretty close to it. It looked like I was going to have a nice paddle today. I unloaded all the gear and the boat – I even remembered to bring the GPS and a towel this time. I started out in the same direction I went yesterday. The strap for the GPS that I rigged up was a bit of a pain to use so I just placed the GPS underneath the shock cord on the deck. (see map below for path taken)
It was a little hard to read without grabbing it but maybe next time I get the chance I’ll figure out how to use the strap better. I wanted the gps on my thigh so it was nice and close and easy to read at a glance. Where I placed it on the deck, it's not too far away that I can't grab it if I needed to, but when it is sitting on the deck it's hard to easily see the screen which defeats the purpose of having it there in the first place. So as I mentioned, maybe next time I will figure out a way to place it on my thigh as originally intended.
It was definitely easier today with no wind blowing against me. Using the GPS I figured that yesterday I paddled about 2 miles round trip. Today I wanted to go further and get a good workout. My left arm was a little sore today but after awhile I barely noticed.
I did get a bit of a blister on my thumb of my right hand so it may be a little sore until it heals over. I will just have to adjust the way I hold the paddle in that hand until it’s healed. It didn’t slow me down much though.
I traveled more or less in a southerly heading. I rounded the island and continued past where I turned back yesterday seeing even more scenery that I’ve never seen before. I also saw that I was the only person on the lake! I didn’t follow the shoreline too closely so at the south end of the lake I cut off a little bit of the lake when I decided to head across towards Aaron Park. Yesterday I was not able to really tell where I was but since I had traveled further today I was able to see the small beach of Aaron Park.
I noticed an ominous cloud southwest of me so I thought that maybe I should cut the trip short today. I had planned on circumnavigating the entire lake but judging by that cloud I might have to go back early. I had checked the weather before leaving the house but all the bad stuff was around the Fort Frances area.
When I was on the opposite side of the lake from Jackie’s (where I started from), the wind kicked up creating large waves. Instead of going back around, or continuing and keeping close to shore, I decided to cut straight across the lake to get back to Jackie’s beach as fast as I could. Using the GPS I noticed I got up to a top speed of 5.8 mph! It appeared my regular speed averaged around 3.2 mph so I guess that wind at my back helped. Going straight across the lake, the waves and wind where at my back, where as if I went back around the way I came the wind and waves would hit me broadside.
When I was in the middle of the lake, the waves where really big but I was not concerned – the boat was still stable enough where I wasn’t worried about flipping over. I paddled pretty hard thought to cut down the time it would take to get back and I could sure feel it in my shoulders so I would have to say I got a bit of a workout.
According to the GPS I traveled 4.96 miles so I assume that if I ever get enough time to go around the entire lake, it would be a ten mile round trip. It took me an hour and a half this trip which is only about 30 minutes longer than yesterday but I traveled much further. I also noticed I didn’t get as tired today. I had remembered to grab something to eat (McDonalds drive thru) before heading out where as yesterday I didn’t have anything to eat before going. Not paddling into the wind might have helped too.
Top
My first solo paddle.
The sun was out but so was the wind. I was anxious to get that boat in the water so I drove down to the Government dock to check on the waves. The waves didn’t seem too bad so I headed back home to load of the kayak and all the gear.
Once I was finally ready to go, I drove out of town towards the Fenez’s place who live on Thunder Lake. They are both teachers so I knew that they where both at work on this Tuesday morning. Parking in their driveway, I unloaded the boat and gear and carried to the beach. I was smart enough to remember to wear shorts but stupid enough to forget a towel – or eat breakfast/lunch.
I removed my (steel toe) running shoes and my pants (swimsuit underneath of course), put on a pair of water shoes and steeled my nerves for my first (solo?) paddle. Placing the boat into the water, I carefully got into the kayak without falling into the water. I was pretty happy about that part. I may not have being graceful, but I was dry.
