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.

Vacation Anticipation

I am enjoying that pre vacation euphoria. You know, that sweet week of planning, making lists, and daydreaming about what you will be doing a week from now. That sweet anticipation of what is to come, sometimes better than what actually will be. I do know this, there will be no computers, no conference calls, and no TV blaring.

For now, in my head, bathing suits fit, weather is perfect, and the family is all sitting on the dock, listening to the water lap against the shore, watching the sunset, being good to each other.

I am enjoying a cup of coffee as I watch the sky grow light. I slip into my boat and quietly paddle in that glassy morning water over to Taylor Creek. There is an eagle fishing in the pond as I sit watching from my yak.

I am paddling into Emerald Bay and climbing the trail to visit the tea house.

I am hiking a new trail to a secret lake.

I am screaming down trails on my mountain bike.

I come back to our cabin on the beach, spent for the day. The house is abuzz with laughter and the sing song of young and old. Someone hands me a bowl of fresh hand cranked strawberry ice cream.

Happiness.

Self-Rescue and Wet Exits

I am a little embarrassed to admit that it had been a couple of years since practicing a self rescue, or even an assisted rescue. So our club worked out a great deal with our local kayak shop and we had a class with instructors Jeff and Teri.

Water was still pretty cold so we all donned wetsuits and headed for the lake.

As much time as I spend on the water I surprised myself by fearing the fall over into the water. I know part of it was that my newer boat has a pretty tight cockpit and I was nervous about easily slipping out.

So...over I went, and it was easy and even fun. We practiced the paddle float, cowboy, self roll and heel hook. Falling over ended up being the best fun of the night. Boy those wet suits really work! I stayed warm and comfy.

I gained the confidence that I can get myself back in my yak if I need to.

I plan to take more classes and build that skill set for more ocean yakking.

No Fear!

I

Water Therapy South Fork American River

What a day.  Stuck behind the computer for hours, negotiating, analyzing and the hardest part...listening.  These long calls are so hard.  I tend to drift off and hope no one calls my name...but inevitably...you hear your name and there is a question attached.  I have finally come to the point in my career where I fess up and ask them to restate the question.  Not my fault! People just talk too long and use way to many words to make a point.

I escape. Stewing on the days issues and challenges with this person, customer, exec...kid.  And then...there it is.  The lake spreads out before you like a big hug.  Instantly work fades away and I switch over to playtime. 

The lake is high and fairly warm in the cove where I meet my fellow paddlers for some water playtime.  The water is so high we are paddling through tree tops.

ahhhhhhh...paddling on