Inflatable Paddle Rafts!
May 8th through 10th, 1992          


The lake is thawed! Two weeks ago Lake Lucerne was covered with thick ice. Now it's filled with freezing water.


Stairs were carefully lifted into place and bare feet confirmed that the lake was cold.

When you combine a vinyl pool toy with an integrated paddle and a calmish lake you get what is best described as "floaty fun". Some assembly was required.


In short order, an Ikeaen victory was had. We were ready for the high seas.

After only a brief amount of time on the lake, the performance aspects of the new vessels became clear. A hydrodyne it ain't.
Beer on a string attached to the starboard side of the craft, kept cool by the 52 F water, provided the pause that refreshed.


Air temperatures of 80+ F were a welcome counter point to the 52 F water. If this weekend's weather continues along this path, the lake temperature will catch up in no time. All weekend there were scattered fishermen trying to add a few of the finny to their livewells. The reports we heard are that they were not biting, which is good. A fisherman's bite can be painful and even put a hole in a paddle raft. We'll be back in four weeks (when the mosquitoes start biting).

-Nemo, heading out to sea at 0.25 knotts.                                                                     Previous   Next