Met up with Matt and the gang at the Salmon-Arm Bay on Shuswap Lake and went for a paddle around for the afternoon. Here are some shots, video will be coming as soon as we can put it together. What a great day of adventure, suspense and laughter with fellow kayakers.
~Guyhttp://guythalizard.posterous.com
Well no kayaking today but got the breaks replaced on the car for a little trip tomorrow. Freed up tomorrow's job by mowing the lawn today and the weather forecast looks good for kayaking tomorrow.
I think this is a great idea and worth looking into.
Kayaking trip to Rattlesnake Island, started off with a head wind from the North and continued all weekend. We managed to make it as far as Buchan Bay (N49 42.715 W119 42.237 3miles away from Rattlesnake Island) and enjoyed the sunset then in the morning the wind picked up again, but to cross Squally Point with a strong head wind wasn't wise so we aborted the plan to continue and turned back after the night at Buchan Bay. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable trip by all. Lots of great photos and video clips to squeese into this video but was unable to get them all in. Check my LIVE BLOG post for more.
We all got wet from the cold water from the waves. Kathy gets Splash Over recorded in Time Laps, LOL
Watch Video (when finished processing) on YouTube
Lake Effect weather on Okanagan LakeGuy (Tha Lizard) Hoffman
Okanagan Lake is a large beautiful lake to paddle and explore but always be prepared for waves and wind. I have noticed when the forecast says wind from the South for some reason (Lake Effect) changes to a North wind and visa-versa. I have noticed 90% of the time, at least on the South end of the lake, the wind blows from the North in the morning then changes to a South wind sometime between 11am & 3pm almost all days, especially Spring and Summer. To catch the wind right for Squally Point you almost always have to paddle early in the morning, late in the evening when the wind is non-existent or just a light breeze or in the daytime when you can catch a tail-wind to push you past the point. I rarely attempt crossing this point with a head wind. I would rather wait for a tail wind if or no wind if timing is good. They named this point well, the wind squalls on this point are wild at times with the wind and waves going in all directions. Looking at the map above you can see how Squally Point in on the bend of Okanagan Lake and as the wind blows towards the point you will have waves going into the point and bouncing back from the point as well causing quite the uncontrollable washboard effect. In the wind and waves staying well out from the rock cliffs on point is the best place to be. I ALWAYS watch the waves and don't let my kayak be sideswiped by them, keep my nose aimed into them and ride over them square-on. This makes for a rough ride but I have a lot more control to the other side. I would attempt crossing with a tail wind and a sail but not with a strong head wind.
~Guy
All is well!
Due to the weather being un co-operative we packed it in in the morning and sailed/paddled back. Squally Point would have been too ruff to cross with the continuous North headwind. Stay tuned for pics later will have to attempt a trip again soon. ~Guy
Kathy McA caught us some Kokanee fish for supper. Fire is ready to cook them up. Plan is to paddle from here (Buchan Bay) to Rattlesnake Island first thing in the morn. Have a good evening recharge time ;)
~Guy
After a hard paddle into a North wind we are taking a break. Buchan Bay is close to Squally Point. May have to spend the night here then paddle to Rattlesnake Island N49 44.882 W119 43.030 in the morning. Kathy has just gotten her fishing rod out and Robin and I are relaxing. The sun is shining bright and starting to warm up. Some white caps on the lake. Had a couple from England walk over to say "Hi". Nice couple. ~Guy
Not Commando Bay but nice cozy nook just before Van Hyce Beach. Ran out of sun fighting the waves and a late start. Robin Dunham, Kathy McA and myself are safe and sound. Camp set up getting dry clothing on. ~Guy
LOL poor little car haha camping Friday :)
The weather has been great for the past few days here highs at 25c to 30c, Forecast looks good for the May Long Weekend for our kayaking trip to Rattlesnake Island. So far the three of us are heading out for the paddle (Kathy McA, Robin Dunham and myself) still waiting to see if there are any others to join us.
Hope you enjoy the Sunset.
~Guy
