Stumpy Meadows Reservoir - July 28

Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is a quiet gem my paddling group visited on Saturday. This small lake is just 15 miles from Georgetown. The setting is lush conifer forest and crystal clear water. 5 mile speed limit reduces the boat traffic to a few fishermen

The weather was a balmy 85ish...and the water was just brisk enough for a refreshing dip. We also enjoyed an Eagle - Osprey fight over a fish.

After paddling, some of us enjoyed a stop in historic Georgetown for some nachos and a walk down main street.

We visited a fun antique store that brought back all kinds of kid memories...am I old enough that my childhood is captured in antiques?? Yikes!

Paddling on, just a little faster.

White Pelicans surprise visit

There is this little lake near my house (really a pond) that I drive by on my way to and from work.

A couple of days ago I saw a large white bird floating and wondered what it could be. I was used to the couple of resident egrets and dozen or so geese, but this was something new.

The next day there was a fairly large flock...I recognized White Pelicans!

In all my years living here this is the first time I have seen these beautiful creatures here. I hope they stay awhile!

American River - Howe Ave - July 19

It is always a treat to discover a new place to paddle on an old friend, the American River.

The American River originates in the high Sierra Nevada just west of Lake Tahoe, in the Tahoe and El Dorado National Forests. Its three main forks—the South, Middle and North—flow through the Sierra foothills and ultimately down through Sacramento.

Last week we white water rafted the south fork, today was a milder trip just a couple of miles downstream.

The North, Middle and South forks converge upstream of Folsom Reservoir. Below the dam, the main stem of the American River is often referred to as the "Lower American."

This area of the river is a main recreation area and provides many hours of pleasure to local Yakkers. It even has a couple of class II rapids to play in.

We put in at Howe ave which has a nice easy launch ramp around 5:30. We headed up the shore toward Watt Ave and traveled through several "rooms". We have come to call these little side areas off the rivers we travel rooms as in many cases you enter through a smaller water way and suddenly you are in a big lake, or small pond.

These are the areas where we see the most wild life. Although on this trip we saw several beavers along the river banks.

I love to paddle a lot of diverse places all year, but during the hot, hot summer days it is particularly cooling and relaxing to glide through the lush green rooms along the rivers.

This peaceful, quiet paddle, watching the sunset, was a perfect end to the working day. Oh..and I had a hitchhiker the whole trip, I named him Howie...on my boat below...you have to look closely.

Next weekend, Stumpy Meadows.

Paddling On!

White Water South Fork, American River

Saturday July 14- Hot fun in the Summer time! I spent the day white water rafting with friends on the river. Satan's Cesspool was the first big rapid and Hospital bar was the second.

It was an amazing fun day with perfect 90 degree weather and a great group of friends to ride the wild waters.

In between the rapids was this beautiful stretch of river to enjoy. Lots of kayakers, rafters and pontoon catamarans.

Summer on the river, another way to keep paddling ON!

Rock Hopping, Tahoe Style

I got to try out my little underwater camera.  It worked great in that crystal clear Tahoe water.

Granite gardens line the east side of the lake.  It is a kayakers paradise as long as you go early morning and get off the water before the afternoon winds and boat chop makes it crazy.

This shot was taken in Taylor Creek where there are lots of plants.

Lake Tahoe - 5 days in heaven

Day 1 - We arrived early afternoon and my first thought was to get paddling in that beautiful blue water. But it was not to be. The wind whipped water was spouting white caps and not looking inviting. Big E had to go over to the East side of the lake to launch the ski boat at Cave Rock. It took him over an hour to make it back to our south shore beach house. He said the ride was one of his scariest with waves breaking over the bow. We found out that there was a lake advisory warning for small craft because of the high wind. So thinking the water would calm with the sunset, I prepared to head out at my second favorite time of day, but that did not happen. Wind and chop was still ruling the lake so decided against any water play and headed out for dinner.

Day 2 - Tuesday morning dawned with that perfect calm and stillness I was longing for. I was on the water by 7 am and headed for my favorite creek that runs through an eagle sanctuary. 8 times out of 10 I will see eagles.

We spotted our first eagle right at the entrance to the sanctuary. It is hard to get a good shot from a boat in the water, but I tried.

Day 3 - We had a first class ride into Emerald Bay where we were dropped off on the beach right in front of Castle Vikingsholm. Being the middle of the week boat traffic was light and we had a mellow paddle all the way to Baldwin beach where we took a break. From there we headed up Taylor Creek.

This guy was at the entrance to Taylor Creek and in a favorite eagle hanging out spot.  Several times I have seen eagle fishing the small pond that is behind the main beach area. 

it was a good thing we had a long morning paddle, the winds were going strong by the time we headed back.