Lake Anna Kayak Club

January 17 - Two More Paddle Club Dates Announced

2012-01-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

Two more dates for the Lake Anna Kayak Club.... Sunday, March 25 is the season's first event, a Sanctuary Expedition/Hunt for the Lake Anna Monster Paddle AND Saturday, August 25 will be PADDLEFEST 2012.

2012 Lake Anna Paddle Club Event Dates

2012-01-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Once more on the 2012 dates .... Sunday, April 15/Welcome Spring Paddle, Thursday, May 17/Wine & Kayaks 1 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Sunday, May 20/Eagle Watching & Sunset Paddle, Thursday, June 21, Wine & Kayaks 2 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Sunday, June 24/North Anna River Expedition Paddle, Sunday, July 15/Gold Mine Creek Expedition, Thursday, July 19/Wine & Kayaks 3 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Thursday, August 16/Wine & Kayaks 4 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Saturday, September 1/Moonlight Paddle. PaddleFest 2012 date to be announced.

September 17 - Paddlefest!

2012-01-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

The pictures really say it all. We had a blast despite less than perfect weather. We had kayak and paddleboard racing, kayak tug-o-war, great grilled foods provided by the Louisa Gators swimteam, a wonderful beach location at the McKenny lake house, even an outdoor fireplace to keep us warm. 2012 event date to be announced soon ....

August 28 - PaddleFest Prep

2012-01-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Rick Collins is pictured here with one of the first PaddleFest shirts to come off the press. He and Peter Knapp were essential elements to this truly fun event.

August 10 - Gold Mining In Contrary Creek

2012-01-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

These pics came from a Lake Anna Outfitters tour to the back of Contrary Creek. Here you'll find some LKA "hot tubs" to dip in with cool water down deep, garnets and perhaps even some gold dust!

July 9 - Summer Heat

2012-01-16T13:51:00.001-08:00

It got very hot on LKA this summer. Paddling and swimming to your favorite spot was popular!

January 16 - Time To Announce 2012 Dates & Update!

2012-01-16T13:47:00.001-08:00

I thought it might be time to update the Lake Anna Paddle Club blog since we are announcing the 2012 events and dates. First the dates, then some 2011 recap posts .....

Lake Anna Outfitters & Lake Anna Paddle Club is announcing it's events and dates. Here they are: Sunday, April 15/Welcome Spring Paddle, Thursday, May 17/Wine & Kayaks 1 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Sunday, May 20/Eagle Watching & Sunset Paddle, Thursday, June 21, Wine & Kayaks 2 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Sunday, June 24/North Anna River Expedition Paddle, Sunday, July 15/Gold Mine Creek Expedition, Thursday, July 19/Wine & Kayaks 3 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Thursday, August 16/Wine & Kayaks 4 (Lake Anna Winery co-sponsor), Saturday, September 1/Moonlight Paddle. PaddleFest 2012 date to be announced.

Paddle to Wellness Seminars with an Olympic Athlete

2011-08-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 14. Paddle to a wellness seminar by Ildiko Strehli, a NOVA Physical Education instructor and Olympic athlete. Or you can drive directly to the Lake Anna State Park for the seminar. Seminar details are below. This is a meetup event at the Northern Virginia meetup group. Please RSVP if you are paddling.

The paddle will start at 8:30 AM at my house. Arrive early enough to be ready to paddle at 8:30. It is a three mile paddle to the beach at Lake Anna State Park. The lecture may also include a short hike; bring appropriate shoes if you plan to hike. You can bring a light lunch or snack to enjoy in the park after the lecture. A leisurely paddle back to my house will provide views of coves and scenery and possibly spot a bald eagle.

My house,
Rick Collins
13612 Elnora Brooks Lane
Spotsylvania, VA 22551
Phone : 240-529-3086

A PDF map to my house with good details on the last couple of miles.
http://arius.com/stuff/lakemap.pdf

Google maps is your friend...
http://tiny.cc/RicksLakeHouse

Currently the weather forecast is for 30 to 50% chance of t-storms all day. If that doesn't change we won't be paddling from my house. But we can still drive over to the park and attend the wellness seminar.

I've been paddling with Ildiko since I met her a few months ago and she is a great person as well as a wealth of information on physical fitness. I think everyone will enjoy this seminar.

---- Info on the Wellness Seminar ----

http://elifestudentblog.blogspot.com/2011/0...

Lake Anna Wellness Seminars: ELI Student Life has partnered with Ildiko Strehli (NOVA Physical Education instructor and Olympic athlete) to offer a series of health and wellness seminars this summer at Lake Anna State Park. The first will take place next Sunday, June 19. For other dates, details and to register, check the announcement on ELI's website. We hope to meet you at the park this summer for a day of fun in the sun!
http://eli.nvcc.edu/studentlife/wellnesssem...

CREATING ENERGY THROUGH HEALTHY NUTRITION
Sunday, Aug 14, 2011, 10:00am-12:00pm

The third seminar will focus on the basic principles of a healthy diet and personal wellness. The presentation will highlight the physiological relationship between essential nutrients and weight management. Participants will be introduced to healthy eating habits that contribute to their personal everyday wellness.

The park entrance fee will be waived for participants.

July 9 Beach Party

2011-07-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Twenty paddlers set off from Arthur and Barabara McKenny's beautiful lake home at noon July 9 and paddled about 1.5 miles to Camp Cocktail - an island in the lower lake region for a "catered" beach party. Club members provided hamburgers, hotdogs, bbq shrimp, soda/water, pasta salads and more. Patrick and Julia Godek, Rick Collins, Jim Schweikart and many members pitched in to set up and clean up, leaving very little sign of our presence lingering on this wonderful and delicate favorite spot on LKA. Members paddled everything from sit-ins to sit-on-tops and one paddle board. The ages ranged from 20s to nearly 80! Our next outing is the moonlight paddle scheduled for August 13.

Length of the Lake Warmup Paddle II

2011-06-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Five of us got together Saturday morning for another warm up paddle working up to the 17 mile Length of the Lake paddle June 25. George and Barbra Kachinsky from our paddle group were there along with Kris and Andy from the Washington meetup paddle group... and myself of course. We put in almost on time at 9:15 and headed up the lake around the state park toward our planned lunch at Hunter's Landing. Kris mentioned that she seems to spot a bald eagle on every paddle she goes on and this one was no exception. Before we passed the split eagle eye spotted an eagle!

Barbra was giving a new boat a maiden voyage and george and I were in short rec boats. Andy and Kris were in longer sea type kayaks that sliced through the water much more easily. We passed the state park day use area and rounded the large island at the mouth of Wares Creek.

There were lots of fishermen under Stubbs Bridge as well as all along the trip. We paddled wide around them to not disturb their fishing. Finally we passed under Dillard's Bridge to find Hunter's Landing.

Lunch was in the shade by the water where we watched the few boats coming in for fuel and ice cream. Did someone say ICE CREAM??!! We walked back up the hill to the store to get our fill of ice cream before departing. Feeling that a 10 mile paddle was enough, George and Barbara headed back to the put in while the rest of us wanted to burn off those ice cream calories and headed on up the Pamunkey a bit further.

Just past Hunter's Landing was a light house shown below. This one is done very well and you would almost think it was real if it wasn't just four foot high!

Just as we decided to turn around Kris pointed out yet another light house!

We paddled past Terry's run looking at some of the houses and the various wildlife. This family of geese were crossing what would have seemed to be a busy intersection.

On returning to the house I started cooking my world class shrimp but experienced a grill malfunction and found things were not cooking the way they should. Andy had to head out so ultimately Kris and I enjoyed the shrimp ourselves and watched the sun drop in the sky as sunset approached.

It was a nice day on the water.

