Kayak Minnesota

Temperature:  66 degrees, storms, overcast Shoreline:  Houses, marshy bay, part of Cannon Lake Time:  2 hour paddle for 2 of the 3 bays Nearest Town:   Fairbault, MN Lake Size:   ____ Acres, maximum depth of __ ft. Lake Access:   good beach access,  Pavilion  with picnic tables Bathroom:  Satellite Parking:  At launch site We drove South on I35 as storms hit every few minutes. Tons of rain and wind.  When we arrived at Clinton Falls Farms (John and Lowell's farm)it hadn't rained there. We were going to kayak on the Straight River, which runs along the West side of the farm. There were extreme flood warnings, that caboshed that idea.  John and Lowell thought we'd be able to avoid the storms that were still coming by trying Cannon Lake, just on West of Fairbault.   Lowell, John, Debbie, Todd We drove to the park by the lake. Definitely storms clouds coming NW, but looked like it would miss us. ...

Temperature:  68 degrees, sunny, some clouds, light Shoreline:  Houses Time:  2 hour paddle for 2 of the 3 bays Nearest Town:   Eden Praire Lake Size:   ____ Acres, maximum depth of __ ft. Lake Access:   Miller Park, concrete, good access Bathroom:  Satellite within walking distance Parking:  At launch site Mitchell Lake is behind Miller Park and Dunn Brothers.  It's just two miles South of Todd's.  It has a good launch. There a multiple fingers of bays.  Mostly calm water that afternoon.  Pontoons with 9.9 motors. Can't water ski. Nice for us  kayakers.!! Best features are: it's close, no skiers, bays are fun. Concert Launch

Temperature:  75 degrees, sunny Shoreline:  Few houses, couple of farms around the lake Time:  3 hour paddle for 2 of the 3 bays Nearest Town:   St. Bonifacius Lake Size:   ____ Acres, maximum depth of __ ft. Lake Access:   West side, went through marsh tunnel to Mud Lake Bathroom:  Satellite, icky Parking:  At launch site Launch Gorgeous 3 hour paddle.  Drove by Parley Lake Winery - highly recommend!! It's North/East of the winery, down a dirt/gravel road.  The public launch isn't easy to find.    There is a decent concrete launch and dock. Pulled the kayaks off the truck.  That took about 2 minutes.  Loaded the gear and lunch in the kayaks.  You know your at Parley!! Paddled past the Crown College beach and watched a dad teaching his kids how to fish.  We a te a picnic lunch, on the lake, off the beach.  Came to a marshy area.  Lots of tunnels throug...

May 29, 2011 Carson Bay, Lake Minnetonka , good launch Temperature:  62 degrees, cloudy, sprinkles  Shoreline:  Mansions all around the bay, accept when you paddle under bridge to a smaller bay - marshy Time:  2 1/2 hour paddle Nearest Town:   Deephaven Lake Size:   ___ Acres, maximum depth of __ ft. Lake Access:    Bathroom:  None Parking:  Drop of kayaks, and walk for 1/2 mile There were only a few boats on the bay. It was coolish and the rain sprinkled on and off.  Some people were out working on boats, yards, and docks.  A few people fishing. A very inviting beach called No Como Beach.  There is a satellite on the beach, but only people who live in Deephaven can use it. :) We cruised around looking at mansions and sailboats.  Lots of wooden boats.  Went under a bridge and into a small marshy area.  Only a boat or two. Nice paddle.  Todd wants to get...

May 28, 2011 Lotus Lake  the East bay, excellent launch Temperature:  65 degrees, windy, sunny Shoreline:  Houses all around the lake Time:  2 hour paddle for 2 of the 3 bays Nearest Town:   Chanhassen Lake Size:   247 Acres, maximum depth of 31 ft. Lake Access:   South shore of lake off State Hwy. 101, good launch Bathroom:  Satellite Parking:  Couple of hundred feet Paddled the East side of Lotus Lake to go around the other bay and back.  Nothing unusual, nice paddle. Now that's it's warming up, lots of people putting in docks, started to fish and boat.  Love the fact it takes us about 3 minutes to load up the kayaks and gear. 

May 1, 2011 Lotus Lake the West bay, excellent launch, parking near Temperature: 39 degrees Shoreline: Houses all around the lake Time: 2 hour paddle for 2 of the 3 bays Nearest Town:   Chanhassen Lake Size:   247 Acres, maximum depth of 31 ft. Lake Access:   South shore of lake off State Hwy. 101, good launch Bathroom: Satellite Parking:  Couple of hundred feet Brrrrr. Windy, cloudy, misty, cold, but not freezing Our first time out. Can't wait for warm weather and sunny skies. The only brave people on the lake, except for the birds. It took us about 5 minutes to load two kayaks on the pickup truck and about 3 minutes to unload at the launch. Little nervous. Totally awesome. Birds kept us company. Water was had a little rock. Hands were cold at the end of the paddle. Wore waterproof clothes, gloves and rubber boots. Great start to the beginning of many adventures. It keeps getting better. First time in a Kayak....