The winds where not too strong but the surface of the lake wasn’t exactly smooth as glass. I headed towards an island with the waves breaking over the bow and occasionally spraying me. The water was cool so it felt pretty good to get the occasional spray in the face. I had to paddle fairly hard to make any headway and although it was tough going, I rather enjoyed it. As far as I could tell there was only one other (fishing) boat on the lake at this time.
I pretty much pointed the bow into the wind to hopefully make it easier for me when the waves did hit the boat – keeping the bow straight into the wind and waves I wasn’t as concerned about a wave hitting me broadside and possible causing me to loose my balance and tipping me over. I wanted to get used to the movement of the kayak
I considered paddling over to Aaron Park but I wasn’t 100% sure as to it’s location and I also didn’t want to go out into the middle of the lake with that wind. I stopped just off shore from the island out of the wind for a short rest and to take a drink of water that I remembered to pack with me and then I was off paddling into the wind again.
Paddling out to a point, I decided that maybe I’ve gone far and long enough that maybe I should think about heading back. Before I turned around I thought about turning on my GPS that I forgot to strap to my leg (or turn on). I couldn’t find it with out causing the boat to get too rocky while looking for it so I thought it would be best to retrieve it once I returned. Assuming that I had actually put it into the boat in the first place.
I had purchased a replacement strap that I placed some Velcro on to allow me to attach my GPS to it, allowing me to strap it to my leg so it was within reach if I needed it. I would also be placed where I could see the screen easily, but as mentioned – I forgot to strap it to my leg when I first started out so I’m not even sure this set up will even work.
On my way back to Jackie’s beach, the wind was strong enough that I really didn’t need to paddle. I could utilize the rudder easily enough and use my paddle as a sort of a sail to move the boat. This was slow going, however, so I paddled as well. With the wind at my back, me paddling, and the waves coming up from behind me it was pretty fun going. It almost felt like I was surfing or something when bigger waves came up from behind.
For this first trip, I was only out for an hour but the first 40 minutes or so (when I was paddling into the wind), it was hard going – a good workout. My shoulders should be fairly sore tomorrow!
I was on my own so I wasn’t in any hurry to keep up with anyone nor did I have anything to prove to anyone so I went at my own pace on my way out, and on the way back. Since I was going at my own pace, I found that I quite enjoyed my first outing in a kayak, even if I was only out for an hour. I hope that the next time I go out for a paddle, the wind is a little calmer but because I did go out in windy conditions, I feel more confident in the fact I was able to control the boat from flipping over when the larger waves did hit.
May 23, 2007
Looking out the window this morning it looked like it was going to be a nice day as far as the winds where concerned so I packed my gear and strapped down the kayak and heading for Thunder Lake again.
The lake was quite calm, not mirror flat but pretty close to it. It looked like I was going to have a nice paddle today. I unloaded all the gear and the boat – I even remembered to bring the GPS and a towel this time. I started out in the same direction I went yesterday. The strap for the GPS that I rigged up was a bit of a pain to use so I just placed the GPS underneath the shock cord on the deck. (see map below for path taken)
It was a little hard to read without grabbing it but maybe next time I get the chance I’ll figure out how to use the strap better. I wanted the gps on my thigh so it was nice and close and easy to read at a glance. Where I placed it on the deck, it's not too far away that I can't grab it if I needed to, but when it is sitting on the deck it's hard to easily see the screen which defeats the purpose of having it there in the first place. So as I mentioned, maybe next time I will figure out a way to place it on my thigh as originally intended.
It was definitely easier today with no wind blowing against me. Using the GPS I figured that yesterday I paddled about 2 miles round trip. Today I wanted to go further and get a good workout. My left arm was a little sore today but after awhile I barely noticed.
I did get a bit of a blister on my thumb of my right hand so it may be a little sore until it heals over. I will just have to adjust the way I hold the paddle in that hand until it’s healed. It didn’t slow me down much though.
