Category: Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand up paddle boarding at upper Lake Clementine near Auburn, CA
Lake Clementine felt more like a river without a current at the upper parking lot. It was beautifully crystal clear, calm and narrow. It is, after all, just a flooded portion of the American River. We paddled for a few hours. First up, then down stream to the boat-in camping area. No rush, just a nice casual day on the water together.
I especially enjoyed looking into the deep pools and seeing very large fish swimming below.
By the time we were back at the parking area, a dark cumulonimbus sent us scurrying to tie the boards on my car and get inside.
We’ll be back.
Stand up paddle boarding D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe
Last weekend was wonderfully quiet at Lake Tahoe. For how nice the weather was, there just weren’t that many people around. Dani and I took our stand up paddle boards to D.L. Bliss State Park and paddled to Emerald Bay and back.
The cliffs that we like to jump off of are a no-go this year. The lake level is too low. We did pass by two guys that had SUP’ed to a crack and were climbing up it. Definitely a neat crag. The other notable feature on the paddle was a ~50 foot log sticking nearly straight up out of the lake.
We drank beer, swam and took our time. All in all, definitely a nice afternoon.
That evening we played bocce ball lakeside, saw a beaver and a gigantic trout and ate dinner at Sunnyside. Tahoe bliss.
Light winds and few boats made for a great day of stand up paddle boarding between D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay.
SUPing and hanging out at Sutter’s Landing
New Year’s day started with brunch. Then, to kick 2015 off right, we headed to the American river with my paddle board and took a plunge. Having such a clean and calm river, with free access, right in my neighborhood is a huge perk. When the days are long and hot, it’s my go-to spot. Swimming in the cold of the new year was sort of a symbolic way to emphasize that fun in up to me this year. No obstacles are in my way.
Walking back to the Sutter’s Landing skate park after a chilly afternoon swim.
Fishing boat and SUP camping Tomales Bay
Andre’s getting wed. For his last party as a bachelor, we drank beer, fished and camped on Tomales Bay.
Friday night’s festivities in S.F. shall not be mentioned.
Saturday, we ever so casually packed boats and headed to Nick’s Cove. It was somewhere near six p.m. when I stepped on my board for the paddle to camp. The beaches were remarkably crowded. I wonder how many people were there without permits. Or perhaps it’s that Blue Water’s commercial-use permit in addition to the individual permits made for the neighbors.
Ernie made killer tacos. He’d brought a grill that sat on top of my Whisperlite. Beans were cooked at home. Salsa was super spicy. Nicely done Ernesto.
Frying fish encrusted with gold fish crackers, toast and sour cream and onion pretzels.
It was damn great to have a college reunion with just the guys.
The bioluminescence was strong. It was incredibly neat to paddle around in the pitch dark with every disturbance of the water sparkling like the stars.
Thankfully, we didn’t pack up on Sunday. The day was spent fishing and goofing around. We had no luck from Brent’s boat but we did catch and release a large bat ray from the beach. Warren’s boat left the bay and caught a half dozen or so rock fish (dinner) but had no luck with the salmon.
We stayed up late. Finished the beer. Ate most of the food. Walked the beach.
I’ve kayak camped on Tomales many times – usually leading college kids. This was far more fun.
SUPing Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe
Sim and I paddled to Emerald Bay on a Saturday Tahoe day trip.
Waiting on Baldwin Beach after the sheriff sent us back to shore to find PFDs.
I'm Jack Haskel 