Rick

May 26 - Wine & Kayaks I

2011-05-31T04:16:00.000-07:00

What a fine evening we had with Lake Anna Winery and Lake Anna Life Magazine on the first Wine & Kayaks paddle. We departed from Duke's Creek Marine in five kayaks (three last-minute cancellations) and paddled roughly 1.8 miles to a secluded beach where Lake Anna Winery and LKA Life Magazine staff had set up a wine tasting with light appetizers and grill. The second Wine & Kayaks event will be held June 23 and departs from Duke's Creek Marina at 6 pm sharp. Call the winery for reservations at 540.895.8095. Cost is $20 per person. Rental kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis from Lake Anna Outfitters. 540.894.3540.

May 22 Poker Paddle

2011-05-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

We had a fine time today paddling a route between five and six miles beginning at Lake Anna Outfitters at High Point Marina where participants drew card #1. Then it was on to Anna Point Marina for card #2. From there we paddled across the lake to Island Mochas where we beached and walked up for breakfast and card #3. Then it was off to find the boathouse of The Black Pearl and card #4. The last leg was the longest - to Anna Cabana just inside Sturgeon Creek. We had lunch/beverages and played our hands. A pair of Jacks won. Prizes were provided by Island Mochas, Anna Cabana and LKA Outfitters.
This was an ambitious paddle but quite fun and tasty! The businesses that supported the paddle are to be commended.

Length of Lake Paddle June 25

2011-05-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's official! We will be paddling the length of the lake on Saturday, June 25 from George and Barbara Kachinski's place at the far north end of Lake Anna down to Bruce and Helen McCotter's place near the dam. This will be either 17 or 18 miles depending on who does the measuring :) That may sound like a lot, but it goes by faster than you might think. We will stop for lunch at High Point Marina which is the half way point. If you want to paddle either the first half or the second half, the marina is a good jumping on or off point. Yes, this is the day before the paddle on the North Anna, but that is no excuse for not doing both paddles!

I will be scheduling a few paddles before then to build up your stamina! This coming Saturday, May 21, I'll be hosting an 8 mile paddle from my house to Cocktail Island and back with lunch at the island. The next paddle will be 10 to 12 miles. We'll be paddling 18 miles before you know it. One of the great things about longer paddles is that they build up such an appetite and then you can eat anything you want because you have already burned off the calories!

Rick

Virginia Triathlon Series Kayak Support Needed

2011-05-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Richmond based kayaking group is having a skills practice/training clinic at my house Sunday the 15th. Everyone is invited to join us for this event. We will have informal training of paddle and self rescue techniques. I did this last weekend at SK102 with CPA and it was great! I learned a lot.

In addition the Virginia Triathlon Series is hosting an event at the state park which I am corralling kayak support for. I did this for Rumpass in the Bumpass a few weeks ago and it was rewarding. You only need to monitor the swimmers to look for ones that are off course to guide them back and to assist tired swimmers by letting them hold onto your boat. Here are links for the three events they will be having in the two days, the May 14 and 15.

http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1693
http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1694
http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1910

Anyone who wants to spend Saturday night at my place is welcome. I'll be cooking shrimp on the barbecue both days!

Currently the training is scheduled for 9:30 AM Sunday, but I am asking them to move it until after the TRI. The Saturday TRI starts at 7 AM and the Sunday TRI starts at 9 AM. Contact the TRI to register and let me know if you are coming to the house for the training or shrimp.

Rick

May 22 Poker Run Route

2011-05-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo map image of the poker run route. I'm not certain where the Black Pearl location is, but I'm sure it will be obvious when we get there. I have been to the others and they are easy to spot. BTW, when you stop at Ally's for a card, you can visit the Island Mochas coffee shop and enjoy coffee with a snack and great Internet access... while I'm racing ahead to the Black Pearl and the Anna Cabana!

If you prefer a topo map image, here you go. Click either image to see it full size. The route is a bit under 6 miles.

I've been talking this up with some of the other paddling groups and we may have a few new faces participate!

Rick

Great Upcoming Events....

2011-04-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

May 22 Poker Paddle

Join your fellow paddlers for a fun morning of exploring Lake Anna. Rally at Lake Anna Outfitters at 8 am and pick your first card from the deck. Next it’s on to nearby Anna Point Marina for card number two. Then we paddle across the lake to Ally’s Restaurant for card three. Lake Anna Winery is sponsoring card four at the Black Pearl Boathouse just inside the mouth of Contrary Creek. Pick up your fifth and final card at Anna Cabana located just inside Sturgeon Creek Marina. Paddle back to LKA Outfitters and play your hand! Four and a half mile round trip. $15 entry fee includes LKA sticker and t-shirt. Kayak Club members paddle for free. Proceeds go to The Lake Anna Foundation. Prizes for the higher poker hand and first to make it back to Lake Anna Outfitters. 540.894.3540 for more information or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

May 26 & June 23 Twilight Wine & Kayaks

Meet at Duke’s Creek Marina at 6 pm for a delightful evening paddle to a secluded beach where you will enjoy a taste of Lake Anna provided by Lake Anna Winery. Three mile round trip. Wine and light appetizers included. $20 pre-registered if you have your own kayak. $25 day of event. $45 with rental kayak provided by Lake Anna Outfitters. Call Lake Anna Winery for reservations 540.895.5085. Call LKA Outfitters for rental kayak 540.894.3540.

Jedi Collins

2011-04-19T04:22:00.001-07:00

Jedi Kayaker Rick Collins says, "These aren't the kayaks you are looking for...." Photo by Chris Lee.

New Club Tee Shirt

2011-04-18T06:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome Spring Paddle Pics

2011-04-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

A little chilly and windy at the start, but once we paddled into the lee of a cove along the Lake Anna State Park in Pigeon Run, the water was flat. There were 1,000 shades of green, a beaver, blooming dogwoods, horses, tiny fish and frogs, friendly paddlers and a secret waterfall. We had George Kachinski, Meg Shrum, Lynn Greer, Chris Lee, Mitch McCotter, me, Rick Collins and new member, Peter Knapp (in the canoe), on this one. Our next event is the Poker Paddle on May 22. We are discussing some impromtu gatherings and a Kayak Video Night at George's place, so stay tuned. We also are trying to reschedule the Whole Lake Paddle before July.

Welcome Spring Paddle This Sunday, April 17

2011-04-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Want to see the changing of the seasons slip along beside you from water level? Join us for our Welcome Spring Paddle this Sunday. Meet at Lake Anna Outfitters at High Point Marina at 8:30 am for a two-hour excursion along the undeveloped shoreline of the Lake Anna State Park. The dogwoods and redbuds are spectacular now. Refreshments afterward. $15 annual membership includes t-shirt and sticker. Non-members can paddle for $6. RSVP via email at lkalife@earthlink.net.

Start of Paddling Season

2011-04-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the paddle March 27 didn't happen because of the weather. That may have been just as well. I don't know how well we would have been ready for such a rigorous paddle first thing in the season. But we have a paddle two weekends from now that should be a great season opener! From the marina we have at least three choices on where to go. We can head down lake towards the power plant. How many of you have actually seen this monster facility? I always find it impressive! Just past that is Cocktail Island which is a great spot to stop for a break or lunch. This is a popular place on the lake and I often meet interesting folks there. Or we can paddle up lake towards the state park day use area and on around to Ware creek. This is a tiny creek, but when the water is not low you can paddle up a ways. The shoreline of the state park is fully of coves and sports lots of interesting wildlife. Finally we can paddle up Pigeon Run exploring the quiet part of the feeder. We can probably paddle in the "private" section of Pigeon Run since the water levels should be up. Paddling back along the state park is quiet, pretty and often full of wildlife in the coves. I like to paddle back up to the large cove near the mouth of Pigeon run. This goes back a half mile and is a nice place to silently explore. Each of these paddles are 6 to 8 miles round trip and would make for a nice day. But then maybe Chris has some other ideas and is planning a put in somewhere else! Wherever we go, everyone is invited back to my place for a cookout. I'll be fixing barbequed shirmp and veggies. Rick

Start of Kayaking Season

2011-03-24T14:33:00.001-07:00

I think this coming Sunday is going to be a great paddle! Last year I paddled from George's place at the North end of the lake to Mel's place at the South end of the lake by the dam. I think it took me about six hours including a stop for lunch at Cocktail Island. I enjoy that route. There are places along the way I like seeing, like the old white farm houses just west of the 522 bridge and the tree that has its own little island in the middle of the North Anna branch. The section along the park is always nice with all the little inlets and coves that hide wildlife. The southern section below the Rt 208 bridge opens wide with scenic views of big water. It is odd that there are spots here where they have a sign post warning about shallow water, a quarter mile from any land!

