July N2U CT Challenge - Laurel Lake Paddlepalooza

My original plan for this months N2U CT Challenge was TRX but that didn't happen.  I will save it for another month. Instead, we spent the better part of a couple afternoons paddling Laurel Lake.  

Part 1

We started off with the plan to paddle to the end of one of the fingers of Laurel Lake, about a 6 mile one way trip.  There are some cool rock formations out this way.  The paddle out to the start of Craig's Creek was easy.  On the way out I was paddling an average of 19 minute / miles.  Not fast by any means but it was a easy & enjoyable pace.  

It was about 3 miles to the turn for Craig's Creek.  For some reason when we made the turn we felt we were going the wrong way.  We paddled about a 1/2 mile more before turning around. It was a good thing too.  The wind was pretty strong on the way back.  It was a constant paddle to keep a forward motion.  If we paused the wind & waves would push us backwards.  

Around mile 4 we found a sandy bit to beach our kayaks & took a break for lunch & a swim.  Refueled & refreshed we hopped back in our kayaks to paddle back to our campground.

As mentioned before the paddle out was easy.  This was not true for our return trip.  On the way back my pace dropped to 26 minute / miles.  That was paddling non-stop for the entire 2+ miles back to the marina.  It was far from easy & enjoyable.  By the time we made the turn at Holly Bay marina my arms, back & shoulders were screaming.  My arms felt like they were about to fall off.  

After passing the Marina the wind was blocked & the water was nice & calm.  Back to an easy paddle for the remaining 1/2 mile to camp.  We pulled our kayaks out of the water then went back in for a float to cool off & soothe our tired muscles before heading back up to camp. 

Holly Bay Marina

Total trip 6.65 miles, 2 hours 22 minutes

Part 2

On Friday we were trying to decide whether or not to go for a ride or paddle.  We decided to paddle since we can ride our bikes pretty much any time.  

After taking a look at the Laurel Lake map we determined we were on the right path on the previous trip.  So we headed out again.  We figured the paddle would be another tough one but we were prepared.  

Again the paddle out to Craig's Creek was an easy one.  There were more clouds than sun so it didn't feel so hot.  In about an hour we go to the Craig's Creek turn.  We paddled on & about 15 minutes later we saw the first signs of rocks and knew we were on the right track.  We continued paddling for another 45 minutes or so before we got to the end of the lake…or was it the beginning?  Not sure what you call it but the water was flowing into the lake so maybe it was the beginning. 

The end or the beginning?

We paddled back to a nice spot for lunch.  After eating we played in the water for awhile.

Lunch Spot

Best picture of trip!

Surprisingly the wind wasn't as strong as the other day so that paddle back wasn't nearly as difficult.  Since it was mid-afternoon on Friday the boat traffic was heavier though so we did have some waves to content with. 

All in all it was a great day on the water.  

Total trip 11.22 miles, 4 hours 10 minutes.  

Happy paddling y'all