I traveled more or less in a southerly heading. I rounded the island and continued past where I turned back yesterday seeing even more scenery that I’ve never seen before. I also saw that I was the only person on the lake! I didn’t follow the shoreline too closely so at the south end of the lake I cut off a little bit of the lake when I decided to head across towards Aaron Park. Yesterday I was not able to really tell where I was but since I had traveled further today I was able to see the small beach of Aaron Park.
I noticed an ominous cloud southwest of me so I thought that maybe I should cut the trip short today. I had planned on circumnavigating the entire lake but judging by that cloud I might have to go back early. I had checked the weather before leaving the house but all the bad stuff was around the Fort Frances area.
When I was on the opposite side of the lake from Jackie’s (where I started from), the wind kicked up creating large waves. Instead of going back around, or continuing and keeping close to shore, I decided to cut straight across the lake to get back to Jackie’s beach as fast as I could. Using the GPS I noticed I got up to a top speed of 5.8 mph! It appeared my regular speed averaged around 3.2 mph so I guess that wind at my back helped. Going straight across the lake, the waves and wind where at my back, where as if I went back around the way I came the wind and waves would hit me broadside.
When I was in the middle of the lake, the waves where really big but I was not concerned – the boat was still stable enough where I wasn’t worried about flipping over. I paddled pretty hard thought to cut down the time it would take to get back and I could sure feel it in my shoulders so I would have to say I got a bit of a workout.
According to the GPS I traveled 4.96 miles so I assume that if I ever get enough time to go around the entire lake, it would be a ten mile round trip. It took me an hour and a half this trip which is only about 30 minutes longer than yesterday but I traveled much further. I also noticed I didn’t get as tired today. I had remembered to grab something to eat (McDonalds drive thru) before heading out where as yesterday I didn’t have anything to eat before going. Not paddling into the wind might have helped too.
Top
Thunder Lake- May 23rd, 2007
Here you can see the path I took on my May 23/07 paddle on Thunder Lake.
Starting from the top of the map and going in a more or less clock wise direction, the path is 4.96 miles. You can see at the bottom of the map where I decided to head across the lake back to where I started due to the weather. From start to finish, it took one hour and 29 minutes to paddle the 4.96 miles.
On this particular trip I remembered to pack my Etrex Legend GPS unit from Garmin to track my path. I learned today (May 25th) that I am able to download the track onto my computer where I did a simple screen capture and just cropped it to the dimensions you see here.
Pretty cool if you ask me.
Granted I would never have to worry about getting too lost on Thunder Lake, some of the lakes I plan to paddle on a GPS might be the only thing that will get me back to where I left the truck. Dogtooth Lake is one lake that comes to mind.
North of Thunder Lake, there is a smaller lake called Beaver Lake. This lake is more or less round and much smaller then Thunder Lake so no GPS would really be needed but I would still want to bring it if just to keep track of my time and distance traveled.
Top
Here you can see the path I took on my May 23/07 paddle on Thunder Lake.
Starting from the top of the map and going in a more or less clock wise direction, the path is 4.96 miles. You can see at the bottom of the map where I decided to head across the lake back to where I started due to the weather. From start to finish, it took one hour and 29 minutes to paddle the 4.96 miles.
On this particular trip I remembered to pack my Etrex Legend GPS unit from Garmin to track my path. I learned today (May 25th) that I am able to download the track onto my computer where I did a simple screen capture and just cropped it to the dimensions you see here.
Pretty cool if you ask me.
Granted I would never have to worry about getting too lost on Thunder Lake, some of the lakes I plan to paddle on a GPS might be the only thing that will get me back to where I left the truck. Dogtooth Lake is one lake that comes to mind.
North of Thunder Lake, there is a smaller lake called Beaver Lake. This lake is more or less round and much smaller then Thunder Lake so no GPS would really be needed but I would still want to bring it if just to keep track of my time and distance traveled.
Top
Thunder Lake May 27th, 2007
Wasn't sure if tomorrow would be a good day or not to be on the lake so I decided to go this evening. Forecast is sunny with cloud periods and 20 degrees but also windy for tomorrow.
