Paddling Middle Creek Lake

Monday, May 25, 2020

Hi Blog!

Today is Memorial Day. This weekend has always been special for our family. Every Memorial Day Weekend we traveled to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania for three days of Rug Rat Camping. After eight years of being on the road, we were going to hold a Rug Rat Camping Reunion this year. Well, that all went to hell in a hand basket when Covid-19 put the region in lockdown. Rather than sit around the RV park feeling sorry for ourselves, we decided to head out for some socially distanced kayaking.

We were interested in exploring Middle Creek Reservoir. The reservoir is over 369 acres. We were not sure we'd be able to make it all the way around, but were willing to give it a go. When we arrived at the boat launch, we sadly learned that most of the reservoir is set aside as part of a bird sanctuary and fish propogation area. The boaters and fisherman are confined to only 40 acres -- about 1/10 of the entire lake. 

Well, we're here. Might as well make the best of it.

As we began our paddle, the clouds began to thin out.

The winds were light, creating small ripples on the water.

You shall not pass.

After reaching the end of the permitted boating area, we turned and followed the "Closed Area" buoys backs across the lake.

With no particular place to go, we leisurely paddled back down the lake.

By paddling right next to the closed area buoys, we had an unimpeded view of the lake.

When we reached the far end of the permitted paddling area, we worked our way along the shoreline toward the spillway. Fishermen lined the banks, so we had to stay a way off the shoreline as we followed it.

Old stumps make great nurseries.

To keep us from falling over the spillway, a string of large red-orange buoys warn us of the impending danger.

This picture makes you think we had the whole lake to ourselves.

During our second trip around the permitted boating area, we tried to pick out some really cool features like this small stand of tulies.

We had to give this tree a wide berth as it reached its arms out into the lake.

We found an old stump to raft up for lunch. As we munched our sandwiches, we watched the lake trout leap out of the water in pursuit of their lunch.

One last pass.

In three laps, we managed to kayak 4 miles. It was a good day on the water.

Back at camp, it was time to get the camp fire going so we could roast our purple Brussels sprouts.

Tomorrow, we hope to check out the fly fishing only section of the Tulpehocken Creek. Stay tuned and stay safe!