The park’s Megunticook Lake

Wednesday July 3, 2013
Site 60, Camden Hills State Park
Camden, Maine

 

I’m a flat water rather than a white water kayaker.

Well actually I’m a Binocular kayaker.  I cruise the edges of lakes and rivers looking for flora and fauna.  So I don’t want my kayak running away with me when I’ve got my binoculars or camera in my hands rather than my paddle.

Of course when you ask about kayaking on the coast of Maine everyone thinks ocean kayaking but we don’t have ocean going boats.  So we clarify.  Here when we ask about kayaking the response is Megunticook Lake. 

 

 

There is a very nice boat launch not far from the campground.

The lake is open for motor boats which is annoying if you want to have a wilderness experience.  But we notice that the shore line is very shallow and there are pretty large rocks.   So we head to the opposite side of the lake from the boat launch.

 

On the way we pass this really fine looking cabin on its own little island.

 

 

 

Once on the other side, we start paddling around the shore line.  The water is crystal clear in this natural lake.

 

 

 

 

The day is bright and sunny.  The reflections are beautiful.  It’s cooler and lovely along the shore.

 

 

 

 

 

I am in love with this natural sculpture.  Mother Nature is my favorite artist.

 

 

 

The highway runs right along the bottom of the cliffs.  From this distance we can enjoy them without the noise.

 

 

 

We see a couple of other kayakers on the lake but mostly motorboats until this rowboat comes along.  I haven’t seen anyone in a row boat in quite some time.

 

 

At one point I paddle through these long grasses and think of Judy talking in her blog, Travels with Emma, about the rice in the lakes in Minnesota.  I wonder what kind of grass this is.

 

 

 

Seeing these sailboats should have been my first clue but all I think is how lovely they are. 

 

We are along the edges where the up turn in the current isn’t noticeable.

 

 

 

It’s nearly time to head back when I spot the loon. 

 

I am so happy to see the loon.  He’s paying me no mind but doesn’t stay up on top of the water very long.  I get my camera up and he’s on his way back down.  I wait and wait and he shows up what seems like a mile away.

 

 

 

Talk about water front property.  I think this may be just a little too water front even for me.

 

 

 

The paddle back is much more difficult.  We are at the other end of the lake paddling into the wind and waves.

 

 

We enjoyed our afternoon on Megunticook Lake.    I’m still waiting to hear that plaintive loon call though.