H Lake: Sunday 11/14

[Karla]

More pics from H Lake

[Karla]

More pics.

[Karla]

More H Lake

[DeBo]

Thanks to everyone for a great day! There were 12 of us in 11 boats who made the paddle around H Lake on Sunday. We arrived as many of the deer hunters who came out for the first weekend of modern gun deer season were packing up.
A forester with the White River Refuge was so impressed with us that he asked to take our picture after we put in and good naturedly took pictures with some of our cameras also.

When water levels are high enough in H Lake, it is possible to paddle down one leg of the lake into another lake known as Long Lake and into the other leg of H Lake. Even with recent dry conditions the lake had retained enough of last year’s flood water that only one short portage was necessary to complete the circle.

After a bit of a struggle through some deep mud at the portage, I looked up to see a pair of hunters observing in complete amazement as our long line of paddlers in hunter orange dragging kayaks and canoes passed through the woods. One of them asked with an expression of disbelief, “Are y’all on some kind of safari?” I talked to them briefly and tried to explain but I’m sure they did not really get it, but at least they will have a story to tell.

We pulled out just after that and had a relaxing lunch in a sunny spot on a high bank. Then, after lunch we had an easy paddle up the other leg of H Lake to the boat ramp. The short hike to the Champion Cypress was great. The trail winds through a forest of large oaks and Sugarberry trees. The 1000 year old cypress is worth seeing if you have not. There are a number of areas with virgin timber still standing in these woods.

Altogether, this was a beautiful day with perfect weather and great people. The crawfish buffet in St Charles closed early but The Great Wall in Stuttgart was an excellent substitute and a great way to end the day.

[Karla]

Well said Debo. I did enjoy the day all in all and quite a portage experience when most of my leg sunk into the mud Nice meeting some new people and glad Heather found a way she could paddle and make the trip. Pray your arm will heal completelly and back to doing what you love. I do look forward to the next trip.

Karla

[c8mb]

Tina and I had a great time yesterday. Now she knows how I spent those days last fall/winter. She was also impressed by the "superwomen" that she met. Thanks for the fun.

I made a track with some not-so-good pics (but the others took up the slack) I guess I need to wear my glasses or clean my lens.....http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php ... 3abe689e90

[Cowper]

Now she knows how I spent those days last fall/winter. She was also impressed by the "superwomen" that she met.

So if I put those two thoughts together, does that mean we'll be seeing more of Tina in the future?

[c8mb]

As long as you don't make fun of her Otter...... In fact she asked me how to spell Felsenthal yesterday.


http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/579037842MjnaFM

[Cowper]

As long as you don't make fun of her Otter...... In fact she asked me how to spell Felsenthal yesterday.

Make fun of it? I just can't believe you let her have the Otter and kept that clunky old Prijon for yourself. You're quite the husband!

(you owe me a )