Muir Lake

As usual, Muir Lake was the first local lake open, this year in mid-April. Likely that reflects the winter aeration and the consequently thinner ice.

The boat launch gate was still locked (doesn't open until May 1) but the dock was in and 95% of the ice was off of the lake. A quick lift over the rocks and short (200-foot) carry and the kid and I were on our way.

There was a tiny bit of ice around the island, blocking the west-channel. We tried to bust through but it was too thick, so we went around the east side into the southern half.

The county had not yet been out to retrieve the snow fences they put out each year.

The sun came out while we were on the water and it was super nice despite being only 10 degree.

The only animals of note were a pair of camera-shy loons and a bunch of angsty geese.

Overall, a good start to the year and a good shakedown cruise for her. This was her first paddle since she broke her wrist paddle boarding last summer.

It looks like North lake and Little Mere as well as Chickakoo were also open.

Muir Lake

Late last October, I popped out to Muir Lake for quick paddle at lunch. Temperatures had been consistently below freezing overnight and I found a fair bit of ice on arrival (the air was +3C), including about 20 feet out from the launch.

Fortunately, the ice was thin and easily broken by my foot and then the bow of the kayak. Once clear of that, there was just a bit of floating ice in the northern half of the lake.

There was also a good sheet of ice halfway down the lake, where it pinches together at the island.

Both sides of the island were frozen (you can see my paddle resting on the ice with the island in the background). I managed to push through to the open southern basin without too much trouble.

The reflections were great on the calm water and, by the time I was off, the ice was starting to break up in the sun and the rising temperatures.

This was a good reminder that the flat-water season was coming to an end (the North Saskatchewan was ice free) and also to get my skates sharpened up!

Muir Lake

In late April, we decided to roll the dice and see if a lake west of Edmonton was open. We landed on Muir Lake because it was close to home and there were lots of other lake options nearby if it was still frozen. 

Other than the boat launch gate being locked until May 1 (so we had a short carry), it was ready to go. The dock was in and the water levels were up. The pit toilets were also open and reasonably clean.

The county hadn't yet fished two large snow fences out of the water. These surround weak ice where they aerate the lake in the winter.

It was a gloriously sunny day, with lots of birds, including an osprey. Only saw one other paddler and a couple of walkers.

Overall, Muir was exactly what we wanted: a short paddle, sheltered from the wind, and close to town. That it was empty (it is a popular fishing lake) was a bonus. It looks lie the ice is mostly out on all the lakes so we'll try something a bit more adventurous next time.

Muir Lake

Kayaking season got started a bit later this year. Winter hung on and then the Sturgeon was low and had a sewage release warning so I waiting until the lakes melted out. Yesterday, I got out to Muir Lake for a shakedown cruise in my new (to me) boat.

The gate to the boat launch was still locked (fishing season does not open until May 1) but it was only 200 feet to carry down to the beach. It looks like they have replaced the interpretative signage on the pathway.

The water was clean and it was very sunny. Some wind picked up later in the paddle.

An osprey dove and caught a fish right in front of me. I managed to snag a couple of shots of it flying away to eat its lunch.

 Lots of evidence of beaver activity but no sign of them out and about.

There were lots of birds, though. I spotted this heron fishing.

And then there were lots of loons, mergansers, mallards, geese, and a couple of other I couldn't see well enough to identify. No eagles today but there were snow geese flying over.

A lovely paddle and hats off to the dad in the inflatable dingy paddling his kid back to shore in one of the stiffest breezes I've ever paddled in. That guy did an amazing job of grinding up wind!

Muir Lake

I was out at Muir Lake in early September for a quick paddle one day. The fall doldrums had set in with not much happening. I did have an eagle orbit above for most of the paddle, though!

There were also dramatic early autumn skies as the Sun is starting to drop a lower. Only a few folks on the lake fishing or paddling.

The lake was still pretty clean and much better than North Lake and Little Mere and Chickakoo, which had some pretty big patches of algae along the shores.

Looks like there is a resident beaver. The water level was also up, but I don't think those are connected because I don't think there is an outlet for Muir.

After an hour on the lake, I packed up and detoured west to try to find access to Mere Lake, but was unsuccessful (the banks are way steeper tan google maps suggested!).

Overall, a lovely paddle that is closer to home. This was also paddle 41 for me this year and I'm keen to try to hit 50 before the snow flies.

Muir Lake

We've been paddling on the Sturgeon while we've waited (and waited) for the ice to come off the lakes. We snuck out to Muir Lake on Tuesday night after dinner.

The birds were incredibly active, pairing up and nesting on the island. We saw a huge number of loons plus what I think was an Osprey overhead carrying a fish.

There were a few folks out finishing but we mostly had the lake to ourself.

It was a bit cool as the sun started to set but very happy to be back on the water.

I'm hopeful the weather will cooperate and I can get out to Johnny's Lake next.

Muir Lake

In early October, my wife and I rushed out to Muir Lake after work to see the leaves before we lost the light. The lake was very quiet on a week night.

The leaves were lovely and the wind, while periodically gusty and changing directions, wasn't anything to worry about.

We ran into a moose eating on the trees on the island! You can see her on the left in the photo below. 
 

She stayed behind a screen of willow and we kept out distance so we only have grainy, zoom shots. She was very tall!

The lake was a very nice paddle and we took two laps before the cold and the dark started to drive us in.

My wife said its as likely the last paddle for her. I was, however,  keen to keep going until freeze up. This was my 40th paddle of the year. I'm hoping to get to Johnny's Lake before freeze up.

Muir Lake

 I had the chance to get out on Muir Lake last week, just north of Spruce Grove.

The lake opened for fishing on May 1 and was reasonably busy when I was there. Still good access from the boat launch.

It was an unsettled day when I was out (sun and cloud) but the lake was pretty calm.

There was lots of birds (loons, geese, ducks, grebes, coots) pairing off. 

I also saw an Osprey fishing (more successfully than the guys in the 12 boats that were on the water).

Overall, a very nice, short paddle for early in the year. I see Devil's Lake is nearby and I might try that next time I'm out this way.