CRYSTAL LAKE RECREATION SITE
It’s very hot (around 35°C) and now smoky as well, due to some major wildfires north of us. We unloaded the boats and went for a lovely paddle along ½ of this small lake. Nice cottages here and there and we found a lovely water-lillied inlet and watched tons of tadpoles splash everywhere. There’s quite a few loons on the lake and their haunting calls echoed in the distance.
Our campsite at Crystal lake
Paddling in the lillies
Back for ‘miller time’ – we don’t actually drink Miller beer – not our thing, what’s that joke about American beer and sex in a canoe? – anyway, we just call it that! Right now as it’s hot and we’re drinking Corona’s with lime! And a dinner of smokies and kraut!
Then out for an evening paddle. The water was so still you could hear conversations ½ a lake away. There were a couple of other small boats out with guys fishing and Bruce trolled a line while we paddled as well. Got a couple of bites, but with a kayak it’s almost impossible to use a fly rod to troll. You just don’t have the control or the maneuverability you need. What a night! The sun was starting to set and with the smoke in the air it turned the sky red. That, plus the reflection of the setting sun in the water made for a very magical evening on the water! Back at camp to the Loons singing us to sleep!
Evening paddle at Crystal Lake
Smokey sunset paddle on Crystal lake
July 16, 2014
This morning it’s even smokier than last night. With no wind, the smoke has settled into the low-lying areas which include the lake we’re on. It now smells like you’re sitting around a campfire all day long! The air temp is much cooler than yesterday so far, and we are actually sitting around with sweaters on this morning. The forecast is for more heat tho so we’re enjoying it while we can. I think we’ll stay here another night then head out tomorrow morning. Right now we’ve got the site to ourselves as the other camper down the way left this morning and so far no one else has shown up. It’s very peaceful.
Smoke on the water!
What did I say about not being able to fish from a kayak?? Bruce got his first trout this afternoon! It wasn’t huge, but made a nice addition to supper! Hopefully it’s the first of many! (Fisherman’s note: I would have let this little guy go, but sadly he was really badly hooked and when I finally got him off he was done but he didn’t go to waste!)
Finally caught one!
Leave A Comment