Sproat Lake Paddle - June 1, 2021

 Sproat Lake Trip Report – June 1, 2021 – Jim Swanson

At 10 a.m. 22  Paddlers headed out to explore parts of Sproat Lake. 

Getting ready to launch the kayaks

 

Our pre-trip meeting

We started out from the Boat Launch area at the Provincial Park in 17 kayaks and 2 canoes. 

 

First off, we headed in an easterly direction to view the petroglyph carvings near the eastern boundary of the park. It was amazing just how close we could get to these carvings.

 

We next paddled to the log dam near the mouth of the lake as it feeds into Sproat River. 

 

Heading west along the south shore, we viewed many beautiful homes. 

 

Many of the residences have docks with speedboats moored to them. Next we came across a fleet of houseboats which are available for rent to explore the large lake, which is over 25 km. in length and has a shoreline of 90 km. in length.

 

After stopping for a group photo near an island, we paddled back to the beach at the provincial park for lunch. 

 

While eating, we were entertained by a large number of butterflies and a woodpecker.

In the afternoon we paddled in a westerly direction along the north side of the lake.  A short distance away were the two Martin Mars water bombers which are sitting in pieces on the land at their base. 

 

We continued further west and came across many more beautiful homes and lake side resorts.

As the weather was sunny and very warm + 31 degrees C, we decided to head back to the beach at the park.

 

After loading our kayaks, some of the group enjoyed a refreshing swim in Sproat Lake.  We had a great day for the first paddle of our 2021 season!

 

Thank you to Scott, Linda, Maureen, Pat, Bruce, Lil and Cormack for contributing photos to this report.