Big Soux July 26, 2008

Today was what I would call a perfect day. We were up and out of the house by 6:30AM and on the bikes by 7:05AM. It was a beautiful morning for a ride. No wind, great temps and very few people on the trail. It must have been the time of day because there was more wild life than usual including a Green Heron and a mink. What a way to start the day, a twenty mile ride. Our next adventure was meeting up with a group of our fellow paddling friends and heading down the Big Sioux River. We put in just north of Lake Alvin right of Highway 135. I believe by my count there were 23 boats that hit the water at 1:10PM and headed south. Our destination was just above the low head dam at the Klondike, eight miles down stream. It was a great day to be on the water. Nice soft current, plenty of sunshine, beautiful surroundings and great company. The river was pretty shallow, but very navigable. The group of us set a nice leisurely pace. One that allowed for some conversation, picture taking and just plain having fun. We took the next two hours and forty minutes to enjoy the time. Floating past cliffs and corn fields the group made its way. One of the highlights of the trip was getting to see a pair of Golden Eagles. The male flew of right away his bright white head and tail shining in the sun. The female sat high above us in a tree for some time before spreading her huge wings and flying down stream ahead of us and off into the distance. Once we cam to the Klondike Bridge we all hugged the eastern shore line alone the Iowa side of the river so as not to end up going over the low head dam. That would be a bummer. Once everyone was out of the river and the boats were all hauled up the hill it was time to head for home. All I can say is I wish I could spend everyday like this.

July 20, 2008 30th Annual Poker Run

Oakwood Lake State Park was the sight of today's 30th annual kayak and canoe poker run and blind canoe races. What a great day to be on the water. Nice temps, low humidity, no wind and a great group of people to paddle with. Registration was from 12:30PM until 1:30PM and shortly after that we set out to collect out poker cards. There were six boxes placed alone the lake from the swimming beach to the far side of Round Lake. The course was a zig zag pattern going from one side other. Some paddled pretty aggressively while others took the time to relax and enjoy the day. Kay, Ryan and I collected our cards and were back at the starting point in exactly one hour. Yes we were the aggressive paddlers. Upon our return we turned in our cards and were offered sodas and watermelon. Once all the boats were back the blind canoe races were held. This meant that two person teams had to complete a course and the one with the best time won. The trick was the one paddling had to be blindfolded while the other offers support in the form of barking out instructions. Needless to say it was fun to watch. Boats going every which way, some staying on course a bit better than others. Then it was time for the awarding of prizes. Everything from a 2009 State Park, t-shirts, burgers from Nick's in Brookings and other items donated by local sponsors were given away. A great way to end a great day. By this time it was close to 4:30PM so Kay and I packed up and headed to Brooking to meet her parents, Bud and Doris Anderson, of Lake Preston for dinner. And did I ever need some food. I was starving.
Well Kay and I pulled in our driveway around 7PM cleaned up some things and called it a day. Now this is was the way to spend a summer day. Doesn't get much better.

July 17, 2008 Rivers Win

Well my latest poll is over and by a narrow margin people seem to enjoy paddling rivers more than lakes. Thanks for voting, it is always fun to know what others are doing.

July 13, 2008 Return To Grass lake

Well if you read the previous entry you know that Kay and I volunteered to meet Jeanne Fromm from Dakota Water Watch back at Grass Lake at 9AM to finish collecting date and water samples that were lost the day before. I was a much nicer day and the paddling was great. Jeanne had three locations she wanted us to get for her, two in the middle of the lake and one along the north shoreline. Again as we did the day before Kay and I worked as a team. She did recording and I did testing and collection. It was a much more pleasant experience. After 45 minute on the water we had the three done and were back on land. I am anxious to see what the samples tell us. Kay and i loaded up and headed home. It was time to get some work done around the house. I do think we might try to put about twenty on the bikes yet today. I'll let you know how that goes.

July 12, 2008 Grass Lake / Dakota Water Watch

Today was an interesting and eventful day. It was a beautiful morning with clear skies, light breezes and low humidity. What a wonderful day to paddle a kayak. And to make even more special the SDCA had offer the assistance of a group of us to collect water samples and data so they could begin to build a history on the water quality of Grass Lake, which is located just south of Humbolt, South Dakota. Once everyone had arrived at the lake, Jeanne Fromm of Dakota Water Watch gave us some background on their efforts and instructions on how to collect the data and water samples they wanted from twenty preselected locations on the lake. The mission was to test air and water temperatures, water clarity, water depth, and the collection of two samples of water from all locations. One sample for testing for bacteria and one for testing for nitrates. By the time the instruction was over and we were all assigned our two spots to collect data the weather had changed dramatically. The wind had picked up there were whitecaps forming on the lake. Well ,Kay and I were given four locations on the eastern end of that lake. This was soon to considered a good thing as the winds continued to build. Kay and I decided to work as a team and go to all four of our points together. This seemed to make the most sense since that way she could do all the recording of the data while I did the actual testing and water sample collection. It was difficult to do. We were continually paddling back to our original location after each test because of the speed of our drift. We were trying to make sure the data was as accurate as possible. I soon found it was impossible to measure the water depth with the tools they had given to us because of the conditions so I devised my own method. I used my paddle, sticking it straight down until it hit bottom, marked it and the measure the paddle itself to obtain the depth, worked great. Kay and soon had our data and samples collected and headed back to shore. As we were heading back Jeanne and the others on shore were yelling out to us. With the wind it was hard to hear them, but finally I heard her say as she pointed out into the middle of the lake that a canoe had tipped over. My wife continued into shore with the data while I headed out to see if I could be of assistance., As I paddled out to them I was lucky enough to see one of their paddles floating along and was able to grab it. Once I got to them it was obvious they were not going anywhere the way they were. Well ,here is where my thanks to the SDCA and their training day at the YMCA comes in. Having done several assisted rescues in the pool I decided it would probably work with a canoe as well as a kayak. So the first thing I did was instructing them to swim under the canoe and push it up and over. After a couple tries they were successful. I then used my pump to pump the excess water out of the boat. By this time the lady in the boat was making her way to shore, floating with the current. The next part I was not sure about. How it would work with a canoe, but I pulled up beside it, laid myself across it to stabilize it and the gentleman was able to crawl in. It worked just like it should. It was actually easier with the canoe than it had been with the kayaks in the pool. Again thanks to SDCA for the training day. When they have their next one and if you did not make the first one try to make it. I am not sure what we would have done otherwise. Something I am sure, but just what I do not know.. So once we were all back on shore Kay and I decided to call it a day, but not before offering to meet Jeanne back at the lake the next day to collect the samples that had been lost when the canoe tipped. I could not help, but wonder how everyone else was doing back on the lake on my drive home.