I'm hoping that this year I have company for the whole trip, but I'll appreciate anyone who wants to accompany me on any part of the journey. I've put on some table muscle over the winter and this is a great way to burn it off.

At the end of the paddle we are supposed to have a party. I'll be bringing some of my barbecued shrimp. I know I'll be ready to eat for sure!

Some folks in the Virginia Paddlers group are interested in joining us. They have also mentioned an interest in having skills practice sessions and possibly some safety training. I'll let you know when we set some dates.

I've been conversing with Teresa Pendleton who has a property on the warm side of the lake. She is big on paddling and hosts the Chesapeake Paddlers Association each year to do training. You can find their web site at cpakayaker.com. The SK102 skills class is at Teresa's place April 29 and 30. The class is full, but you can get on the waiting list for when people inevitably drop out.

I'm looking forward to a great season of kayaking this year!!!

Rick

2011 Lake Anna Kayak Club Paddle Schedule

2011-01-31T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I hope you are making it through this winter and looking forward to some paddling very soon! Here's the schedule for the year. Lots of new things to look forward to!

So when are we getting together for our Opening Cookout? That date is TBA!

March

March 27 - How Far Can You Paddle? Participants will try and paddle all of Lake Anna from the top of the North Anna to the dam. Shuttle service available. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

April

April 17 - Welcome Spring Lake Anna Kayak Club Paddle. Join the club members for the season's first outing. Meet at LKA Outfitters at High Point Marina @9am. A great way to look for signs of spring and get out on the lake! For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

May

May 22 - First Annual Lake Anna Kayak Rally/Poker Run. Meet at LKA Outfitters @High Point Marina at 8 am and get ready to paddle. Five stations complete an approximately five-mile paddle route. First to complete wins prize. Highest hand wins prize. Paddle route to be announced. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

May 26 - Wine & Kayaks. Join us for a delightful evening paddle and a wine tasting provided by Lake Anna Winery. Meet at LKA Outfitters @ High Point Marina at 6 pm. $10 fee. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

June

June 26 - North Anna River Paddle. Meet at LKA Outfitters @ High Point Marina at 8:30 am for an expedition below the Lake Anna Dam onto a beautiful little river. Bring your bathing suit and snorkel mask. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

June 23 - Wine & Kayaks. Join us for a delightful evening paddle and a wine tasting provided by Lake Anna Winery. Meet at LKA Outfitters @ High Point Marina at 6 pm. $10 fee. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

July

July 9 - Beach Party Paddle. Meeting location and time to be announced. Join us for a paddle up event party on a remote beach on the lake. Grills and beverages welcome. Bring your bathing suit and be prepared to have a blast. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

August

August 13 - Moonlight Paddle. Meet at Bruce and Helen McCotter's at 8:30 pm for our annual afterdark adventure to the secret "Kayaker's Beach". You must have a light on your kayak. For more information call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.net.

Lake Anna Outfitters' Christmas Open House

2010-11-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

Join Lake Anna Outfitters December 4 & 5 from noon until 4 pm for a lakeside Christmas Open House featuring the year's lowest prices on kayaks and paddleboards, paddling accessories and great LKA gift items including tee shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, hats and more. Bring your pet and have a photo taken with LKA Santa! Hot, spiced cider for all, too! Local authors Linda Salisbury and Anne Fisher Neale will be present on Sunday to sign their books. Salisbury will have here newest; "Treasure In Sugar's Barn". LKA Outfitters is located at High Point Marina off Rt. 208. 540.894.3540.

November 6 - LKA Kayak Club's Final 2010 Paddle

2010-11-07T06:43:00.001-08:00

Today was our Fall Foliage Paddle. We had 11 boats with 12 paddlers (Mitch and I were in an Emotion CoMotion). It was windy and cold, but we rallied to paddle from High Point Marina across the mouth of Pigeon Run to Lake Anna State Park. I plugged the scupper holes in our boat, everyone else was paddling sit-ins. We saw a bald eagle, red tailed hawk, king fisher and a great blue heron. Afterward we headed over to Rick Collins' lake house for a great meal of grilled shrimp and veggies. This was the final paddle of the Lake Anna Kayak Club schedule for 2010. The 2011 schedule is now being planned and will feature another North Anna River Expedition, a Moonlight Paddle, a Beach Party at Cocktail Cove and at least three more adventures on and around Lake Anna. Membership is $15/person and includes a t-shirt and LKA sticker. Guests are welcome at $6 per paddle. To join call 540.894.3540.

Fall Foliage Paddle Barbecue

2010-11-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

We are having possibly the last club paddle of the year this Saturday, Nov 6. I would like to invite everyone over to my place for a barbecue after the paddle. I will fix my shrimp on the grill and there will be mixed veggies along with anything you guys care to bring. Please send me an email to let me know what you would like to bring. It doesn't have to be anything fancy and if you decide at the last minute to come and have nothing to bring, that's fine too. There is always more than enough to go around. My email is rickman.2008@arius.com and my cell phone is 240-397-1279. As usual, I don't have Internet at the lake so I won't get any email after about 5 PM Friday. The phone works most of the time...

The address is 13612 Elnora Brooks Lane, Spotsylvania, VA 22551 and Google does a pretty good job of leading you here. Rick's House At the end of my driveway you will spot a mailbox with the name Collins. Don't worry about the number on it, it is from a different house...

A Washington based kayak group is having a paddle at the same time, so I have invited them to join us at my place and they may paddle with us too.

Rick

Harvest Moon Paddle

2010-09-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

I've decided to host a September paddle around the full moon. The full moon is at 5:18 AM on Sept 23, just six hours after the Autumnal Equinox! That is the middle of the week, but we can paddle under the harvest moon the following Saturday.

The equinox marks the transition between the seasons when the days are longer than the nights and the seasons when the nights are longer than the days. We are seeing daylight shorten by nearly three minutes each day telling us that we need to enjoy the days while they are still warm and long and prepare for the colder months to come.

I would like to invite you all to come Saturday for either a morning paddle, a moonlight paddle or both. The morning paddle will have a put in time of 10 AM Saturday. We can take a tour of the Pigeon Creek area which is typically about two to three hours depending oh how much wildlife we see or we can take a trip down to the power plant which is about the same time and distance (but more boat traffic). When we return to the house we can have a nice lunch and relax a bit. I'll bring the shrimp and we can coordinate on rest of the food.

In the evening we can have a moonlight paddle. The sunrise is 7 AM, sunset is 7 PM (about) and moonrise is 7:52 PM. This will give us very nice timing for getting into the water around 6:45 and paddling about three miles west to the State park. When we turn around the man in the moon will be rising and we can paddle back under his watchful eye. I was going to plan this around a visit to the park visitors center, but they are closed for the season.

The address is 13612 Elnora Brooks Lane, Spotsylvania, VA 22551 and Google does a pretty good job of leading you here. http://tinyurl.com/Ri... My cell is 240-397-1279. If we have a lot of people responding we will put in at High Point marina by the Kayak shop. Chris won't be with us on this trip as he will be away celebrating his anniversary... he didn't say which one. Those of you who don't have kayaks can rent from the kayak shop... I hope. I am just a mile from the shop by car and closer than that by water. They are having an end of season sale the following weekend, Oct 2, noon to 4 PM with special prices on kayaks, shirts, etc.

