We arrived at Hosmer Lake early on a chilly cloudy morning. We were here to meet a Naturalist from the Forest Service who would guide us on a kayak tour.
They surprised us by arriving by water in their green canoe. It was just Birdie and me and the folks in the red canoe, a nice small group.
This lake is popular because of its barbless hook catch and release fly fishing. The fisherman were already out there.
As we progressed we began to see patches of blue sky.
More fly fishermen and women.
These floating leaves were attached to long stems that extended to the bottom of the lake.
There is a marshy passage from one part of the lake to another.
The CCC built a dam over there. Then they stocked the lake with Atlantic Salmon. We will land here and take a walk.
Water that spills over the dam drains away into crevices in the lava.
The Ranger will also check on these campers and make sure they are not starting campfires.
Campfires are not allowed because of all the dead trees down.
He was nice about it and just warned them. He didn't even look under the tarp that was probably covering firewood.
He told about the dam breaking and the salmon disappearing down through the lava.
The dam has been rebuilt and the lake restocked with a different type of salmon.
Birdie coming down off the lava pile.
Back on the water.
We can begin to see the base of Mt. Bachelor, a ski resort mountain.
A local fisherman stops to talk to the Naturalist.
On a clear day we are told this is a beautiful view of South Sister Mt. reflected in the lake and wildflowers blooming in the meadow ahead. Not a clear day today.
But you can see the top of South Sister through the hole in the cloud!
It is shallow here and the water is very clear.
The guide says most anglers fish the other end of the lake, but local fishermen know the fish line up along that dark line under the water. They drop their flies over that.
Local fishermen with local knowledge, and now you know too.
Eagle nest, apparently unoccupied.
Canada Geese
Those kayakers are going to follow the creek upstream to a waterfall.
Our guides left us to find our own way back as they had work to do at this end of the lake.
It wasn't hard, and the sun was coming out more.
Bufflehead.
Night hawks
This kayak is full of wet dog, haha.
Back by the fly fishermen.
And the Ring-necked ducks,
And the shroud has lifted from Mt. Bachelor.
Back to the boat ramp.
In the afternoon we hiked the trail at Sparks Lake...next post.
Looks like you had a great paddle. Too bad you didn't get more sun but the pictures were still great. Hard to believe you have to bundle up when we are so warm here.
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