The first day of kayaking for 2022 was March 2. In 2023, colder weather kept ice on the river and when it started to break up cold winds prohibited comfortable paddling. By March 12, we had signs of spring coming and on March 14 the winds were about 10 km out of the east. Boat launch gates were still locked … Continue reading →
I have paddled over 100 lakes in the area. Some have easy access, some have longer drives, some are accessed by rougher roads, and some have difficult access. When it comes to rough roads and difficult access, the issues are wear and tear on the truck, risks of getting stuck, and difficulty of access to the lake. There are a … Continue reading →
When the weather threatens rain, wind, and afternoon storms, Stake Lake is on of three lakes I paddle for an early morning kayaking workout. This July morning was calm, great for doing loops around the lake. A short video shares a few moments on the water: Stake Lake is a go-to destination for paddling, hiking, cross country skiing, and … Continue reading →
The ice is clear of the river for enough to go out for some early season paddling, but we have to ask ourselves, “Should we?” The considerations are keeping warm and staying safe. Keeping Warm: A closed shell kayak is warmer than an open shell (ie Pelican or sit-on-top). Legs are out of the wind and cold. A full spray … Continue reading →
As the paddling season wound down, some of the lakes and rivers were paddled for a final time (or two). Jacko Lake (along with Edith and Stake Lakes) is a “go to” spot for paddling each year, and for good reason. Access is good (but a bumpy road), there is lots of room to launch and park, the lake is … Continue reading →
On a windy day, paddling on any open body of water is not easy and less enjoyable, but we can paddle a short loop on smaller protected lakes. Usually i pick MCConnell, Stake, or Inks Lakes and do one or two loops around the lake, depending on the strength of the winds. If I find the winds too strong, I … Continue reading →
On an early October morning Edith Lake was the destination for kayaking. The sun was rising and the lake was calm. An hour later the sun was higher, a ripple of wind was on the lake, and some fishermen had arrived. This was perfect timing for a wonderful morning on the lake:
Continue reading →As the snows melt in the mountains, freshet will swell the South Thompson and North Thompson Rivers and the Thompson River will flood the lands near Kamloops Lake. From the start of June through the first week of July we can launch our boats near Tranquille and paddle various routes through the bays and channels. In early stages, grasses and … Continue reading →
I paddle some lakes every year and Badger Lake is one of them. On this early summer day I drove past Knouff Lake and followed the potholed forest service road to the Badger Lake Recreation Site boat launch. The launch spot by the campground was often full with awkward launching and poor parking, so a new parking area and boat … Continue reading →
On a warm summer day I drove to Jacko Lake for an early paddle around the lake. there was a light wind on the lake and a few fishermen were already on the water. Jacko Lake is a favorite, one I usually paddle 3 or 4 times each year. It is close to town, it is scenic, and there is … Continue reading →
Reflections are look-backs, outings over the last year that had not yet come to a post. On the first day of October after the warmest September on record, an early morning paddle had warm weather and calm conditions. There was no one else on the water for most of the paddle to the end of the lake and back. Lac … Continue reading →
I worked with CFJC TV to make a video of kayaking Scuitto Lake. It is shared here:
Continue reading →I paddled Scuitto Lake in the fall, right before the colder weather set in as part of a video shoot with CFJC TV. I took some of my own video footage and some photos that day. A YouTube video highlights some of the on-the-water time on the lake:
Continue reading →On a cloudy summer day the plan was for a “duathlon” – a paddle around McConnell Lake followed by a hike around the lake. It was an early start and there was only one other boat on the lake. The paddle around the lake was 3 km. After securing the boat, and changing to hiking shoes, the hike … Continue reading →
On an early October morning, the river was quiet and the sun was low on the eastern horizon. The end of the season was about a month away, but this 80th day of paddling in 2022 was another great day on the South Thompson River.
Continue reading →At the height of freshet, all of the channels on both sides of the Thompson river fill with water. We can paddle across Tranquille Bay to the far side of the river, and then follow channels upstream and back out to the river. On a calm day we can enjoy the reflections in the bays and channels. Navigating the maze … Continue reading →