You can view our last Lake Anna paddle at http://lakeannakayakc...

Friday, I will be paddling from George Kachinski's house at the extent of the North Anna leg of the lake to Mel Chaiet's boat dock down by the dam, about 20 miles. Anyone who wishes to join me is welcome. I expect to put in at 9 AM, have lunch at the midway point noonish (roughly the kayak shop) and take out about 4 PM. If anyone wants to join me in a short boat (I'll be in my 17 foot sea kayak) we can stretch out the schedule likely finishing closer to 6 PM. Of course anyone who wants to paddle part of the way is also encouraged to come along. Other put ins or take outs would be the State Park (a bit before the half way point) Chris' kayak shop or my house (about half way) and the marinas at Sturgeon Creek or Duke's Creek (further than half way to Mel's). BTW, I could use a volunteer to shuttle my truck between the two points.

Mel Chaiet will be going under the knife on the 23rd for his bad knee. So he will be convalescing the day of the paddle... and admiring his hand crafted wooden kayak. I hope to get to see it soon, the kayak, not the knee. Later in the fall George and Chris and anyone else who wants to come along will be doing this trip over several days.

See you on the water!

Rick

email: rickman dot 2008 at arius.com

Fall Foliage Paddle On November 6

2010-09-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

The leaves are starting to turn here on Lake Anna and there's no better way to experience this sensation than from a kayak. Join the Lake Anna Kayak Club on November 6 for a Fall Foliage Paddle that departs from the ramp at High Point Marina around 9 am and follows the brilliantly colored and undeveloped shoreline of the nearby Lake Anna State Park. $4 parking fee. $6 trip fee for non-members.

Contrary Creek, Before and After

2010-08-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of friends from the Virginia Paddlers Meetup group up for the weekend and we made a day of the Contrary Creek paddle. We started out from my house an hour before the paddle start so that we could cross the main section of Lake Anna and reach the put in. Jeanette is a very strong paddler and I don't have to add, "for a woman".

Konstantin likes his 17 foot fiberglass sea kayak, but took one of my short boats for this expedition.

After paddling through the mist we arrived at the put in to find it bustling with activity, all sorts of kayaks and all sorts of kayakers, all getting ready for a great paddle on an even greater morning.

The weather had cooled a bit from the heat of the last few weeks and the result was lots of fog and mist rising from the warm water into the cool air. The fog set the tone for the first half of the paddle.

We continued up the Contrary passing several interesting sights, docks that were up on dry land with the low lake level or perhaps some sort of geological movement. We reached the upper reaches of navigable water and found ourselves in quite the traffic jam.

We lingered here for a while as some of the party hiked up the river to view some gold mining equipment. Others of us got into trouble, nothing that a hot bath won't take care of, but quite the sight!

That is a lesson on how not to kayak! On the way back we single filed around a fallen tree.

Of course, some of us are cuter than others...

On returning to the ramp we were quite a flotilla. Arriving in stages the take out was almost as crowded as the put in.

I thought the weather was great, but some of us seemed to need a cooling down after the paddle.

Konstantin decided to give peddle power a try.

He seemed to like it, but I didn't hear him say he had to get one. Maybe he'll be peddling on the next paddle.

On the way back to my place, I found this guy hanging under the Rt 208 bridge. I guess he's looking for lunch.

So were we. On returning to the house we fired up the grill and everyone chipped in to create a really great meal with lots of good veggies and some shrimp. Even Trixie seemed to like it.

The thing I like best about paddling is the really great people I have gotten to know. I've never seen a nicer group of folks.

Rick

August 28 - Contrary Creek Paddle Recap

2010-08-29T06:31:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful morning to be on the lake in a kayak! I woke to 64 degrees with mist, rallied my 8-year-old and headed over the meeting point at the Edgewood Bay Common Area and found 10 cars already waiting for me there.

We were paddling by 8:30 and that means 23 kayaks with, I think, 25 paddlers, because we had some tandem boats. Mitch and I were in an Emotion CoMotion. Cathy Corker, Chief Naturalist for the Lake Anna State Park and her daughter, Ashleigh, also joined the crew in a CoMotion. We had about 15 guests and new members. Charter members present included Jim and Kathy Pfiefer, Barbara and George Kachinski, me and Mitch and Rick Collins. The club is growing and we welcome you to join us.

This paddle was 5.2 miles round-trip and took about two hours. We paddled to the back of Contrary Creek where the "fall line" separates Anna from the creek. Many on the paddle wanted to see what it was like up there. We weren't disappointed.

When we could paddle no more, we walked the creek bed as there was hardly any flow, noting the barren, moonscape-like banks and crystal clear water with orangish bacterial flock present from the high acidity. About 200 yards up, behind a fallen tree, we were surprised to see a portable sluicing machine sitting in the middle of the creek. About 30 yards prior to this device we had noticed suffocating, gray sediment on the creek bottom and this machine explained it.

What is going on is that someone is mining for gold, sucking the creek bed into the machine that sluices out the light stuff and separates the heavy - hopefully gold. The result is an even more messed up Contrary Creek. I took pics and the video you see here but we did not touch the set up.

Strewn about the creek bed were awesome chunks of white quartz and other interesting rocks a geologist would love. On the way in to the back of the creek we passed two bald eagles on perches pretty much where the Cutalong dredging is planned.

What amazes me about the back of Contrary is how nature tries hard to overcome even the worst pollution. Despite the bare patches of ground where nothing has grown for decades, there are animals and plants surviving nearby.

Wonderful paddle with plenty of new folks to meet. Thank you all for coming.

We have a Fall Foliage Paddle scheduled for October. We'll probably do another in November, plus a winter paddle. George, Rick, Art and I are planning our linear transect for the coming cooler days. Stay tuned for info on the club picnic/party.

Contrary Creek Paddle Info

2010-08-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

Hello all LKA paddlers and friends. We have a paddle this Saturday!
We can meet at the Edgewood Bay subdivision access area at 8 am to get an early start.
We will paddle about a mile and half to the back of Contrary Creek, where you'll be able to observe the change this tributary undergoes from lake to impacted stream. Once the site of a massive mining operation, Contrary Creek is still the most polluted on Anna. It it also slated to be dredged, dammed and changed into the Cutalong subdivision/golf course project. This paddle will give you the opportunity to see it before the bulldozers and dredges arrive. Bald eagles, ospreys, herons and more await. The back of this creek is like no other on the lake. Weather should be great.

Our meeting point is at the end of Mark Wayne Drive (right off of Mitchell Point Rd.), which is off Kentucky Springs not far from the intersection of Rt. 652 and 208.

Lake Anna Kayak Club Paddle August 28

2010-08-07T10:04:00.001-07:00

August 28 - Lake Anna Kayak Club Return To Contrary Creek Paddle. Join us for a short paddle to the back of this unique creek on Lake Anna slated for a major golf course development. Look for bald eagles and signs of the mine that once existed here. Bring a drink and snack for the ride. 540.894.3540 if you'd like to join the club.

Aug. 2-5 Kayaking & Paddleboarding OBX

2010-08-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

LKA went to OBX and took an Emotion Temptation kayak and an Emotion Traverse paddleboard. I love to surf kayak and hoped the waves weren't too rough. Turns out they were great three out of the four days - gentle swells that are perfect for paddling and surfing. I paddled out each day in the Temptation to look down at vast schools of menhaden and ride waves. I ventured out on the paddle board on Day Two and tried to surf waves. I actually did ride one in and was breathless with excitement. I've never surfed before, so I bought a SUP magazine, studied the pics of paddleboarders and tried it. I didn't master wave punching and got a bloody nose for my inexperience, but paddle boarding the ocean is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want to try one, I have them for demo paddles, for rent and for sale at Lake Anna Outfitters. 540.894.3540.

