Last Glimpse of “real” summer vacation

We head into the last week of August with Blue Sky, Full Sun, and Warm Lake water!  My east coast friends have been back in school for 3 weeks – but here in Oregon, School does not typically start til after Labor Day Weekend. I feel the Turn in the Air and have Seen the Signs of Autumn though . . . .

Nate woke me up at 4 a.m. so I could see the moon over the lake. In my tired brain – I just grumbled something like – I saw it last month when Jon woke me up, go back to bed.  He slid his socks across the wood floors . . . . Ok. Now I feel bad. What a beautiful view to see at 4 a.m.  The Moon was so HUGE and crisp and clear. The reflection in the water so mirror like, even the craters could be defined in the water. The evaporation mist slowly swirling on top.  You’ll just have to imagine from this glimpse just how HUGE the August Full Moon really was.  Nate went back to bed and marveled out loud – That happens once a month? Well. Maybe we don’t see it because of night time weather patterns, but Yep. :)

We’ve had quite a few families stop by on their journeys for their last summer vacation -  Picnics on the dock, night swims, kayaking, hikes – fun! We had 4 families last week, looking at 2 planned this week.  We love it when people stop by, even for a wave hello and back in their car. :)
 
These Bright Moon Lit Nights are great for Night Swims. Wonder if I should mention Nocturnal Lake Monsters?

I noticed this bad bad sign at church yesterday, all of their road side trees are tinted red/orange/yellow/green.  Then, on the walk through the woods yesterday, the trees above were all tinting red. Sigh.

 

We are looking for crickets this week – Jon found when while doing yard work for a neighbor. (Apparently his number got around, as we are now getting phone calls). He ran to the “neighbor who has a little bit of everything” and asked for a baggie. :) Havn’t heart the whole story yet – but Bobby Here was still alive this morning. Poor Bobby.

 

Darren and the boys picked about 10 qts of black berries, sold them to some neighbors, and sat on the road to sell them last evening. I think they are in business. These are still a bit tart. :) Picking out the bright red ones. :)

 
Blurry view of this morning but you can see the fog swirling a bit better in this pic. :) Fabulous!

Sunrise Book Reading in the Kayak

Sunset Last Night – Led to . .  .
6:30 Twilight Sunrise this morning! First blue sky clear to the beach since – I can’t even remember. March? April?

Pushed away from the Evaporation fog . . . .

So I could see THIS!!! Sunrise. My Very First Clear Sunrise since we’ve moved here!

 

I paddled out so I could feel the full sun in the morning.
 

View towards DRiver and Regatta.

 
View back towards the east – our side. See how they are still all in the shade. Tisk. Tisk. :)  I have on my Pj’s under my Beach Thick Fishing Sweatshirt – my Bro’s gift to me many a year ago -

My legs were all toasty warm under a thick beach towel. :) I could have unwrapped my legs, but I didn’t want to get wet at all – and I was enjoying the warmth. :) The soothing sounds of the birds. The plunking of the fish popping out of the water, Swooshing of the waves when a ski boat slowly slid by. Beautiful. I just cant’ even tell ya.
 

There is a cove about 3/4’s of a mile away.  I can see who’s coming, but still feel a bit alone. I sat out here for about a half hour reading my book. Blind Hope – by the way, by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher is a wonderfully inspiring delightful read.  I’ve been taking it chapter by chapter. Slowly enjoying. We used to be able to go to Crystal Peaks once a week – and enjoy the fellowship of these ladies – it is like sitting in the adorondak chair, listening to their honest conversation. Two people who would/could be put on a pedestal – that wrote a heart wrenching book of honestly telling how far they really are day by day. And how God pulls them in. Shows them. Grows them. Like Paul – the more we think we are like Christ – the more learn about Christ – the more we realize how far we really are. So – one chapter at a time – I sit close, and listen to these amazing ladies – gleen, reflect and grow a bit myself. :) Anyways – back to the ride -
The tension is just so thick on the water. Like Syran Wrap. Hard to show with the colors of the water just how flat it is! And Ski Boats are going past!

Even the wake of the ski boat produces only a sweet lifting swell.
Meanwhile – back at the ranch – Perfect Beauty! Love the reflections. It is my paddle that broke the water. I was trying to still the kayak to take the photo and broke the mirror reflection. . . . :)   

Thanks for coming along with me this morning!

Kayak Conversations

Oh – I can’t believe what a huge decision it was on what type of kayak to get – One or Two, Plastic or Inflatable? Sit in or Sit on?  One man or Two man?

In the end, our Inflatable, Sit In, Inflatable, Two Man has proven to be the best choice for an kayak with easy access to the lake – and time well spent with friends.

Jon went out with his friend mid morning – lots of wind!
  They stop to chat for a while.  . .

Later in the morning – Nate and his friend went around the loop . . .