July 6th 2008, Family Ride

Tonight was a special night of riding on the Sioux Falls Bike Trail because we were joined by our son Chase, home on leave from the Air Force, his wife Margo and our two year old grandson Landen. I was a wonderful summer night. Moderate temps, light breeze and not to much traffic. We parked at Falls Park and headed by south and road to Paisley Park before turning around and heading back. Chase had Landen in his bike cart and he had no trouble sleeping his way through most of the trip. When we got back to the falls we took in the summer Laser and light shoe before heading home. What a nice way to spend a summer night.

Fourth Of July Week, 2008

Well after some time away from the computer I have finally found time to update everyone as to what we have been up to. It has been a fun 10 days. Some good, some bad. It all started out rather badly when we headed up to Big Stone Lake on Friday, June 25th for a weekend of peddling and paddling. We drove most of the way up in light rain, but by the time we got there it had stopped. We set up camp and did manage top have enough time for a quick outing in the kayaks. The rest of the weekend was a disaster. Wind and rain were the order of the day. We spend most of the weekend watching movies. Oh well we do live in South Dakota. Then it was back to work for two days before we headed up to Oakwood State Park on Tuesday night . This was a much better trip. We got camp all set up Tuesday night and we were ready to head out early Wednesday morning for a ride to Kay's parents for breakfast. A nice 40 mile ride, unless 20 of it is against the wind. Oh well no pain not gain. When we got back we headed out so we could put on a few more miles to make it an even 50 for the morning. The rest of the day we hung out and visited. On Thursday, July 5th , Kay and I loaded up the kayaks and drove up to the north end of Oakwood Lake where we put the boats in. We headed South /Southwest looking for a channel that would takes us into the small lakes around the rode. Although we never found that entrance we did discover a wonderful island. The island was a breeding ground for Herons and other birds that call the lakes and marshes their home. It was amazing. Birds and nests full of baby birds everywhere. It was something to behold. It was a alive with the sounds of birds chattering and their wings flapping. The babies were all reaching the necks high hoping for some food. It was something I will remember fora long time. It was a nice day to paddle. Light breezes, warm sun and no one else in sight. How much more peaceful can it get. The afternoon was filled with hanging with our kids and grandson. Saturday morning Kay and I decided to head up towards Lake Poinsett. We did not realize how windy it was until we got out of the protection of the park, The winds were probably 25-35 gusting to 40. The ride north was not bad, we were cruising at about 26-27 wind at our backs. When we made the turn however to head back to our camp things changed dramatically. I don't believe I have ever ridden into a wind that at least twice threatened to bring me to a complete stop. I knew we were in trouble when the hawk flying right beside me was not going anywhere either. But with a bit if perseverance we made it. Longest 30 miles I have ever ridden. You know what they say. It's all about the exercise. Well we got plenty on this given morning. When we got back we ate abit and rested before taking the kayaks and heading for water. We wanted to give the lake a shot even in the huge waves and the wind to battle. We went back up to the north end of the lake and put in. Over the course of the stay Rory, Chase, Brett and even Landen tried their hands at paddling. everyone did a great job. Chase and I paddled the north shore just west of the swimming area, Rory and I went to bird island and Brett went out with Kay for his first try. Landen well he pretty much was happy just sitting in the boat. Here are some pics of them on their first trys at paddling. They did a great job.

Chase Landen Rory

All in all it was a great week. We had the boys home, Margo and Landen were here and we most of Kay's family home too. And of course what would the Forth of July be without some fireworks. I ried my ahnd a taking some pics of fireworks and the results were not what I expected, but the did turn out kind of funky. Not sure why or how, but this is asample of what I got. Si I hope you all had a great Forth Of July also. It is one of the best holidays of the year. And this year it was even better. It was not 100 degress with 90% humidity. It was a great time to peddle and paddle around part of South Dakota. I am sure we will do alot more kayaking at Oakwood and the surrounding lakes. There is alot more to explore. I think I could spend a week there just exploring every little outlet, cove and marsh. I would recommend it to anyone.