As the wind was more or less calm today, I decided to try to go all around the lake. As you can see on the map I pretty much made it all the way around.
Near the top of the map you see where I started (car icon). I figured I would go in a counter clockwise direction this time as I hadn't seen that part of the lake yet.
I stopped just over a mile from where I put in to talk to someone I knew. He was trying to take photos of some birds but they proved too skittish. I believe he took some shots of me - I will have to ask him for a copy. (photo now posted, scroll down!)
I came across a couple who where heading out to their buoy in a paddle boat, and then another couple in a canoe when I was about half way around the lake. Both couples where quite friendly though.
I did cut across Hoffstrom's Bay but this was due to the wind picking up creating some larger waves. Odd thing is that the wind came from no where and since it was getting late in the day - you would think that the wind would calm down.
I wanted to get back soon by this time as I was getting a little tired. I also decided to pass between an island and the main land to hopefully get a little shelter from the wind and larger waves. This would also get me where I could then turn into the wind a bit more so that the waves wouldn't be hitting me broadside. This proved to be an excellent idea. Doing this made it easier to get back to the truck.
This trip was my longest yet at 6.65 miles taking an hour and 47 minutes. Average speed of 3.7 mph and a max speed of 5.3 mph.
Top
Wasn't sure if tomorrow would be a good day or not to be on the lake so I decided to go this evening. Forecast is sunny with cloud periods and 20 degrees but also windy for tomorrow.
As the wind was more or less calm today, I decided to try to go all around the lake. As you can see on the map I pretty much made it all the way around.
Near the top of the map you see where I started (car icon). I figured I would go in a counter clockwise direction this time as I hadn't seen that part of the lake yet.
I stopped just over a mile from where I put in to talk to someone I knew. He was trying to take photos of some birds but they proved too skittish. I believe he took some shots of me - I will have to ask him for a copy. (photo now posted, scroll down!)
I came across a couple who where heading out to their buoy in a paddle boat, and then another couple in a canoe when I was about half way around the lake. Both couples where quite friendly though.
I did cut across Hoffstrom's Bay but this was due to the wind picking up creating some larger waves. Odd thing is that the wind came from no where and since it was getting late in the day - you would think that the wind would calm down.
I wanted to get back soon by this time as I was getting a little tired. I also decided to pass between an island and the main land to hopefully get a little shelter from the wind and larger waves. This would also get me where I could then turn into the wind a bit more so that the waves wouldn't be hitting me broadside. This proved to be an excellent idea. Doing this made it easier to get back to the truck.
This trip was my longest yet at 6.65 miles taking an hour and 47 minutes. Average speed of 3.7 mph and a max speed of 5.3 mph.
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Ghost Lake - May 31st, 2007
Today I went out to Ghost Lake. The wind was light and the water was like glass in a lot of areas. When I did encounter waves, they where pretty small so not much of a concern. A real pleasure actually.
This visit to Ghost Lake was only my second time here. The first time was about 10 years ago. It hadn't changed much - still a lousy beach.
With the winds light I thought I would try to go all the way around the lake. I knew it wouldn't take as long as Thunder Lake since Ghost Lake is smaller - it took me approximately an hour and 25 minutes. I did stop to see if I could find a geocache but I kept loosing the satellite signal due to the trees. I was close - oooh so close but I couldn't see it.
There was a small waterfall (sorta) at the geocache area that I would love to bring a camera to though so the stop wasn't a total waste of my time. Today the conditions would have being perfect - if I had only brought the camera.
The trip took me around the lake with a distance of 5.52 miles. I believe my peak speed was only 5 mph - the gps indicates 33.6 mph and I know I wasn't paddling that hard! I have no idea what happened there.
The scenery was quite nice. With better weather conditions, I was able to take my time and actually look around at the shoreline. There are some areas on Ghost Lake that are quite pretty.
Near the end of my trip, I finally saw someone else on the lake in a motor boat but the boat stayed on the other side of the lake.
