Paddle Journal

Chautauqua Lake

Wednesday May 30, 2001

The Outlet of Chautauqua Lake is a wonderful place to paddle. The Canada Geese had goslings to take care and I had two paddlers to introduce to this waterway. We put in at McCrea Point and enjoyed the sun and serenity. It was a short paddle, but a good introduction to the "urban wilderness" that is here.

Finally out on the Water Again! Sunday April 1,2001

The ice was still on Chautauqua Lake, but the Outlet was open and it was time to go paddling. It's been a very long hard winter and everyone who comes into the store has a bad case of "cabin fever".

John and I put in at McCrea Point about 1pm. It was about 55 degrees and the sun was shining. Ahh, it warmed the body and the soul.

We paddled some boats that were new to us. We tested the Necky Zoar Sport and the Perception Corona. They are 14ft boats with different characteristics. The Zoar is a large volume kayak that tracks very well. It does not have as much rocker as the other rec Necky boats. John enjoyed paddling it.

I liked the Corona better. It has a tighter fitting cockpit and responded better to my leans. The Zoar Sport was too big of a boat for me.

Chautauqua Lake Saturday, Oct 21, 2000

Chautauqua Lake was beautiful this morning at 8am. The water was still and there was a fog lifting off the water. Most of the locals have put away their motor boats and taken in their docks. Now the lake looks perfect because the clutter is gone. Two fishermen, a few ducks and seagulls shared the water with me. The sun had just come up and the sky still held a bit of orange. The serenity made me pause for a prayer of thanksgiving. Yes, this is the reason we opened up a paddle shop. We want to have other people experience these wonderful moments.

Normally I jump into the water and start working out. Today though I started a little slower. The beauty was just too overwhelming to ignore. After paddling for 20 min, I decided it was time to head back and open the store. So I picked up the pace and worked up a sweat. I greeted some fly fishermen who were just getting ready to wade in. I told them where I saw some fish jumping, and wished them luck.

What a wonderful way to start the day!