Paddle from Campsite Rd

Sunday, July 10 was a little breezy and slightly overcast day. The winds were from the west, so it was a perfect day to check out the new boat launch on the west side of Lac La Biche. With a lake this big and with 11 boat launches; there is sure to be a good canoeing spot!

We stopped by Old Trail launch to conduct our biweekly water tests for Lake Blitz, Living Lakes Canada.

Data Collection at Old Trail on Mission Road
- Air temperature 25`C under overcast sky.
- Water temperature in 1m of water 18` C.
- Pictures:  water color (description foggy green), pictures down the right & left shore and across the lake. 
- Note any invasive plant species; stinging nettle is very prominent across the entire shoreline.  The water level is down considerably compared to last year, there are a lot of stinging nettles growing on the beach. This is all on areas that would normally have been under water.
- Note any animals or birds; none.

Testing done and photos uploaded meant we could paddle-paddle. 🛶😊

We travelled down Campsite Road from the south, from Plamondon.   Glad we took Stacey’s truck; as that is one BUMPY road. With all the campers, lake people and local traffic on this road, you would think LLB County would invest in improving this stretch of road.  The asphalt is in quite poor condition. ⚠️

Travelling at a slow speed, rubbernecking; checking out all the lakefront properties.  There are some really nice developments along this stretch.

Good thing we were travelling under the speed limit, or we would have missed the entrance.  Not a boat launch sign to be seen coming from north or south. ❓🙄

The site itself is fenced and gravelled entirely.  There is a bit of rip rap near the lake to prevent erosion.  Besides the two garbage bins, the fence, and the concrete parking bumpers, there was not much else to this launch.  The grade is quite steep down to the lake; so make sure your brakes are in good condition. Maybe a sign indicating the steep slope would be beneficial. 🤔⚠️

Once on the lake, we headed north, following the shore. With the breeze coming from the west, it created some smaller waves; gently rocking us back and forth.

We paddled past the Whitesand’s Campground and spotted a bald eagle just north of the campsite.  Bald eagle 2 trips, back to back! Score! Jen was in super stealth mode; paddling almost driplessly.  No noise and a steady ride makes for some sweet pictures.  Stacey had her trusty camera out; that bird was definitely posing for us…or deciding which one to swoop down at. 😬

We headed far enough north that the waves were getting stronger, we decided to turn back. By the campsite, there were a few other fellow paddlers.  Two were brave enough to bring their larger dogs with them in kayaks.  Not sure if that is something I would do, but we used to bring a certain fish crazy cocker spaniel with us when we first started our paddling adventures.

It was a lazy, paddle on enjoyably calm water down the west shore, where we stopped on a nice sandy beach.  There is a small creek feeding into the lake here.  In the spring there must be a substantial amount of runoff through here as there is a bit of erosion evident.

The beach and shore had a variety of flowering plants.  It was very lovely.

And then we found the wild mint! I could smell it before I saw it.  The deep green leaves with the burgundy viens. We picked our rocks, took our pictures.

Time to head back.

Uneventful, the best type of padding and our favourite; that was today.  Makes for challenging journaling, but still preferable.

Where to next trip?? Square Lake? Elinor Lake? Can’t wait!