The start of my trip is around the 1 o'clock position on the map. As you can see on the lower right hand corner of the map, there is another lake - Mavis Lake. At this time I have no idea how to get to it, or if there is public access. I'll have to ask around.
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Today I went out to Ghost Lake. The wind was light and the water was like glass in a lot of areas. When I did encounter waves, they where pretty small so not much of a concern. A real pleasure actually.
This visit to Ghost Lake was only my second time here. The first time was about 10 years ago. It hadn't changed much - still a lousy beach.
With the winds light I thought I would try to go all the way around the lake. I knew it wouldn't take as long as Thunder Lake since Ghost Lake is smaller - it took me approximately an hour and 25 minutes. I did stop to see if I could find a geocache but I kept loosing the satellite signal due to the trees. I was close - oooh so close but I couldn't see it.
There was a small waterfall (sorta) at the geocache area that I would love to bring a camera to though so the stop wasn't a total waste of my time. Today the conditions would have being perfect - if I had only brought the camera.
The trip took me around the lake with a distance of 5.52 miles. I believe my peak speed was only 5 mph - the gps indicates 33.6 mph and I know I wasn't paddling that hard! I have no idea what happened there.
The scenery was quite nice. With better weather conditions, I was able to take my time and actually look around at the shoreline. There are some areas on Ghost Lake that are quite pretty.
Near the end of my trip, I finally saw someone else on the lake in a motor boat but the boat stayed on the other side of the lake.
The start of my trip is around the 1 o'clock position on the map. As you can see on the lower right hand corner of the map, there is another lake - Mavis Lake. At this time I have no idea how to get to it, or if there is public access. I'll have to ask around.
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North Narrow Lake - June 1st, 2007
Woke up to a really nice calm summers day (albeit at 10:30 am). I'd anticipated a nice day today so I had the kayak loaded up and ready to go at a moments notice.
I drove west on highway 17 for about an hour to this long narrow lake which you can pull off the highway, and you are basically on the lake. Into the water the boat went. Once I was ready (paddle put together, PFD on, truck key clicked onto the 'biner I use to hang my whistle, wallet hidden in the truck, trucked locked...) into the boat I went.
The winds where absolutely calm - the surface of the lake was as smooth as glass. I remembered to bring my camera with me so I thought I would get some great photos today. I paddled for about 20 minutes and saw some nice scenery so I put the paddle down to get my camera out. After composing an award winning photo, I attempted to press the shutter release button. For some reason it wouldn't focus!? I tried several times to press the button but nothing would happen.
(pause for dramatic effect)
I left the memory card at home!
I was so mad I almost threw the camera into the lake.
This really made me mad. I saw some incredible scenery and with the water like a mirror, photos would have being spectacular. I also hoped to photograph a train (the CPR tracks are one shore of this long narrow lake) with its reflection in the lake. I did end up seeing 3 trains while paddling on this lake but I was still mad that I left the memory card at home. I even considered going back to the truck to drive the 35 kilometers to Kenora to buy one.
I saw a rock formation that when seeing from a certain point on the lake, it looked like a face. I also saw a nice little waterfall. Most of this lake is completely hidden from the highway - the only people able to enjoy the scenery are the crews of the CP Rail trains or the odd person who takes a boat out.
I even saw what looked like a culvert (not the usual metal culverts you normally see - the entrance was made by rock slabs put into place) that appeared to go all the way under the tracks to the other side but I was unable to see exactly what was on the other side. I checked for a place to pull up to but there wasn't anywhere I would have being comfortable going ashore.
When I was heading towards the far end of the lake, I took my time to take in the scenery. At several points the only sound I heard was from the odd bird chirping. At one narrow part of the lake I felt a bump on the hull - and two seconds later something hit my rudder. I couldn't see anything in the water that would have caused this - but it felt like maybe I had hit a submerged tree or something along those lines. What ever it was, I missed it on the way back. No apparent damage to boat/rudder or paddler. Odd though.
