Let's paddle Lake Clementine (North Fork Lake) American River

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The forecast for today was 80 degrees plus and clear skies - a perfect day to take our new Wilderness Systems Kayak for a cruise. We bought a Tarpon model 130T, it's a tandem for double the fun.

Originally, my brother-in-law Hugh and his lovely wife Nicolette were to join us as they too have recently bought kayaks. The call came early this morning, it was Nicolette, Hugh was not feeling well and they would have to cancel. The kayak was loaded onto the car the night before so we headed out for Lake Clementine ourselves.

Lake Clementine is only 15 minutes from our house - I just hate those long drives to recreate. After arriving at the lake, we paddled for a couple hours before finding a secluded cove for lunch. We were enjoying our cheese, bagget bread and grapes when a friendly kayaker approched. It turns out that this kayaker named Sylvester was a local Auburnite born in Poland and was quite an interesting fellow. After Sylvester's departure, we finished our lunch and were back out on the lake.

Two of the features of Lake Clementine is the over-flow dam and what is known as Lime Rock. The over-flow dam was created to prevent silt and debris (caused by hydralic mining) from reaching the Sacramento River and its delta. The other feature is Lime Rock or Robber's Roost, an exposed section of gray limestone which juts out of the hillside. Erosion has carved out hollows which serve as nesting sites for turkey vultures, a common site over the lake.

Another hour or so of paddling after lunch we headed back to the dock area. We paddled enough for our first day out kayaking. Sure did miss you Hugh and Nicki, maybe next time, if we are lucky enough to get more sunny warm weather this late in the year.

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