Table of Contents
Thank You Letter to Rudy Rivers
Camp Mohawk Instruction and Camp
Minutes from May 2006 General Meeting
Trip Reports
Anne Olden: Lake Woodlands Paddle
Christy Long: Medina River Cleanup
Cindy Bartos: Memorial Day Paddle
Exploring
Lake Woodlands
by Anne Olden
We
met at North Shore Park on Lake Woodlands Drive to paddle on Saturday
morning, June 3. Marty and Nancy Lorin have explored the lake area, so
Betsy Anderson and I followed their lead, going north on the lake. There
were several large nests near the treetops to our left. Great blue herons
were flying into and out of at least two of the nests, although no youngsters
were visible. Paddling below two roadway overpasses, Marty led us out
of the lake and up a lefthand channel. He said that recently it had been
blocked with water hyacinth. Today it was open, perhaps due to last week’s
rains. There were cattails here, birds and a small turtle on a log. After
a ways there was a fork to the right, and water was rushing over some
concrete and rocks, clearly draining the trees and low areas beyond.
We turned around and went back to the overpass. Nancy then led us up the right channel, her favorite. It is narrower, with more trees, and welcome shade. The stream narrowed, and we dodged low braches. Nancy skillfully wove between two parts of a downed pine tree that appeared to have been cut. The way opened up for a short while. Then what appeared to be a downed log below the surface created a little rushing water, and we decided to turn back.
Back into Lake Woodlands we moved near the shore and put out buoys in order to practice strokes. Two ladies from the Willis/New Waverly area joined us.
Lake Woodlands offers a good place to paddle, with easy access on the docks or boat ramp, restrooms and picnic tables – also ducks looking for a handout. Take binoculars if you enjoy birds. The park closes at dusk, so be sure to load up in time.