July 30- Aug. 1 Maury River Homecoming

2010-08-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Took the family to the Bare Farm Cabin (www.barefarmcabin.com) for a Homecoming celebration near Lexington, Virginia. We paddled and fished in the Maury River which flowed in front of the property. Emotion CoMotion was a fine craft for our needs. My eight-year-old son caught river sunfish and smallmouths. Snorkeling was great, too! This cabin is an incredible base camp and I can recommend it highly.

The was the first leg in our Mountain to Coast Tour. We leave for the Outer Banks of NC tomorrow!

Mel's Project

2010-07-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

Here's what has been keeping LKA Kayak Club founding member Mel Chaiet busy these days. He and John Freeman are building a Chesapeake Light Craft kayak from wood! Many hours in the shop have resulted in what is looking to be a beautiful craft.

July 24 - Kayak Club Moonlight Paddle 1 Recap

2010-07-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

At 8:15 pm the sun was setting and broiler of a day slipping into evening. The moon was coming up and the Mercury was going down... to about 90 degrees that is.

Today was another scorcher but the LKA Kayak Club went on with our planned Moonlight Paddle #1 hosted by Bruce and Helen McCotter.

The club and guests totalled 28 kayaks last night and we were paddling by 8:50, heading to what we have dubbed Kayaker's Beach. The location will have to remain a secret, but it near a well-known down lake sandbar and island. It lies between Dike II and Dike III. The sand is fine far, far out and it's protect from most winds. The water was 92, so the swimming was like a bathtub.

We had pedal kayaks, tandem kayaks, sit in kayaks, sit on tops and even two of the new Emotion Traverse paddleboards. A number of the club members invested wisely in VisiPole night light systems. Our lead boat had one as did our rear guard, with a number of others in the middle.

Hats off to Bill Taylor who brought a MagLite and flashed it at an incoming boat blaring hip hop music. They stopped in time and said they wanted to know what it was they saw. They said we were crazy. I think we were the sober and smart ones. Again, thank you, Bill and Tracy, if you reminded him to bring the light!

We swam, talked, took a group shot and then headed back to our host's home for a bonfire, dock party and some washboard and banjo picking from Mel and Anne's guests. Bean and......, guys you'll have to help me out there. They sang some old bluegrass favorites and some originals for us and the katydids offered accompaniment.

By midnight we had to throw in the towel, though this one could have gone on longer. A super night with a great bunch of paddlers. I thank you for being a part of my life last night. Thank you, too, to Bruce and Helen McCotter for the fine put-in.

July 23 - Paddleboarding Lake Anna

2010-07-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today my 8-year-old son and I tried the new Emotion Traverse paddleboard out at the mouth of Contrary Creek. It was awesome!!!! Very easy and fun. Mitch could do it with ease.

The Emotion Traverse paddleboard is just under 11' and is 36" wide so it's stable and roomy. It weighs just 44 pounds and comes with a nice storage hatch/compartment. The removable fin makes for steady tracking on flat water and when you head to the beach to ride some swell.

You can rent or purchase these paddleboards at Lake Anna Outfitters. Call 540.894.3540 or email lkalife@earthlink.com.

These are THE MOST AFFORDABLE paddleboards in the nation at $449. You will not find a better prices. I have packages with paddle and PFD for $610. DO NOT ORDER OVER-PRICED fiberglass paddleboards until you've tried the Emotion Traverse.

I will be using one tonight for the kayak club Moonlight Paddle equipped with a VisiPole.

LKA Kayak Club Moonlight Paddle 1 This Saturday

2010-07-19T05:29:00.001-07:00

Ok everyone, we are scheduled for a Moonlight Paddle this Saturday evening.

The itinerary is meet at Bruce and Helen McCotter's home at 114 Old Quarry Lane, Bumpass, VA 23024 at 8:15 pm. This home is located just after the Dike III Fishing Catwalk Public Access Point on the lower end of the lake. Sunset is 8:30 ish. This should offer ample time to get unloaded and in the water to cool off some prior to the moonrise. There will be a bonfire with snacks (popcorn) afterward. You are welcome to bring a cooler and stick around.

If thunderstorms are predicted, we will NOT hold this paddle.

We will have a lead boat and a rear boat with lights, so you will need to stay inbetween the two if you do not have your own light. If you would feel more comfortable paddling with a 360-degree visible light (as called for by VDGIF regulations) we have seven VisiPoles left. This excellent device fits into a flush-mount rod holder or a Scotty mount and offers the absolute best night light on the market. It runs on two AA batteries (included) and incorporates a very bright LED bulb that lasts for days. There's reflective tape and high vis orange flags (or a Jolly Roger) for day time use during busy conditions. Call or email me this week if you want one or need installation. 540.894.3540. lkalife@earthlink.net

RSVP requested.

Here's to a fun evening!

July 17 - Shenandoah River Rodeo Recap

2010-07-18T10:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I travelled to the Low Water Bridge Campground near Bentonville on the Shenandoah River to celebrate a noteworthy conservation effort with other concerned river folks. The event was the Shenandoah River Rodeo put together by Shenandoah Riverkeeper Jeff Kelble. I've known Jeff for over 15 years but don't get to see him much these days. He's a fellow guide (smallmouth) and a good one. Unfortunately, when the Shenandoah River bass fishery collapsed about six years back, his guide service business and B&B on the river suffered. But Kelble didn't just take it. No, he organized his friends and collegues and formed the Shenandoah Riverkeeper program and worked passionately and intensely to find out what was wrong with this beautiful river and brown bass that once were so plentiful.

Now, a number of years later, some of the causes of the river's decline have been addressed and it appears the smallmouth (and other fish) are recovering. Yesterday's Rodeo was a way to get a bunch of river lovers and anglers together to recognize Jeff's message and efforts as well as just enjoy the river. I saw New River guides Britt Stoudenmire and John Tipton, Potomac River guide Mark Kovach, James River guide L.E. Rhodes, writer Bruce Ingram and many, many more river rats I just didn't get to say "hello" to, but you can see this was a who's who of river fishing.

The Low Water Bridge Campground is about a mile off Rt. 340 and you do have to cross a bridge about two feet above the river's surface. I tent camped with my eight-year-old son, Mitch, my brother and his seven-year-old son.

As part of the ticket, we received an incredible catered meal of BBQ'd pork, chicken, burgers, baked beans, corn, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad cake and cold draft beer. Thankfully the air temp. in the valley was only 88 at the highest, but the golden beverages went down smoothly - for hydration purposes only.

Jeff had a band for the event and it was absolutely one of the finest performances of country bluegrass and folks I've heard. There was a bull fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar with great singing and the Virginia Reel - one of my favorite dances. The group is called Uncle Henry's Favorites.

Jeff said a few words recognizing those that have helped along the way this year, then it was on to some funny awards and door prizes for the children.

Prior to the formal get-together and meal, my little crew set up camp and then hit the river (right in front of the site) donning snorkel and mask. We spent the next two hours exploring the clear, warm water, turning over rocks and swimming in the waving eel grass beds. We were thrilled to find crawdads of all sizes, hellgramites, and crazy looking mad toms all tucked under the river stones. There were juvenile smallies, river sunfish, minnows, snails and all kinds of nymphs in that river and we were all eight-years-olds again.

After our underwater explorations, we arranged to do a four-mile float down to the Andy Guest State Park. Mitch and I paddled our 148 Old Town Guide canoe, Uncle Doug and Brandon were in the "Dirty Banana" one of our rental Emotion CoMotion kayaks.

All told we caught 21 smallmouths from 6" to 13" and another dozen or so river sunfish, mostly on spinners and 4" green stickbaits. Mitch had a fine smallie all by himself that broke his fishing pole!

After the float it was time for Jeff's gig. By the time we looked at our watches next, it was after 10 pm and we were bushed. I woke up this morning to birdsong after falling asleep to croaking bullfrogs.

