Five of us had been planning a North Cascades trip for weeks…unfortunately the smoke and then weather had us changing plans… The team broke up and Deb & I found ourselves headed to Waldo Lake with the kayaks and camping gear…oh, and our new 15-deg double sleeping bag 🙂
Arrived at Shadow Bay boat ramp Saturday am, and an hour later we were setting up camp at our favorite spot in a cove near Rhododendron Island. After setting up camp we paddled across the bay to the island and relaxed on our favorite beach…we also had dinner there too because the beach holds the late afternoon sun.
The next morning we got up early to do the Waldo Lake perimeter hike, a long 20.5-mile hike around the lake. A great way to get to know the lake and its surroundings. Big forests, burnt forests, crowded campgrounds, grassy shores, rocky shores…this hike had it all.
We could see the weather was changing, so early to bed. By morning the rain had started forcing us to enjoy our morning coffee in the tent. By mid-morning the clouds broke and the sun was again warming our skin… Back to the beach we went till it was time to pack up and paddle back to the boat ramp.
We try to do a Waldo Lake kayak camp trip at least once a year… always a good time.
Strategically packing our kayaks with camping gear…
Paddling across Waldo….
…to camp for the next two nights.
After setting up camp we paddle over to OUR beach…on the island.
Dinner time…
Next morning before leaving on a 20.5 mile hike around the lake….
Clouds dropping to the lake…
Gaging Station at the lake’s outlet into the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River…
Burned section, at the north shore…
One of many sandy beaches we passed…
South Waldo Shelter…
Back at camp…taking boots off, ahhhhhh….
Next morning…outside the tent.
Morning coffee and backgammon in the tent…
The rain stopped and the clouds broke, time to head to the beach…
Is that a kayak between your legs, or are you just happy to see me 🙂
Sunny beach…
Time to paddle back…it’s like paddling on an aquarium. This water is so clear!
In the main body where the lake is really deep, the water appears so blue…
Weekend’s Tracks….
