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| Heading Across Lake Walcott |
For years I have wanted to sail in the state of Idaho. There are so many good spots but I never really took the time. Well this weekend I did just that. I attend a medieval combat event that up to this year will have been held at
Lake Walcott State Park. I've threatened to bring a sailboat for years and this year I did.
We loaded up Thursday morning along with my squire and his lady and headed south. Our first Idaho invasive species check went great and after an eight hour drive found ourselves at the site. I had hopped to go sailing that evening but it was too late and there was weather about. Wisely sat around the fire until it shut down discussing important issues with my peers. A wonderful time.
The next morning I rose early to help with arrow check but there was no arrow check so it was sailing time. The Lady and I moved the boat the launch ramp and that is when the fun begin.
I noticed there was a suspiciously clean white Ford Expedition following us. As I stepped out I noticed the gentleman driving had a radio on his lapel. Seems the
Minidoka County Sheriffs Office wanted to chat.
"What is that?" where the first words out of the deputies mouth. I explained it was a sailboat and he expressed astonishment. Seems they are rare for this stretch of water. I am pleased to say we passed the Idaho boat safety inspection with flying colors. And this was all before I hit the water. After issuing me my sticker the deputy was off to respond to a 104 year old who was in need of assistance.
Launch was easy and the lake calm. Seabirds were everywhere, this being a National Wildlife Reserve. The Pelicans were great fun.
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| Heading out to sea |
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| That's an American Pelican |
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| Wonderful lake shot |
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| Obligatory sail shot |
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| Our event site from the water |
Sailing was good. The winds were light and the boat moved easily. She never failed to tack but her fall off when tacking is considerable. That will make racing interesting for sure. The cockpit never ceases to amaze me without comfortable it makes the act of sailing. Yes this will flip flop back and forth on weather I'm just sailing or managing two people, high winds and a medium size dog. But for the act of sailing the cockpit is very nice.
I made my way west and found a most amazing little cove just outside of the campsite. There was an excellent wind block and a small fishing dock with no No Docking signs. A true smugglers cove. After a few close passes I made my way to the dock and tied up. The view of
Kat Boat on the dock was one of mystery and intrigue.
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| Honest Merchant Quay |
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| From the hard you'd almost never know |
Safely ashore I decided it was time for the promised sailboat rides. A few of my promised riders were laid up with ailments of one kind or another. But Sven the Scalawag, the Honest Merchant himself was able to come along. We returned to the boat and sailing and sea shanties commenced.
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| Are we on the high seas, are we sailing, are we fishing? |
Once I deposited the Honest Merchant back on the dock I managed to entice The Lady out for a sail. We saw many pelicans and enjoyed a nice relaxing sail.
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| The Lady at the helm |
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| Second thought clouds |
As we headed back I was thinking I would stay on the water another four hours. Then I noticed the speed of the clouds overhead and thought otherwise. The weather the day before and the timing were a coincidence that I felt I could not ignore. I dropped The Lady off so she could grab the truck and tacked east in a gathering wind. The clouds that were threatening all day were here. As I approached the dock it seems my little voice was right. Fisherman were coming in from all over the lake. Walcott has a great dock set up for sailboats. After an impressing, I thought, bit of seamanship I made land and hauled out.
And that was it. About six hours of excellent sailing followed by a wonderful event. Should be on the water agin in the next few weeks.
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| Kat and Kat Boat |