"10 our of 10" was the ranking the boys gave this quick trip. I don't think any of us wanted to go home. I can highly recommend the Low Water Bridge Campground and a visit to the Shenandoah River. If you want to know more about Jeff Kelbe and the Riverkeeper, go to www.shenandoahriverkeeper.org.

July 17 Is The Shenandoah River Rodeo

2010-07-13T08:57:00.001-07:00

If you want to attend this Saturday's annual Shenandoah River Rodeo, Riverkeeper Jeff Kelble says to sign up now so he can get the catering numbers right. It's $40 per ticket for dinner, bluegrass performance, access to keg, camping for the night and access to the river for paddling, fishing and staggering around late at night. Location is the Low Water Bridge Campground in Bentonville, VA near Front Royal. Go to www.shenandoahriverkeeper.org. Hope to see you there. Mitch and I are going.

July 12 am - Floating the North Anna River

2010-07-11T10:58:00.001-07:00

Today was the LKA Kayak Club's annual paddle down the North Anna behind the dam. It was also the first day it rained in over a month. We received 1.5" of heavy rain in about three hours but that didn't stop six of us (me, Mitch, Meg, Lynn, Bill and Glen) from floating the little stretch from Rt. 601 down to Mt. Olive Rd.

We first paddled up to the dam, noticed there was a good release, then headed down river for some snorkling and exploring. The rain stopped and the sun peeked out just in time for some great underwater exploration. We all spent nearly an hour in the water looking at largemouth, smallmouth, river sunfish, darters, freshwater mussels and more. This river is beautiful and clear. There's also plenty of lush hydrilla that keeps everything in balance.

The take out came all too soon but the day was still young. I had to get into Lake Anna Outfitters and then on the event at the winery tonight...

July 10th's North Anna Float...

2010-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone, are you ready to hit the river and cool down after a scorching week?

This Saturday is our annual North Anna float and I've arranged for us to use the same put-in as last time.

Let us meet at Elk Creek Store at 8 am and then drive to the put-in on Rt. 601 behind the dam.

This is a 3.2 mile paddle with minor rapids. The put-in is level. The take-out requires some work to get up a dirt embankment.

The water is clear and clean and great for swimming and snorkling.

I anticipate about a 2.5-3 hour paddle time. We do plan on paddling up to the dam first.

Paddle Boards Coming Week of July 12

2010-07-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been asking and I have the answer - the new Emotion Traverse paddle board is coming the week of July 12. It's 9'11" long, 36" wide and weighs 49 pounds. The Traverse is made using the blown molded process and come in yellow or lime. We will be retailing them for $399 plus $35 s&H and offer an adjustable paddle for an additional amount (we do not know that yet). I will get a limited quantity, so I suggest you pre-order now. I will have some for demo and rent and Lake Anna Outfitters. Paddle boarding is the hottest thing going right now. It began on Hawaii, came to California and has finally reached the east coast. It's fantastic exercise, especially for your core muscles.

Call me at 540.894.3540 or email me at lkalife@earthlink.net for more info.

June 28 - Trip to Md's Eastern Shore

2010-07-04T05:55:00.001-07:00

Chrissie and I had a great bit of paddling on the Little Choptank during a recent visit to Cambridge, MD. We retreated inside when the air temps. approached 95. Big views and uncrowded paddling here in the Emotion CoMotion tandem boat.

June 27 - LKA Kayak Cub's South Anna Expedition

2010-07-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

We had a nice crew of 11 paddlers for our trip today on the South Anna. We rallied at the Rt. 33 put-in point and then drove a couple vehicles down to the Rt. 54 take out. We had two guests with us for the paddle - Martha and Debbie Martha was kind enough to run the shuttle for us.

The trip began at 9:30 am and finished up around 2 ish. Thank goodness we were on the water an in the shade because it was 100 degrees at Rt. 54 when were were done! The water was low and that made for some rough stretches where we had to get out of the boats and navigate the chutes and rocks. Thankfully, the rocks were moss-covered; not slippery, but soft.

Rick Collins' GPS said the trip was a little over six miles. The guide I read noted 5.5 miles. This trip would have been great with just 3" more water. It was still a super trip with two swimming stops. The water clears and flows well on the second half of the paddle. My kids had a fine time in a little waterfall at the end of a side chute. I laid down in the current stream and actually had goosebumps for moment or two - refreshing!

I think this was a fine expedition, but a little challenging for our guests. Don't worry, 95% of our paddles aren't over 3 miles or require getting out of your kayak!

LKA Kayak Club's South Anna Expedition This Sunday

2010-06-21T14:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, we have a paddle coming up this weekend to look forward to everyone.

Let's again meet at the shop at 7:30 am (earlier this time to account for travel time to the put-in) and the mount up for the ride over to the put-in on Rt. 33. This is located about five miles from the intersection of 33 and 54. I will need at least one person to go with me to the take out to drop a vehicle and then come back to the put-in. It has been a number of years since I've done this paddle and I was always fishing. I remember it was beautiful and not too challenging. With the recent rains, we should be OK. It took about 5-6 hours when we fished. It should take @ three hours paddling.

If you need rental or any other support, please let me know. 540.894.3540. Also, please note this is a Sunday paddle.

June 17 - Emotion Pays A Visit To LKA

2010-06-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

LKA Outfitters Chris and Chrissie McCotter hosted Samantha and Andrew from Emotion Kayaks for a quick overnight visit. We swam, tubed, sailed and grilled with these two recent college grads that are on an Emotion dealer tour. They were promoting the new Comet kayak which just won Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year Award. This little sit-in kayak is so fun to paddle and it's just $289! We have four in stock at Lake Anna Outfitters and they will go very fast.

Best of luck to Sam and Andrew. We hope to see you again.

June 12 - LKA Kayak Club Paddle #2 Pamunkey Branch

2010-06-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today the LKA Kayak Club convened at the Pamunkey Point subdivision ramp as guests of a friendly resident and we put 15 paddlers on the water in 14 boats. The kayaks ranged from sit-ins to sit-on tops, pedalers to paddlers.

While I have ventured a good ways up the Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna in the bass boat, I was not able to go as far as you can via kayak. We paddled roughly 2.5 miles one way until we ran out of water and planted the club flag. This creek changes from where it enters the lake as a sluggish, brownish tributary to a heavily impacted creek with cows given free access. We actually observed hunks of cow manure floating down the creek!

At one point a tree had fallen all the way across the creek, blocking access. Most of the paddlers decided to wade in the water and pull their boats over the impediment and continue up stream. Eventually the water cooled and you could see current pulling on the stumps. Near the fall line visibility improved enough to note a sandy bottom, however, this stream is a mess with eroded banks and cow manure everywhere. Meg, our lead paddler at the time, even had an exciting encounter with a long horn bull that was very curious about the colorful little boats heading up his river.

I was glad to have knocked off this tributary of Lake Anna, as it completes our up lake quest that included the North Anna (see earlier post) and Terry's Run (last year).

Our next expedition is scheduled for June 27 on the South Anna River. This float will feature some minor ramps and much cleaner water. We will paddle from Rt. 33 to Rt. 54. Join us if you can!

It was great to be with the club again. Thank you all for coming, especially new members Chris and Robin Lee, Harry and Betsy Hosier and Lynn Greer.

June 7 - Freshwater Creek

2010-06-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

After some morning "chores" my eight-year-old son and I hit LKA in search of kayak adventure. We came home and hitched up our kayak trailer and headed to the back of Contrary Creek. We planned on paddling to the back of Freshwater Creek, to where the lake gave way to free flowing stream at the fall line and above.

This is a relatively short paddle, but I hadn't done it yet, so we figured we'd knock it off in three hours. We did it and it was a great way to spend time with my son.

