Searching for Color

November 22, 2011

I had planned to spend Sunday down at Calaveras Big Trees hiking and shooting the last of Fall color. Rain and Snow cancelled those plans so I had to settle for some local color.

Sooo Cute...

Lake Tahoe Look Back

November 13, 2011

This last July I had the pure joy of spending an entire week in a beachfront house at South Shore Lake Tahoe. 

We rent a house on the beach every year just down from a great resort.  Within walking distance we have the General Store, Ice Cream Parlor, Coffee House and one of my favorite restaurants, the Beacon, home of the famous Rum Runner.  While the food is good too, it is mainly a fave because it is right on the beach with a big ole Patio…and live music most nights.  What more could you want in a vacation spot?

We downsized the rental this year as we had a smaller group so this was the first time in this house.  It was perfect with a private beach and a brand new pier.

With night lights.

Every morning around 7AM I would brew up my coffee and head out on the water.  I guess you have to get older to really appreciate the early morning hours.  I can’t even bribe the kids, or many of the adults, to come out early with me.  The morning hours are best at Tahoe as the crazy ski boat people are not up yet and the water is like glass.

My favorite destination is Taylor Creek.  It is a good fun paddle around the marina boats and up the South Shore.

Taylor Creek and surrounding marsh is a protected eagle nesting area, so no people on the ground allowed.  We non-motorized boats can paddle around the marsh and have the best seat on the lake.

There is a lot of wild life but catching a glimpse of an eagle is the prize.  Today was the day.  I spotted him very close to the creek just sitting in the tree.  Pretty soon I noticed two black birds harassing him.  Clearly he was too close to something.  It took about 30 minutes but he finally flew off to another tree.

On the way out I watched this Osprey snag breakfast. 

By 10 am the big boats are usually chopping up the water so I head home for breakfast.

The rest of day is always a maybe for paddling.  During the week boat traffic is light and if the wind is down you can paddle all day comfortably.  But weather can change quickly.  I remember one year a hailstorm blew through and we had to run for cover in a cove.

One day out paddling I started to notice all these sail boats around me. I finally realized that I was in the middle of some kind of race.

Look closely at this wood pile..it's full of babies

Till next year...

Sky Painting

November 11, 2011
This time of year always brings amazing skies.  Storms rolling through always paint the sky with crazy clouds and color.  I will not bore you with my 500 cloud pics…well maybe just a few.
 
 

 
Good news, time change has me doing the 6am walk in light! Whoo hoo… Bad news, it has been in the mid 30’s…yikes…cold weather is definitely here.  
 
Dawn from the back deck

Tahoe Sky

 
So I know it is time to reevaluate my paddling apparel and plans for the colder weather.  This time of year not only means cold, it also means less paddling buds. So if I am going to be out on the colder water, by myself, I need to dress more appropriately and be better prepared for self-rescue.  I have to admit I have been lax in cold water prep.  Years ago I took the class and have done some refreshers, but I have not done much practice.  So next month we have some indoor pool time planned to practice self and assisted rescues.  If I am going to look like a floundering seal in the water at least it will be warm water, inside, and somewhat private.  
 
Seal - (not floundering)

 
Wednesday night California Canoe and Kayak (CCK) had the Kokatet rep in to talk to about layering and all the different options.  It was good info and I think I finally get the difference between wet suits and dry suits.   I realize I need to take a hard look at what kind of paddling I plan to do and then dress appropriately.  I admit it, my preferred attire is bathing suit…or tank and water shorts.  Yeah Sun! But those days are over for a while.  
 
I loved the time we got to spend in the ocean this year.  I plan to get to Monterey Bay, Mendocino and other coast spots as often as possible.  But living several hours away means I will be limited to my coastal adventures.  If I was closer I would invest in classes for Sea Kayaking and be wave surfing in no time…LOL, even I laugh at that one.  But even if I am only in the bays or protected headlands, the water is still Northern California COLD.  So I need to update my cold weather gear.
Mendocino

Some paddling pals did a last of year full moon paddle last night.  I declined as it was unfamiliar territory, in the dark, and getting colder.  Mentally I had finished with night paddles, but seeing the yak on my friend’s car gave me a twinge…I should have gone.  
 
They lucked out with a fairly warm night, beautiful sunset and orange moon.  I saw the sunset as I was leaving work and knew I was missing out.
 

If the rain holds off this weekend I will head out to the lake, test my paddling clothes for warmth and try out the new spray skirt I got for Tessie.  Yeah….winter…

Yosemite


I love this very short tween time, some of the leaves on the same branch have turned...others not.





Paddling On!

Lake Clementine, October 30, Trip Review

This beautiful deep canyon lake near the historic town of Auburn was created by the Army Corp of Engineers back in 1939.  The reservoir is long and narrow with some very steep canyon walls.

Clementine is a favorite for boaters during the summer and for kayakers during the Spring and Fall. The road in is 2 miles of narrow twisty turns heading down into the deep canyon.  This trip I had the bad luck to be going down as a big boat was coming up. I got to practice my very slow backing up skills, while pressed against the canyon wall.  But I did ok and was soon on my way.

The water stays full at damn level with the outlet being over the top. The view of the man-made falls as the lake drops over the face is awesome.

The put in is at the bottom of the long road down and has a nice ramp for loading and unloading.  The somewhat small parking area sits up the driveway from the ramp.

There are a couple of good beach spots to picnic.

At the end of the lake is a small riffle that is fun to paddle over.  If you want to port over some rocks you can go a little further up the lake, and then come test your skill over the riffle coming back into the lake.  It can trick you. At least one person goes over every trip up there. Thankfully, it is in very shallow water…cold…but shallow.

Being in the heart of the Auburn Rec Area there are lots of good hiking trails. 

Tessie - taking a break

My paddling buddy Paul loves to come to Clementine during the winter, early in the morning to catch the mist rising.  I am getting my cold weather gear together…

Paddle On