Moonlight Bay, Lake Wabamun

In mid-May, we decided to try paddling with the dog so headed out to Lake Wabamun. There are no dogs on the beach or in the designated swimming area in the provincial park so we went off the boat launch. Water levels were way down this year (like 18 inches!) so the cement was exposed and we launched off the sandy bottom.

Wabamun is nice because, in addition to two launch ramps, there are docks, boat rentals, good washroom and picnic facilities, plus a nice beach. Early morning, mid-week early in the year also meant things were deserted when we got there.

After some initial skittishness, the dog got up and comfortable on the paddle board and off we went. We'd done some dry-land training in the basement along the lines of paddle board = treats and that seemed to have paid off.

We fiddled around in the shallows by the beach for a bit, with some on and off and then stopped for lunch.

After lunch, we tried again with a lot more success. The bay was pretty calm and small (another reason we decided to start here).

Eventually, I paddled south to the railway bridge and back while my wife did some solo paddling with the dog.

I wouldn't take the dog every time, but nice to know it is doable. Next time, we'll maybe try standing on the SUP and see how that goes.

Soldan Lake

In early May, we took a quick trip out to Soldan Lake, just north and slightly west of Stony Plain. Soldan is a pretty small lake (easily two laps in an hour) and is reasonably sheltered, making it a good option on a windy day or when the evenings are short.

The best access for hard-sided boats is on the SW corner of the lake just off Bridgewater Drive. It is just a short (10m) haul down a shallow slope and then you can slid in through the reeds. Parking is about 40m to the west (a small pull out that you will pass on your way in).

If you have an inflatable, you might be better off to park and walk up the ATV trail. It starts by the hood of my truck in the photo above and meanders maybe 40m to come out at the dock in the picture below (which you can also see in the distance in the very first photo). I didn't walk up this time but I recall the footing, especially by the dock, to be a bit uneven.

Once you are on the water, you can follow the shoreline around. It is mostly reeds with aspen in behind them. There are a few cabins but there is no other place to get out.

The lake is super quiet and too small for powered boats. There were a goodly number of birds here in May, including grebes, loons, ducks, geese, red-winged blackbirds, and a grackle.

The water was quite clear in early May and was probably okay for SUPs. There does not appear to be an inflow or outflow so it will likely get nastier as the summer goes on.

Oddly, we found two arrows hidden in the weeds by the public dock (one of the weirder finds over the years).

Wakomao Lake

In very early May, we drove up to Wakomao Lake, just east of Clyde. Access to the south end of the lake can be gained off Highway 18, about 20m to the west of the bridge and Whissell's Castle (you'll know it when you see it...). Parking is DIY. I parked on the south ditch and carried across the road; you can also drop down the steeper slope on the north ditch and park right beside the lake.

The entry is fairly obvious when you get there (follow the tire tracks towards the big bush). There is a nice enough grassy entry. In the past, I've been here with lower water and there is a lip of sand to launch from.

Whissell's Castle (below) is interesting to get a look at (built for bird watching) and you can duck under the highway and paddle down the creek. We went north up the east side of the lake.

Below is pretty representative of the shore. It is a mix of fields and trees, with a mix of reeds and grassy mud at the shoreline. There were a tonne of birds! No deer on this trip, though.

There are a number of islands. The largest island apparently has a camp and perhaps a hammock on it.

 

We paddled about three and a half kms up the lake and, as we were turning around, spotted two eagles and a nest on the east shore.

We then turned around and came back down the centre of the lake to take advantage of the wind.

God, it was hot!

As we approached the south shore, we saw a swam. It honked at us for awhile and then took off in front of us.

All told, a nice enough paddle. We did about 6km in 90 minutes. I suspect the lake is likely 10-12km if you did the whole thing. The water was pretty iced tea coloured easy in the season. This is not bad introductory spot if you want some easy experiencing DIYing parking and entry.