Along the way we saw a green heron, great blue heron, brown water snake, numerous fish, crawdads (under rocks way up in the creek) a mad Tom (creek catfish) and plenty of dragon fly nymphs. This creek is the counter part to Contrary. Freshwater is actually somewhat healthy with a thriving aquatic ecosystem evidenced by the "bugs" and other critters we observed.

On the way back to the ramp, about 200 yards out, I got a call on the kayak shop phone. It was Jim and Jennifer and Paul and they were ready to demo and buy some Emotion boats.

This family had rented about a month ago and discovered they really liked paddling. They also just bought a lot in Freshwater Estates from LAI Realty, so the timing to get on the water affordably was right.

Jim got a Temptation. Jennifer got a Mojo Angler (you go, girl) and Paul is the proud owner of a Charger. They also picked out some fine accessories like Salus paddling vests and a VisiPole.

From the shop, Mitch and I left directly for my parent's home down at Dike III, where we met friends for a dinner.

So much for my unscheduled day off. It was actually GREAT! Thank you to everyone that was a part of it - especially my son.

but I did have three hours to do something just with Mitch.

2010-05-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Saturday morning trip was enjoyed by all. Eight paddlers showed up and we got off around 8 am. Some herons were still hanging around their nests with the younger ones. Attached are a few picture of our trip.

Info For LKA Kayak Club's First Paddle May 15

2010-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, everyone, here's some information on this Saturday's expedition up the North Anna River with our hosts, the Kachinskis....

The trip will begin at George and Barabara's home (see directions below) and feature a paddle that begins Lake Anna and continues into the main tributary of the lake. Along the way you'll note how the lake changes into a slow moving river. Of special note is a great blue heron rookery you'll paddle nearly underneath. George and Barbara have been up the route already clearing logs and poison ivy. They note: "This trip does require some upper body strength to get over some obstacles like logs and sandbars."

The route up to the Rt. 651 Bridge and back should take approximately two to three hours. You don't have to go all the way. I've been as far up the North Anna as my bass boat will go and been within earshot of the rookery. It's like a jungle up there and very beautiful. I encourage you all to join our hosts and join the club again if you have not already done so.

Start time is 8 am. This means George wants to be paddling by 8 am.

Directions from Dickinson's Store: Left onto Rt 522 toward Mineral. Quick right onto Rt. 613/Mansfield Rd. Turn right onto Gold Mine Rd. (Still Rt. 613). Right onto Rt. 621/Peach Grove Rd. Left onto Alma Rd/Rt. 787. Right onto Rt. 788. Continue to end of culdesac. House # is 171 Plateau Rd. 540.967.1496.

RSVP to George & Barbara, please, so they know a head count.

May 2 - CoMotion Rental for Father & Son

2010-05-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Lake Anna Outfitters has had a busy spring with kayak rentals and sales. The shop is now full of great stuff so stop by on a weekend and see what we have. Here's a great pick of a father and son (and a nervous Mom on the dock) that rented one of our CoMotion kayaks on Sunday for a paddle over to the State Park.

2010 Lake Anna Kayak Club Paddling Schedule

2010-05-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all and welcome the to 2010 paddling season. I know some of you have already been out many times and some of you are planning your first trip. I'd like to invite you to join the Lake Anna Kayak Club again this year for any or all of our paddling trips. If you didn't make our meeting a couple weeks back, I invite you to join again ($15/person and $30/couple) and participate. You get an LKA sticker and t-shirt, all email updates on the club, password access to our club blog

and a great cookout at the end-of-year event.
If you'd like to re-up, just email me, call me or stop by the shop any weekend. Remember, if you do not join, you are welcome to participate, but the fee per trip is $6. Members can bring a guest on a paddle one time, after that the guest must pay the trip fee or join.

Ok, here is the schedule:
1 - May 15, Upper North Anna expedition. Paddle down into the lake through a jungle-like waterway with heron rookery and much more. Trip leader/hosts George and Barbara Kachinski
2 - June 12, Pamunkey Branch plant the flag. Let's paddle as far as we can and plant the club flag in this remote headwater of the lake.
3 - June 27, South Anna expedition. Our first off-Anna paddle. We'll run from Rt. 33 to Rt. 54 on the sister river to the North Anna.

4 - July 10, Lower North Anna below the dam. Our most popular trip last year. Clear, clean and warm water great for paddling, swimming and snorkling.
5 - July 24, Moonlight Paddle 1. Enjoy a nigh out in your kayak. If you need a VisiPole we have them for sale at the shop. Hosts Bruce and Helen McCotter. Bonfire afterward.
6 - August 28, Return to Contrary Creek. This was an amazing paddle last year as we explored this heavily impacted but barren creek that is planned as the site of a major Lake Anna development.
7 - November 6, Fall Foliage Paddle. Departs from kayak shop at High Point Marina where the colors blaze at Lake Anna State Park.

You'll note most of these are Saturdays. The club voted to move the majority of paddles to Sats. due to church conflicts on Sundays.

A reminder, if you need a paddling vest we have two styles of the Salus product - very popular and going fast. If you cheap kayaks for guests, we will have a Comet and a Spitfire in stock again soon. These boats are under $300 so they go fast!

If you have any questions or suggestions, drop me an email - mcfish@gemlink.com

Happy paddling and I hope to see you all soon.

Kayaking in the Cool Months

2010-04-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Over the cool months I have been doing some kayaking in Southern Virginia and having a great time with it. In November I paddled the James, both below the fall line where the water is tidal and above the fall line behind one of the several dams at Richmond. I am very impressed with the paddling that is available right in the city of Richmond! Another time I paddled a part of the Mattaponi when the water was up; that was a bit exciting. I also found a quiet lake in the Pocahontas State Park, just south of Richmond where you can view wildlife in quiet solitude.

I went on a regular weekend paddle on the Potomac River when there was ice in the water and snow on the banks. That was a beautiful day on the "People's River". Not always friendly, a couple of weeks later this river was flowing over its banks and blocking roads. There are some very impressive pictures of the flood at a Yahoo group site, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Potomac_River_Flood/.

But by far the best paddling I've done in months was the recent paddle in a cypress tree swamp on the Nottaway river. This is the home of the former Virginia state champion tree, until a couple of years ago when the tree died. It is still an impressive trunk and even more is the amazing swamp it is in! We paddled the area around the put-in where "Big Mamma" is, then we paddled up river to a second area of the swamp that was even more interesting. It was a very long drive to get there, but was worth every minute in the saddle. Here are a few pictures I took.

Big Momma may be dead, but she is still very big! If you look closely, you can see a person at the base of the tree. The "things" sticking out of the water are called "knees" and are part of the tree's root system.

If you want to read more about this place, google "Big Mamma" and "Cypress Bridge Swamp". There are a number of interesting articles about it. While we were paddling there, a guided trip showed up. They came specifically to see this tree and were led by one of the discoverers of the tree.

A wide view shows the maze of tree trunks. Even this picture doesn't do justice to the swamp. At one point we headed cross country looking for a northwest passage back to the Nottaway River and found ourselves surrounded by dense trees and dropped limbs. We almost had to get out of our boats to get turned around.

These trees come in all shapes and sizes. One we didn't see is called the "Tea Pot" because of its unusual shape.

If you haven't paddled a cypress swamp, you haven't paddled!

April 11 - Kayak Club Meeting

2010-04-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful afternoon the Lake Anna Kayak Club convened at Lake Anna Outfitters, enjoying grilled striper and hot dogs, beverages and some serious planning for the paddling season to come. Club members agreed to six Lake Anna Paddles and one off-site paddle on the South Anna from Rt. 33 to Rt. 54. The LKA Paddles include trips exploring the upper North Anna with hosts George and Barbara Kachinski, a Pamunkey Branch exploration, two moon light paddles (on in the summer and one in the fall), a return paddle into the back of Contrary Creek and a return trip to the North Anna River below the Lake Anna dam.

