Kayaking on Lake Clark

Yesterday Ranger Chris and I decided to head out on a kayaking adventure.  His days are numbered in the park (leaving us all on thursday) so we had to pack in some fun before he goes!  I'm amazed with the weather here.  It was 70 degrees (and climbing) and sunny!  From what I've heard, this weather is rare, so we really have to enjoy it while we can.  Usually it's raining and dreary, but on those sunny days, you're crazy not to get out and play for a bit.

The original plan was to kayak a couple miles and go berry picking.  But just like the weather, plans here change pretty quickly.  After reaching the beach, we realized that my kayak oars didn't connect properly, so Chris had to run back and get me another.  So for the first half hour of our excursion, I sat on a log by the water and took pictures.  Not a too terrible way to spend my time I'd say. 

 Finally, Chris returned with the oar, and we could set out.  I was pretty reluctant to put on a life-vest, but once we were on the water, I stuck my hand in, and quickly realized why we wear them.  That water was COLD!  I believe it was 50 degrees (and that's warm for this water).  I was pretty worried then about tipping over.  I've kayaked before, but never in water as cold as this.   

 While we were out, I pulled my camera out of my bag.  Let me tell you....that was quite the balancing act!  It was in front of me, and I had to make sure I didn't lose my oar.  Unlike places I've been kayaking before, if you lose your oar here, you're out of luck.  At points the lake is over 800 ft deep.  And you can never tell how deep it is because of all the glacial silt in the water.  But, I succeeded in getting the camera, and was able to snap a few pictures. 

 The waves started getting pretty big at one point, and we had to turn around.  We only went a half mile out, but it sure felt like more!  We rode the waves back a bit, and went out further in the opposite direction, then turned right round again.  Kept passing the same places, but it was fine by me.  I'll never grow tired of the view.  Due to the waves though, we had to abort our berry-picking plans. There's no way we'd make it back after the wind picked up. 

 Don't I look like a pro?  At the end of our trip I finally learned how to use the rudder.  I've never heard of such a thing on a kayak!  When you get out into the waves, it really does help you out.  For the first part of the trip I was pretty stubborn about putting it in the water, but on the way back, it became necessary. 

Overall, it was a great way to spend a Monday evening.  After being in the V.C. for days, it was amazing to get out and actually do something!  Hopefully my next adventure will be just as awesome!