The GPS indicates I was moving for an hour and 49 minutes but for some of the time I was just drifting along enjoying the piece and quite and the scenery. A very enjoyable day to say the least. Of course it would have being much better if I could show you some photos...
Total distance this trip was 5.39 miles with an average speed of only 3 mph (I drifted a lot this trip) and a maximum speed of 5.2 mph. Apparently my total distance traveled so far since bringing the boat home from Kenora was approximately 24.5 miles.
And judging by all the dead bugs on my windshield, summer is definitely here.
Top
Woke up to a really nice calm summers day (albeit at 10:30 am). I'd anticipated a nice day today so I had the kayak loaded up and ready to go at a moments notice.
I drove west on highway 17 for about an hour to this long narrow lake which you can pull off the highway, and you are basically on the lake. Into the water the boat went. Once I was ready (paddle put together, PFD on, truck key clicked onto the 'biner I use to hang my whistle, wallet hidden in the truck, trucked locked...) into the boat I went.
The winds where absolutely calm - the surface of the lake was as smooth as glass. I remembered to bring my camera with me so I thought I would get some great photos today. I paddled for about 20 minutes and saw some nice scenery so I put the paddle down to get my camera out. After composing an award winning photo, I attempted to press the shutter release button. For some reason it wouldn't focus!? I tried several times to press the button but nothing would happen.
(pause for dramatic effect)
I left the memory card at home!
I was so mad I almost threw the camera into the lake.
This really made me mad. I saw some incredible scenery and with the water like a mirror, photos would have being spectacular. I also hoped to photograph a train (the CPR tracks are one shore of this long narrow lake) with its reflection in the lake. I did end up seeing 3 trains while paddling on this lake but I was still mad that I left the memory card at home. I even considered going back to the truck to drive the 35 kilometers to Kenora to buy one.
I saw a rock formation that when seeing from a certain point on the lake, it looked like a face. I also saw a nice little waterfall. Most of this lake is completely hidden from the highway - the only people able to enjoy the scenery are the crews of the CP Rail trains or the odd person who takes a boat out.
I even saw what looked like a culvert (not the usual metal culverts you normally see - the entrance was made by rock slabs put into place) that appeared to go all the way under the tracks to the other side but I was unable to see exactly what was on the other side. I checked for a place to pull up to but there wasn't anywhere I would have being comfortable going ashore.
When I was heading towards the far end of the lake, I took my time to take in the scenery. At several points the only sound I heard was from the odd bird chirping. At one narrow part of the lake I felt a bump on the hull - and two seconds later something hit my rudder. I couldn't see anything in the water that would have caused this - but it felt like maybe I had hit a submerged tree or something along those lines. What ever it was, I missed it on the way back. No apparent damage to boat/rudder or paddler. Odd though.
The GPS indicates I was moving for an hour and 49 minutes but for some of the time I was just drifting along enjoying the piece and quite and the scenery. A very enjoyable day to say the least. Of course it would have being much better if I could show you some photos...
Total distance this trip was 5.39 miles with an average speed of only 3 mph (I drifted a lot this trip) and a maximum speed of 5.2 mph. Apparently my total distance traveled so far since bringing the boat home from Kenora was approximately 24.5 miles.
And judging by all the dead bugs on my windshield, summer is definitely here.
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Photo of myself while paddling on Thunder Lake on May 27th, 2007.
Uhm, no 'I' didn't take the photo!
Uhm, no 'I' didn't take the photo!
Ghost Lake - June 5th, 2007
This trip was a short one. I was only out on the lake for about 40 minutes. My main mission was to get to the little waterfall near a geocache. I didn't stay long as this is a known fishing spot for bears so I just took a couple quick shots and left again.
I also couldn't take too long as I was at work today and just took off for a quick trip and had to get back before my next flight came in.
I did grab a few shots of the shoreline along the way to the waterfall though (can be found in the Scenic Gallery).
Total distance paddled was only 2.17 miles, taking 40 minutes with a max speed of 5.7 mph.