Other activities the club will undertake include a linear transect of Lake Anna. We anticipate a four-day effort that takes us from: 1) the North Anna head waters to Christopher Run, 2( Christopher Run down to High Point Marina/Lake Anna Outfitters. 3)HPM/LAO down to Duke's Creek Marina and 4) DCM down to the dam. This is roughly a 17-19 mile paddle we will undertake.

Dates for all events are to be announced.

Remember, if you want to post a blog entry on this site the email address/user name is: info@woodsandwatersmagazine.com and the password is: lkakayakclub09. One in you can post pics, events, opinions and much more!

First Meeting of Kayak Club in 2010 Scheduled

2010-03-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

We will get together at Lake Anna Outfitters April 11 at 4 pm for a cookout and organizational meeting to plan our paddling season. You can join at this meeting as well as pay your 2010 dues if you are a returning member. The membership packet this year will include a t-shirt and an LKA sticker. Dues are $30/year/couple or single member.

LKA Outfitters Gearing Up For New Season

2010-03-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

Lake Anna Outfitters has the 2010 Emotion kayak inventory now in including the Spitfire and Comet boats for under $300! We have built a rack for all the new kayaks and rentals, are bringing in new accessories like seats, butt pads, kayak racks/carrying systems, LKA shirts, stickers and gifts, plus the new Poppy's Tee Shirt Shop.

LKA Outfitters and a yet-to-be announced partner will be hosting a Kayak Rally before Memorial Day, so stay tuned for details. Our big Pre-Season Sales Event will be held April 10 with special ONE DAY ONLY package prices.

The first meeting of the Lake Anna Kayak Club will be held soon, so keep checking for the date and the monthly outings planned.

February 5 - Kayaking @ Dike III

2010-02-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

Alan Lott contacted me a couple weeks back and asked about kayak fishing the lake in the winter. I told him Dike III was THE place. Well, as you can see, Alan's the real deal as you can see from these pics. He caught a striper on his first cast! Conditions were calm, heavy overcast with air temps. of 38 and water temps. near 50.

October 25- Still Beautiful

2009-10-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a fine shot of a gal that rented one of our kayaks on Sunday. The background is of the shoreline at the state park just north of High Point Marina. We didn't have the Fall Foliage Paddle on Saturday due to high winds, though Rick Collins and his friend Tara, Mitch and I were ready to go at noon. The following day turned out beautiful as you can see.

October 20 - It's Beautiful Here

2009-10-20T04:31:00.000-07:00

This is the big two-week period for peak leaf viewing here on Lake Anna. I expect the leaves to hold on tight to the trees for about another week or two and then it's time. Currently the red maples are flaming, the hickories about 65% yellow and the beeches starting. The oaks have a touch of color to them. Join us on Saturday at noon for a LKA Kayak Club paddle out of High Point Marina. It's free to members, $6 to non-members. We might even have a rental or two left. Call the shop at 540.894.3540 or email me. Weather does cancel, so keep in touch.

October 9-12 Kayaking West Virginia

2009-10-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

David Purcell and I headed up to Canaan Valley with our families over the long Columbus Day holiday weekend and did some kayaking on Spruce Island Lake in the Old Timberline community. His daughter also accompanied us in an Emotion Spitfire. The big yellow perch were biting and the leaves were spectacular.

October 3 - Moonlight Paddle

2009-10-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

This was an evening many of us crossed our fingers to happen. It must have worked because we had a spectacular night for the LKA Kayak Club Moon Light Paddle. We had 20 paddlers in 16 boats and did a round trip of three miles from Helen and Bruce McCotter's home to Boxley's Point.

We set off at 7 pm as the sun was setting and the moon rising. The lake was calm and very few power boats were present. Along the way we enjoyed the music at Derek D's party on the hotside and some incredible fireworks. We also heard herons, geese and ducks coming in for the evening.

You might ask how does one safely and legally paddle a kayak at night? We had a lead boat and a rear boat and several in the middle with white lights visible from 360 degrees which makes us legal. The Scotty Sea Light is one of the most cost effective options and they are sold at LKA Outfitters (540.894.3540).

A bonfire with popcorn, cider and donuts awaited us upon our return to shore around 9 pm. The temperature was around 68 - perfect for the warm fire. This was truly living the Lake Anna Life many of us seek and cherish.

If you'd like to join the kayak club go to www.lakeannakayakclub.blogspot.com or email mcfish@gemlink.com.

September 25 - Paddle With Mel

2009-09-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

This Friday at 9 am Mel Chaiet will be hosting his weekly paddle. He lives at Horseshoe Cove and can be reached at 804.448.0388 or email him at melchaiet@hotmail.com.

LKA Kayak Club Paddles To Back Of Contrary Creek

2009-09-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Lake Anna Kayak Club held an expedition September 13 to paddle to the back of Contrary Creek. Club members wanted to see first hand how Lake Anna has changed the polluted stream as well as note where the Cutalong subdivision is planned. Two bald eagles and a red tail hawk were observed near the back of the creek which remains severely impacted by acidic mine runoff and dredging. Ten kayaks carried 11 members and guests on the 4.9 mile paddle that began and ended from the Edgewood Bay subdivision Common Area.

Ram Island Club Great For Kayakers

2009-09-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Recently my family of four (two children ages 7 and 10) visited Ram Island Hunt Club in Back Bay, Virginia. We were the guests of Kevin Riggs. This home on pilings is nearly 100 years old and is a totally renovated hunting lodge Riggs now rents to individuals. The lodge is accessible only by boat from the Mill Road Landing (about 1.4 miles away) and a super place to access the back side of Sandbridge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the remote False Cape State Park.

We stayed four days and didn't want to come home despite some strong NE winds that made navigation and kayaking a challenging. We kayaked, fishing, hiked, beach combed and enjoyed some time just being a family away from it all.

You can rent Riggs' center console boat and use it to access the barrier beaches, restaurants and trails or paddle over yourself. I can recommend this rental highly to the paddler that wants a relaxing but adventurous trip. For more pics and for reservations go to www.ramislandhuntclub.com .

On this trip I demo'd one of only two 2010 Emotion Mojo Angler fishing kayaks. It paddled great even in 2' waves and it was the best kayak I've ever used for fishing.

September 15 - Creation of the Lake Anna Kayak Club Blog

2009-09-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Lake Anna Kayak Club blog.

The purpose of this site is to enhance communi- cation between members and potential members - in other words; get more folks paddling on LKA!

Members can post recaps of their adventures, trips, potential trips, ideas, photos and just about anything else. Let's keep the griping to an absolute minimum and the personal politics off the blog. Do not alter any postings, but feel free to post your comments.

If you are a member, you have the access pass code and can use the site within these parameters. Do not give the pass codes to anyone else.

Our club is now over 35 paddlers strong and our ages range from seven to over 70. We have paddlers and pedalers, beginners and experts. Some of us travel all over to paddle and others stay right here on Lake Anna.

The club has nearly monthly outings (sometimes more than one a month) and there are two coming up in October. On October 3 we will have a Moonlight Paddle hosted by Bruce and Helen McCotter down near Dike III off Old Quarry Road. We will meet at 6:30 pm and set off on an after dark adventure. If you need a USGS certified light, please contact Lake Anna Outfitters at 540.894.3540. We will have a lead boat and a rear boat with the lights, but you might like one yourself. On October 24 we will have a Fall Foliage Paddle departing from High Point Marina. We will meet at Lake Anna Outfitters at 9:30 am and set off up lake along the shoreline of the Lake Anna State Park to view the most beautiful stretch of undeveloped shore on the lake. The colors should be spectacular. Bring your camera!

Membership in the club is $30 for one year. With membership you receive a LKA sticker, hat or coffee mug and free participation in the events. We will have a year-end cookout at some point as well for members. Non-members can participate in the paddles for $6. Rental kayaks are available from Lake Anna Outfitters.