Dane and Lynda Kayak

Time: 3.4 hours Distance: 10.91 miles We put into the Willamette River at Oswego Landing in Lake Oswego, OR on one of the last sunny days of the season. We paddled up-river to the falls then back. There was some river traffic but much reduced from just a few weeks previous. A pleasant paddle all the way around. Lynda preparing to put in. Lynda paddling up-river. Kayaks on a short break after a short portage. Can't turn down the opportunity to collect some rocks. The falls.

Time: 4.15 hours Distance: 13.06 miles We put into the Columbia River at Kelly Point Park in Portland to paddle around Hayden Island. We paddled up-river on the south side of the Island then back down-river on the north. The day was warm and there was only a light breeze. There was quite a lot of river traffic on but most of it was on the main channel of the Columbia so was far enough away to not cause use any real issues with waves. Lynda preparing to put in.  Dane talking to our son Ian just before getting in the water. Lynda getting in the water. Lynda paddling in the Columbia. The kayaks on the beach as we took a short break for a snack. Break is over. Back into the water. A look at the Columbia on the north side of Hayden Island just before reaching the I5 bridge.

Time: 1.02 hours Distance: 3.16 miles We put into Lava Lake to paddle our second smaller lake of the day. We put in just after noon on a warm sunny day with very little wind and paddled clockwise around the outside of the lake. We got just a bit of wind by the end of the trip but the lake was almost completely empty and the paddle was great. The kayaks waiting to be put in. Beautiful backdrop. Lynda preparing to put in. The path through the reeds to get out into the lake proper.  Lynda stopped to take pictures of the incredible views. Lynda paddling on the lake on the other side of a bunch of reeds. Dane stopped to take a short break.

Time: 1.18 hours Distance: 3.64 miles We put into Elk Lake on a beautiful clear morning with the plan being to paddle two such smaller lakes in the same day. The lake was crystal clear, there was basically no wind and only a few other paddlers and swimmers to be found. A lovely paddle all the way around the edges of the lake. Lynda preparing to put in. Elk Lake from just off the beach where we put in. View of Elk Lake early in the paddle. Dane paddling around the Southeast side of the Lake. Lynda paddling near the West side of the Lake with the mountains in the background.  Elk Lake from Dane's kayak.  A view of the mountains looking north.   Lynda coming in to get out.

Time: 3.28 hours Distance: 10.55 miles For the second day in a row we put into the Deschutes River at Harper Bridge in Sunriver, OR. Again the day was beautiful with highs in the mid 70's and a gentle breeze. This time we stayed on the Deschutes paddling up-river for just over 5 miles before turning back. A beautiful and peaceful paddle. Lynda preparing to put in. A quick break along the edge of the Deschutes River. Lynda padding up river. Dane paddling down river with Mt. Bachelor in the background. Lynda padding back down river along a floating log.   After beers at Van Henion Brewing in Bend, OR.

Time: 3.56 hours Distance: 10.19 miles We put into the Deschutes River from Harper Bridge near Sunriver OR on a beautiful clear morning. We paddled up-river for about 3/4 of a mile to where the Little Deschutes enters the Deschutes and then continued up the Little Deschutes for about another 4.5 miles before heading back. The day was extremely pleasant with temperature in the mid 70's and a gentle breeze. We had the waterways completely to ourselves until just near the take-out where we started finding other paddlers. A great paddle. Lynda preparing to put in. Lynda taking a picture along the way. A view of the Little Deschutes. Lynda on the Little Deschutes. A break to stretch along the Little Deschutes before heading back. A view from the Deschutes with Mt. Bachelor in the background.  After beers at Spider Brewing in Bend, OR. After beers at Boss Rambler Beer Club in Bend, OR.