At the end of the paddling season it becomes more difficult to paddle on the lakes at higher locations so I turn to a small selection of lower elevation lakes and the south Thompson River, mostly launching from Pioneer Park.   By mid-October there are rarely any boats on the water, but the boat launch provides easy access to the river.

I paddled upriver following the south bank.   On top of a nesting stand on a pole was a great blue heron watching over the river.

With little wind the old poles for the yacht club were reflected in the still waters of the river.

I paddled upstream past the soon-to-be-gone Jack Gregson Trail and then turned back, enjoying the easier paddling of downriver flows.

In early spring the first days of paddling (Mar. 16 this year) are on the river.   The lakes are not ice-free until April.    The last days of the are also mostly n the river.    The section of river from Pioneer Park up to Valleyview and back is the best choice when the weather and the water chills.    Proper gear helps then steadily paddling for a good workout makes it still worthwhile.   The last day will be in early November this year, the end of 8 months of paddling.