We had some more friends stop by around 3 – so the boys took them on a ride as well.  The lake was really full with jet boats ad skis – so they stayed closer to the edge. . . .

Jon comes in from his tour with his little friend.  

Nate seems to have a better grip on the whole kayaking experience. :) I think the little fellah doing all the work is 7ish. Pretty great paddler!!!

 

Although it was cold and windy – the lake is still fun! We are rejoicing for the chance to spend our summer here – so thankful! 

Another shout out to mom and dad for getting the kayaks and paddles for us!!!

Kayak Paddling Obsession

Those who know me -  will confirm that I can be a bit obsessive compulsive.  Once I get a project or idea in my focus – it becomes all I want to do or talk about.  Take um. Kayaking for example.  We have been trying to paddle in various crafts around the lake – and finally were able to pick up these beauties.  They are Ocean & White Water rated – but I think I’ll stick to calm mornings on the lake! I give you – Views from the Sevylor Rogue Inflatable Kayak. :)

This is the view around 7:30 a.m.  The water has been calm year round, even during bad weather, until about 9-10 a.m on Devils Lake.
I keep looking out at the weather – fog – over cast – but calm water. This morning I ventured out before our morning activities.

I have been paddling out to the campground, across the bay towards the tip of Neotsu, and then back around to our home again. I mapped it out this morning at about 1.34 miles.

Jon saw me out there and called to ask if he could join me. :)  

Paddling back to the house – It took from 7:30 – 8:10 to refresh the air in the kayaks, put them in the water, paddle the 1.3 miles and get back on shore, kayaks stored away.  We had to be across town near Taft around 8:45 or I would have taken more time to sit and enjoy the lake. :)

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Yesterday – I thought to try to see if I could stay totally dry in the kayak  which would lead to more time out there, if it is not a soaking each time. The water today is a balmy 68 degrees as the air temp hovers around 60.  Brrrrr.  Made it the whole trip without a drop. :)

View from the kitchen – Sun on the water, advection fog encroaching.
The sun felt marvelous. We have been in an overcast haze for days.

Made it out to Sand Point Loop, by the Campground. Had to make it back for a library program, so I turned around here.

Notice the water surface difference, south east side to north west side. Crazy.

Views looking North and sort of east-ish. :)

I keep an eye and ear on this opening all the time.  Jet Ski’s and Water Ski boats blast out of this opening from the Regatta Park side. :) Spooky. :)

 

Beautiful water and views back towards home. I thought my tummy muscles would be sore, but I feel my back muscles strengthening.  I can feel the arm put area to the center of my ribs tightening. My forearms and wrists as well. Buttocks and inner thighs get a work out staying centered. I find myself sitting straighter in the chair, actually feeling better not to slouch. The kayak rowing is very much different than 3 man raft rowing. I love it. :)

We had the option of buying one hard sit on top kayak for the same price as these two inflatable sit in kayaks – and with two great paddles – and it was excruciating decision for sure.  But having Jon call this morning – and ask to meet me out in the middle – made the decision priceless.  Love paddling with the boys!

This seems to be a sweet spot for calm water. Looked for Cattails for our study –but did not find any. We’ll have to do the ones by the road agan. :)

The Avon had Babies

We have been wanting a canoe or kayak since before we even moved to Lincoln City – Since the first day we saw Devil’s Lake. . .

So far – our search has come up empty for an affordable solution.  Most of the kayaks start at around $350-500.00.  This week a friend found a kayak on sale in Newport for $199.00, without paddles.  It sort of seemed like an over grown snow sled . . . but cute.  Still – only having one – puts a damper on how far you should go away from the house.

We got a Petra School P.E. Scholarship from my folks – They thought it would be good for us to go out paddling in the mornings and evenings.  We had been researching kayaks for several months, and spent 7 hours looking yesterday  - deciding on two kayaks – Inflatable's, two seater’s, paddles extra.

Jonathan got right to it and went clear across our circle and back quite quickly- less than 10 minutes, then Nathan and I went out to the end of the circle and back. I stayed out for a while piddling around.

  The weather front was moving in – so not the greatest pictures – I’m learning that digital photography and water and not good friends. :) I wanted to go out this morning – but the mist was more like a sprinkle – so I stayed in bed doors. :)

The kayak, btw, is a Sevylor Rogue Similar to the Tahiti – has extra heavy plastic/rubber. the cover is very thick – tripple I’d say – the thickness of our svylor inflatable boats. When I sit in the kayak, I fit in the back or middle, with plenty of leg room, both with my legs crossed or straight out front.  I do not feel like my weight is displacing me further in the boat – the bottom really holds up. The valves are the same as on our avon – very strong contstruction! Over all – for one evening’s usage – I am impressed.  With a local discount – we were outfitted for two boats and paddles for less than $200.00, and have room enough for all four of our family members to kayak together.  Sweet Deal. :)