I didn’t do all that much paddling in 2022, perhaps because it was either really cold or really hot and humid. But I did enjoy these three places, for different reasons.
Caballo Lake, NM
After a winter cold snap that broke my trailer’s water filter and had everyone in the campground in puffy jackets and wool hats and gloves, March started off on a much warmer note. So much warmer that I actually pulled out the kayak and launched myself onto the still waters of Caballo Lake. Who would have guessed I’d be out there in t-shirt and shorts on March 2nd??! Wow, an unexpected pleasure, that paddle around the lake, spotting a few birds but mostly just delighting in the warmth of sun on skin and bright blue skies overhead.
Whitehall Pond, MA
By the time I got to the northeast in August, I hadn’t paddled for a while. So when my friend, Sue, suggested a small lake near the campground at Rutland State Park, I was all in. Turns out we both were, and it was so nice that we did it twice! One day started out foggy, the other clear. Both were fun! (The photo at the top of this post is also from this sweet little lake.)
Kerr Lake, VA
There’s just something about this lake that makes me happy whenever I get the chance to paddle there. I did a couple of paddles at North Bend campground, including one on my birthday (yay!) and then did two more from Longwood campground, where I went out once solo and once with a friend. Every time, it was just the best.
What Kind of Kayak is THAT?
I get asked this question a lot, especially when someone spots me folding or unfolding it. It’s an Oru Kayak. I had the Inlet, but switched to the slightly lighter, and easier to assemble, Lake, this fall. Here’s a photo of the two of them, Inlet on the left, Lake on the right.
If you’re a kayak geek, here’s my quick take on the Lake: the seat (bottom and back) is more comfortable and stays in place, there’s no bulkheads that always seem to slip out of place, and definitely buy the foot braces because they make paddling way easier.
Kayaking is my therapy.
Author unknown
Showing Mike these kayaks as soon as he gets home. Also checking out Caballo Lake since we’re not far from New Mexico.
I’ve got two Inlets, one used maybe 2 times, for sale. Perhaps we could figure out shipping from FL to NM…
It would probably cost more to ship them than to go buy new ones. Sure wish you were closer to West Texas!
Do you travel much in Michigan and Wisconsin? Both have great inland lakes. And, of course the truly Great Lakes! We’d love to connect with you in NE Wisconsin. (Marcy F)
I have paddled on Lake Michigan (Holland) and Superior, and love the St. Croix scenic river area. I’m not planned to go that far to the west in 2023, though. Maybe we’ll meet up at some point, though – serendipity perhaps!
Cheers for Whitehall! That was so fun. And I’m envious of your Lake. Looks perfect.