California’s Gem: Blue Lakes and Canine Companions
Blue Lakes in Alpine County, California, has become a cherished summer escape for me and my family. These five to six interconnected lakes offer relaxation, easy access, and a serene escape for a midweek adventure. Additionally, the area welcomes well-behaved canine companions. A perfect place to practice and perfect my new hobby of paddleboarding on my new Outdoor Master Paddleboard.
Paddleboard Progression: Hitting the Water with Dakota
Our second outing with the Outdoor Masters Paddleboard kit led my to familiar shores of Blue Lakes, this time with an ambitious goal: introducing Dakota, our energetic Labrador, to the world of paddleboarding. Our aim was to navigate Lower Blue Lake with Dakota by my side.
Early Bird Gets the (Serene) Paddle
To avoid the Saturday crowds at Blue Lakes, a popular camping and day-trip spot, we decided on an early start. Wildflowers were in full bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant hues. The surrounding peaks still held onto winter’s snow, adding to the scenic drive. However, a surprise awaited us 12 miles in on Blue Lakes highway as we approached the lake– the campgrounds and access to additional lakes were still closed for Father’s Day weekend.
Making the Most of the Unexpected
Fortunately, the Outdoor Masters Paddleboard kit came with a convenient backpack, allowing us to park and carry the board to a secluded spot on Lower Blue Lake – a perfect alternative. Today, the wind whipped across the lake, creating ripples that made me question our initial vision of a calm outing. Stories of battling strong winds came to mind, not exactly the relaxing paddle I had envisioned. Still the scenic beauty of Blue lakes with Round Top Mountain in the Northern horizon was stunning and beautiful today. So positive attitude in hand we began our process.
Inflating Aspirations (and the Board)
Camera in hand and with my trusty hiking partner by my side, I unpacked the board on a smooth granite rock at the shore. Having forgotten the electric pump at home, I resorted to the manual one. Thankfully, the dual-action pump inflated the board efficiently in under two minutes. I have to say Paddleboarding set up is not as hard as some of my friends have suggested. Maybe Outdoor Masters pumps are just better?
Dakota’s Aquatic Dilemma
Dakota, our comical Lab, adores swimming but can be quite timid and anxious in deep water. A previous kayaking experience at Caples Lake ended in a watery debacle – she couldn’t relax and ended up capsizing us both! After inflating the board, I decided to test the wind conditions solo first. Starting on my knees (a strategy that proved successful during our first outing), I paddled away from the shore.
First Steps (or Paddles) with a Canine Crewmate
Dakota, having none of it, immediately swam out to me, whining anxiously and determined to “rescue” me. She reached the board in about 20 feet of shore, giving me an opportunity to gently pull her aboard. Perhaps this was the easiest way to get her on! Now can I stay on the board?
A Nervous Navigator
Despite initial nervousness, we were finally on the water! Dakota stood on the board shaking, her emotions a mix of intrigue and apprehension. She sniffed the water cautiously, then scurried back and forth between me and the front of the board. She would come back to me just looking for approval and maybe a little assurance life was ok on the board. We were paddleboarding along the shore, brimming with promise.
A Splashy Exit
Suddenly, with a splash, Dakota decided she’d had enough. Back to shore she went, seemingly done with the whole board experience… at least until I returned. I followed her back interested to see what her intentions were. After seeing that I was staying on the board, she once again boarded. This pattern repeated itself across the small bay: a couple of minutes on the board, followed by a jump back into the water. How do people get their dogs to relax and simply lie down on the board? Maybe Dakota’s just wired differently.
After 30 minutes of on again off again action I finally left here behind to run on the shore as I stretched my legs a bit and paddled in the scenic blue shoreline. I think I have the entire Knee boarding experience down. Now how about standing up? Back at shore i tried again to do the stand up version. But quickly I lost balance and while trying to get down to stabilize, rolled off in the shallow rocks below. Wet and laughing at myself, we called that good enough for day two on the board. A success… maybe?
Lessons Learned for Future Adventures
- Deeper Dives: Starting in shallower water (knee-deep) would have prevented a rocky landing during my inevitable fall.
- Canine Comfort: Beginning with Dakota on the board while I knelt for short distances might have eased her anxiety on each trip.
- Treat Time: Rewarding Dakota with treats for staying calm on the board might be a tactic worth exploring.
Blue Lakes Beckons: A New Adventure Hub
While Dakota may not be a natural paddleboarder, Blue Lakes has solidified its place as a favorite spot. The easy access to Caples Lake, Twin Lakes, and Silver Lake on Highway 88 makes this entire corridor a future haven for exploration. Stay tuned for our next paddling adventure as we head into Yosemite National Park for the famed Tenaya Lake experience!
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