When the summer weather turns hot, I try to kayak 2-3 times each week, rotating to a different lake each time.     If conditions are marginal I may return to do a lake more than once.    I also opt for paddle-hike days and some lakes are better for the combination, although I am trying new routes at more lakes.    Recently I hiked near Community Lake, Face Lake, Hyas Lake, Surrey Lake, and Paska Lake.     Some of the established paddle-hike locations are McConnell Lake, Stake Lake, and Lac le Jeune.

I arrived at McConnell Lake early since it can be a busy spot.     I was first on the lake, paddling twice around the shoreline, once in each direction.

A  light wind was welcome on a warm day.    There were loons and ducks on the lake, and an eagle watching from a treetop.

On a hot day I paddled twice around Stake Lake, once in each direction, then secured the boat and hiked trails before the temperature got too hot.

There was no wind and this was a quick paddle around the lake.    Loons had a chick and raised a ruckus as I paddled the shoreline.

On a very hot day, I arrived early at the Lac le June Provincial Park Campground beach area and launched into the lake.   A paddle of the east end of the lake took about an hour.    I hiked the shoreline trail afterwards, keeping the distance relatively short as the weather became hot enough

I have more paddle – hike days planned – Logan Lake, Leighton Lake, Surrey Lake, and others.     Longer days of paddling will happen once the weather cools a bit.    Watch for me on the lakes….