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This trip was a short one. I was only out on the lake for about 40 minutes. My main mission was to get to the little waterfall near a geocache. I didn't stay long as this is a known fishing spot for bears so I just took a couple quick shots and left again.
I also couldn't take too long as I was at work today and just took off for a quick trip and had to get back before my next flight came in.
I did grab a few shots of the shoreline along the way to the waterfall though (can be found in the Scenic Gallery).
Total distance paddled was only 2.17 miles, taking 40 minutes with a max speed of 5.7 mph.
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North Narrow Lake - June 6th, 2007
Had the day off today so I decided to head out for a quick paddle.
I thought I would go back to North Narrow Lake again to get some pictures. The wind was a little strong today so I didn't go as far up the lake as I did the last time.
When heading into the wind, the spray would come over the deck, and I didn't want the camera to get wet. Water and digital SLR's don't exactly mix.
I only went 2.97 miles, taking an hour and 3 minutes but I spent some of that time drifting checking out the scenery or taking photos. Max speed this trip was my best yet at 6 mph.
Had the day off today so I decided to head out for a quick paddle.
I thought I would go back to North Narrow Lake again to get some pictures. The wind was a little strong today so I didn't go as far up the lake as I did the last time.
When heading into the wind, the spray would come over the deck, and I didn't want the camera to get wet. Water and digital SLR's don't exactly mix.
I only went 2.97 miles, taking an hour and 3 minutes but I spent some of that time drifting checking out the scenery or taking photos. Max speed this trip was my best yet at 6 mph.
Ghost Lake - June 10, 2007
(And later on that evening on Thunder Lake)
Thought I would get a quick paddle in this morning so headed out to Ghost Lake.
The problem was that by the time I got there (roughly 10am), the winds had picked up. The waves where getting a little too much for me so I ended up just going out for a half hours worth.
It almost wasn't worth going out in the boat except I spent the time and gas getting to the lake, I wasn't about to turn around and head back home.
I only went around the one point and back again, totaling 1.69 miles. Top speed was 5.3 mph.
In the evening the winds had really died down nicely so I had Wendy call up Jackie who lives on Thunder Lake (I normally put in the kayak at her beach) to see if she wanted me to bring out the boat so she could have a try.
Both Jackie and Jo-Jo went for a short paddle and both seemed to enjoy it. Especially Jackie who really wants to buy a kayak of her own. Shortly after 8 pm with the water as smooth as you could ever hope for, I decided to go for a quick paddle myself. I didn't have my gps with me, so using the mapping softwear I have to guestimate I went for about a mile and a half. Not sure about the time I was out for but it wasn't very long - maybe 15-20 minutes.
Tomorrow I won't be able to get any paddling in - I have to work from 7am to midnight!
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© 2007 Derek Kennedy
(And later on that evening on Thunder Lake)
Thought I would get a quick paddle in this morning so headed out to Ghost Lake.
The problem was that by the time I got there (roughly 10am), the winds had picked up. The waves where getting a little too much for me so I ended up just going out for a half hours worth.
It almost wasn't worth going out in the boat except I spent the time and gas getting to the lake, I wasn't about to turn around and head back home.
I only went around the one point and back again, totaling 1.69 miles. Top speed was 5.3 mph.
In the evening the winds had really died down nicely so I had Wendy call up Jackie who lives on Thunder Lake (I normally put in the kayak at her beach) to see if she wanted me to bring out the boat so she could have a try.
Both Jackie and Jo-Jo went for a short paddle and both seemed to enjoy it. Especially Jackie who really wants to buy a kayak of her own. Shortly after 8 pm with the water as smooth as you could ever hope for, I decided to go for a quick paddle myself. I didn't have my gps with me, so using the mapping softwear I have to guestimate I went for about a mile and a half. Not sure about the time I was out for but it wasn't very long - maybe 15-20 minutes.
Tomorrow I won't be able to get any paddling in - I have to work from 7am to midnight!
Top
© 2007 Derek Kennedy
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