Spring 2016: Kayaking on Lake Kaweah
Home from the 5-week tour of the Southwest found me chomping at the bit to head out, but the reality of Marilyn’s bum knee said different. Yet all was not lost—we were home at the best possible time, when our local reservoir was almost full and calling to my kayaks. It was the first time in 5 years we had been able to kayak on Lake Kaweah (ka-WE-ah) due to the California drought.
We have two single inflatable Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame kayaks, which are perfect for our lifestyle. When in their suitcases, they easily stack on the rack on the back of the VW Bus.
When inflated, they can be put inside the bus.
On the water these 10' 5" boats are rather grand: comfortable, stable, and easy to paddle.
So for the next several weeks, I made the 30-mile run nearly daily to Lake Kaweah, my therapy gym. I either went solo or dragged a friend, as Marilyn had not regained all of her upper body strength since her back surgery 3 years ago. To remedy that, we ordered a tandem, 15' Advanced Elements kayak. I couldn't wait to get her back on the water, for she appreciates the peacefulness as much as I.
With that said, I needed to get in better kayaking shape so we could explore the lake without those “I think I can” thoughts. This is not open lake paddling but paddling in and out of trees, wandering through treetops and over larger rocks—though sometimes misjudging depth, getting stuck—and just exploring.
.heic)
The lake was still filling, so each day provided a different experience. Where I was stuck yesterday found me gliding over today, until I found the next place to paddle between rocks. The boats are durable, so brushing a rock or finding yourself grounded is no biggie. Merely back paddle or use your hands to push off and you are free until the next time.
To my delight, Marilyn decided in late May, after getting back in the pool a few times to swim laps, that she thought she actually was ready to handle a single kayak. She quickly proved herself, and we were able to get in 3 kayak treks together prior to her meniscus surgery. After the first kayak, she assured me we did not need a tandem kayak, and we happily canceled the order.
Unfortunately El Niño did not grow to its potential, and just before the lake had reached the top the plug was pulled, water was diverted to the farms in the San Joaquin Valley, and our paddling was over. Hopefully we'll have another year of sufficient rain that will allow us to kayak Kaweah again next spring. Meanwhile, I shall let the pictures speak, as they say so much.
Pictures of me, just to prove I was on the lake.
--Doug
View of Sierra foothills from Lake Kaweah
We have two single inflatable Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame kayaks, which are perfect for our lifestyle. When in their suitcases, they easily stack on the rack on the back of the VW Bus.
Inflatable kayaks in suitcases on back of bus
When inflated, they can be put inside the bus.
Inflated kayaks inside bus
On the water these 10' 5" boats are rather grand: comfortable, stable, and easy to paddle.
Slick Rock Boat Launch, Lake Kaweah.
So for the next several weeks, I made the 30-mile run nearly daily to Lake Kaweah, my therapy gym. I either went solo or dragged a friend, as Marilyn had not regained all of her upper body strength since her back surgery 3 years ago. To remedy that, we ordered a tandem, 15' Advanced Elements kayak. I couldn't wait to get her back on the water, for she appreciates the peacefulness as much as I.
Paddling through the tree tops
.heic)
A path through the shallows.
Paddling among the rocks
The lake was still filling, so each day provided a different experience. Where I was stuck yesterday found me gliding over today, until I found the next place to paddle between rocks. The boats are durable, so brushing a rock or finding yourself grounded is no biggie. Merely back paddle or use your hands to push off and you are free until the next time.
Paddling through a log jam
To my delight, Marilyn decided in late May, after getting back in the pool a few times to swim laps, that she thought she actually was ready to handle a single kayak. She quickly proved herself, and we were able to get in 3 kayak treks together prior to her meniscus surgery. After the first kayak, she assured me we did not need a tandem kayak, and we happily canceled the order.
Marilyn's first solo paddles since 2013 back surgery
Drifting & taking it all in.
Unfortunately El Niño did not grow to its potential, and just before the lake had reached the top the plug was pulled, water was diverted to the farms in the San Joaquin Valley, and our paddling was over. Hopefully we'll have another year of sufficient rain that will allow us to kayak Kaweah again next spring. Meanwhile, I shall let the pictures speak, as they say so much.
Indian grinding holes
Mama merganser and her brood. Note the one riding on her back. We have seen some with 13 ducklings!
A Western Pond Turtle sunning near bank.
Gray Heron.
One of numerous friends who joined me on the lake.
Me from Marilyn's kayak.
Me, enjoying my surroundings.
Kayaking tradition: pic of my foot.
--Doug
Looks terrific!
ReplyDeleteDan K
Thanks, Dan. Same kayaks you and Sally used at Huntington:-)
DeleteNice to hear Marilyn is feeling well enough to get out and about. How far upstream from the Redneck Riviera (Slickrock) did you go? Looks like you got pretty far. Each week on my trips up and down to the park, I thought of exploring the upstream section of the lake. Thanks for the view. Two weeks ago my last view of the lake had the water low. This weekend will be interesting to see the lake level.
ReplyDeleteSteve, the last time I paddled was the Saturday of the Fourth. Though I was able to still put the kayaks in at the Slick Rock launch the lake was gone, all I had was a channel to go upstream in. The highest I got was above the motel, unfortunately El Nino did not materialize with the gusto advertised so the lake never filled, next year?
ReplyDelete