1 June ‘07
Friday
It has been too long since we’ve taken the kayak out (at least a week) and with the lakes that we have around here, it was a “no brain-er”. We were in the “toad” just before 9am as the forecast was said to be “HOT” in the late afternoon, and we wanted to enjoy ourselves without burning up. Our first stop was at Alkali Lake because it was one that had some of the most interesting rock formations and grasses that called out for our examination. The other day as we were checking the area we found the trail to the caves at this location and as we got to the top of the cliffs and the caves, the view down into Alkali was magnificent. This morning as we pulled off the highway and into the lake to find a place to put in, we encountered this sign that told us that we “Must” have a permit to park and enjoy this and all lakes that sit in or on Washington Fish and Wildlife grounds or pay a $65 dollar fine and have your car or truck towed… Well CRAP, we didn’t have one… OK, we’ve got to get one, now were do we get it ??? The sign didn’t say and Louise wouldn’t let me stay without one so back to the campground (about 6 miles) and see if they either sold them or knew just were we might be able to buy one. We go a couple of places to check out, but when we got there they were both closed. Well we’re out and trying to do the right thing, so we head even further up the road. After 3 more stops and not having any luck we finally find what we are looking for at a Mini Mart about 20 miles up the road. I’ve done quite well in keeping my temperature down but this almost did it….this DAMN state and its fee’s and then not having the “system” set-up so that a person could get what is needed without having to search all over the countryside. ( DEEP BREATH …) OK, change of plans, and besides this darn pass will give us a full year of stopping at these Fish and Wildlife locations all over Washington state. We are now much closer to Dry Falls State Park. When we were here earlier in the week we saw at least 4 lakes below us that looked like we could enjoy ourselves with a day of kayaking. We stopped by the Information Center above the falls and got directions as to how we could get down there. After leaving the highway, going through the State Park, turning left, and then following a dirt and big rock road about 3 miles we found ourselves parking beside the bank of this beautiful little lake. It sat about 400 feet below the cliffs that at one time made up those magnificent falls. This dark blue lake had its own rock islands and reed grasses that we explored from one end to the other. We were there kayaking for just over 2 hours and enjoyed this unusual and beautiful spot far below the cliffs. We didn't see any 4 legged wildlife but we did see some waterfowl that we were new to us. It excited Louise so much that she had to finally purchase a book on North American Birds. She has wanted this for sometime and now the excuse to finally get it done.
Friday
It has been too long since we’ve taken the kayak out (at least a week) and with the lakes that we have around here, it was a “no brain-er”. We were in the “toad” just before 9am as the forecast was said to be “HOT” in the late afternoon, and we wanted to enjoy ourselves without burning up. Our first stop was at Alkali Lake because it was one that had some of the most interesting rock formations and grasses that called out for our examination. The other day as we were checking the area we found the trail to the caves at this location and as we got to the top of the cliffs and the caves, the view down into Alkali was magnificent. This morning as we pulled off the highway and into the lake to find a place to put in, we encountered this sign that told us that we “Must” have a permit to park and enjoy this and all lakes that sit in or on Washington Fish and Wildlife grounds or pay a $65 dollar fine and have your car or truck towed… Well CRAP, we didn’t have one… OK, we’ve got to get one, now were do we get it ??? The sign didn’t say and Louise wouldn’t let me stay without one so back to the campground (about 6 miles) and see if they either sold them or knew just were we might be able to buy one. We go a couple of places to check out, but when we got there they were both closed. Well we’re out and trying to do the right thing, so we head even further up the road. After 3 more stops and not having any luck we finally find what we are looking for at a Mini Mart about 20 miles up the road. I’ve done quite well in keeping my temperature down but this almost did it….this DAMN state and its fee’s and then not having the “system” set-up so that a person could get what is needed without having to search all over the countryside. ( DEEP BREATH …) OK, change of plans, and besides this darn pass will give us a full year of stopping at these Fish and Wildlife locations all over Washington state. We are now much closer to Dry Falls State Park. When we were here earlier in the week we saw at least 4 lakes below us that looked like we could enjoy ourselves with a day of kayaking. We stopped by the Information Center above the falls and got directions as to how we could get down there. After leaving the highway, going through the State Park, turning left, and then following a dirt and big rock road about 3 miles we found ourselves parking beside the bank of this beautiful little lake. It sat about 400 feet below the cliffs that at one time made up those magnificent falls. This dark blue lake had its own rock islands and reed grasses that we explored from one end to the other. We were there kayaking for just over 2 hours and enjoyed this unusual and beautiful spot far below the cliffs. We didn't see any 4 legged wildlife but we did see some waterfowl that we were new to us. It excited Louise so much that she had to finally purchase a book on North American Birds. She has wanted this for sometime and now the excuse to finally get it done.