#SundayPaddle: Crooked Lake

How lucky is one to have a gorgeous fall weekend camping, come home and go straight back out kayaking? I was super excited to check out this new location with a friend of mine. She took us to East and West Crooked Lake in Brighton. The rustic boat ramp is tucked back in the woods and you paddle out a short canal out to East Crooked Lake.

The water was still so warm though the air was chilly. This was the first time I’d bundled up under a towel on my boat!  I was glad I brought it.

The lake is lined with gorgeous homes and the water was pretty clear.

We paddled for a short time and then came upon the canal to West Crooked Lake.

I loved this old sign, deep in the reeds.

Several pontoons passed us and one in particular gave us some pretty decent waves!  We floated for a while on West Crooked Lake and then decided to paddle back and catch the sunset from the other lake.

Several sandhill cranes watched us pass. I was surprised they didn’t scatter, but I suppose they’ve become used to people on the lake.

My friend and her rock!  Unfortunately it’s popular with the birds.

Ah..  This moment was SO cool and I wanted to stay out all night. That white speck is the moon.

My camera kept defaulting to Auto Flash, but I actually like that it captured the water the way it did.

Back at the boat ramp. It REALLY got chilly and I hadn’t dressed for fall paddling (thank God for the towel). Luckily my friend had a flashlight and we took turns holding the light as we got our gear and boats loaded.  Brrrr!!!  First time I used the heat in my truck this season and my bare toes were thankful.

What a cool, local lake and a great way to end the weekend..