The drive to Leslie Gulch isn't too exciting, at least not until you crest one of the final hills that drops you into a landscape interrupted by massive rock formations and cliffs. The boys were all abuzz as we drove through the canyon, all describing their personal Rorschach visions in the rock. "That one looks like a cow!" says one Scout. "You mean an interrupting cow," responds another. "No, I mean a..." and he is cut off with a loud "MOOOOOO!"
As we arrived at the boat ramp we were surprised to see how high the water level was in the reservoir. We hiked along the water line to Echo Rock this very month two years ago but that trail was completely inaccessible now. We congratulated ourselves on not trying to replicate that trip and for bringing canoes instead. We set to work unloading the canoes from the trailer and prepping our gear and provisions. We were using a poor mans version of a dry bag and stowed everything in trash compactor bags tied off with a little piece of wire. Though not a long term solution, more than adequate for an single night trip.
With the canoes ready we conducted our safety brief and went through the basics of canoeing; launching, paddling, low center of gravity, beaching, capsize recovery, etc. Nothing like learning everything you need to know 10 minutes before embarkation. None of the boys had canoed before and I would be lying if I told you that we leaders had just a little apprehension about that fact. Adding to our nerves was a gusty wind that would come and go. We really didn't expect it to get worse but some of the blows started some decent waves. But, as Napoleon said, "Commit, then figure out the details." In true Boy Scout fashion we set off!
The trip rapidly evolved from this point, and in a very positive way. I watched as the boys each came to the unnerving realization that they were afloat in unfamiliar and somewhat tipsy vessels atop some very cold water. Some were wide eyed, others stone faced but all were extremely focused as their canoes spun in circles with uncertain paddle strokes. Then the wind began to die and the water glassed. The communication between canoe partners eased and the paddles began to dip into the water with rhythmic consistency. Now enter the smiles. With the Scout's growing confidence they realized that they were in control, free to roam anywhere on this vast lake at a whim. It was like seeing a 16 year old getting their drivers license and being handed the keys of freedom.
The paddle to our camp site was perfect. With a soft breeze at our backs and the sun still high off the horizon we took our time, exploring every cove and crook at our leisure. We arrived at our campsite with enough daylight to pitch tents and get the food started for dinner. We ate and then headed over to the hot spring for a soak. We enjoyed the contrast of the piping hot water and the cool early spring air. We dried off and headed to bed. That night the temperature dipped near freezing so we woke up with frost on the tents and frozen swimming suites on the grass.
Some warmed up through hot oatmeal, others by running back to the hot spring. We broke camp later that morning and paddled over to Echo Rock. We beached the canoes and climbed the rock to get the view from the top. After climbing down we set off on the return leg of the trip. Again the weather was perfect, the water glassy and the Scouts were loud and have a great time.
Loaded and ready to go.
At the Leslie Gulch boat ramp off loading canoes and stowing gear.
Getting gear in the compactor bags.
That is teamwork, two Scouts lifting and one watching.
We have a thumbs up to go.
Life jackets on.
And we are off...
Time to set up camp.
Woke up in the morning with frozen shorts.
Scout "Is that my coat?....Cold"
The Flag of Frozen Shorts
One Scout insisted that Takis is indeed a breakfast food.
The hot spring (drained)
This Scout woke up a little ill. He threw up on the rock and wanted a picture.
Packing up to head out.
Climbing Echo Rock
The view at the top
Those are the canoes on the beach
The paddle back
