First and Foremost, this was a very early morning paddle in hopes of watching the sunrise. Secondly, did you know there is an old, but still usable boat ramp at Shea Viewpoint? I had no idea! Let’s talk about the launch site first.
Shea Viewpoint is the first visual contact you make with Foster Reservoir coming from the West on Hwy 20. I’ve stopped here quite a few times to take in the beauty of the reservoir (and use the restroom). But, I had no idea there is an old boat launch here. As you enter the parking lot, you have to stay to the right to circle around. As the roadway begins to circle to the left, park straight ahead. Down the hillside is a small walkable descent to a paved area to launch your craft. The area is closed to boat traffic. However, whatever you can carry down with you, then you can launch it. I have a kayak cart and that made it so much easier.
So, back to our kayaking adventure! Someone had advertised an early morning paddle to watch the sunrise on Foster Reservoir. I’ve done a sunset paddle and jumped at the idea to do a sunrise paddle. We had to launch no later than 5:30am. That made for a very early morning. But, I was excited to watch the sunrise!
However, one small problem. It was cloudy! Yesterday, it was all sunshine, nothing but blue sky. This morning, cloudy. Ugh! But, I decided to go and see how it looked when I got there and when it got light outside because it was pitch dark when I left my house at 4:15am.
Well, when I arrived the sun was fighting it’s way through the clouds – very dramatically.
At that very moment, it was hard to tell whether we were watching the sunrise or a sunset. It was truly gorgeous. Watching the sun rise with all the cloud cover is truly spectacular. So much color!
Unfortunately for me, the group of folks that I was with didn’t seem very interested in kayaking/paddle boarding very far. They came to watch the sunrise and then go have breakfast afterwards. Well, personally, that’s just not my cup of tea. So, off I went. The best part about being out on the reservoir that early in the morning is that I didn’t have to deal with a single boat. Not one! So, I decided to take advantage of the smooth water and I kayaked from Shea Viewpoint to Lewis Creek Park and back.
I was able to capture some truly awesome pictures of the sun rising!
I was kayaking eastward across the reservoir and I was able to watch the sunrise between the clouds. I wasn’t sure I was ever going to need to put my sunglasses on, but then I sure needed to! You can see in the fourth/last picture that there is steam rising from the glassy smooth water. This is because the sun is shining upon the water’s surface and that is causing the steam. It was very cool to sit there and watch!
One of the reasons I chose to kayak to Lewis Creek Park is because I wanted to remind myself what it looks like when the reservoir is full – like now. You have to remember that during the offseason, the reservoir is normally around 15-20 ft. lower than it is right now. I kayak there during the winter as well and it’s shocking how different everything looks now compared to then.
Here is a great photo comparison showing the pedestrian bridge at Lewis Creek Park from this past winter and today. A very huge difference!!!
This is totally normal to see every winter as they release water to accommodate for rain and snowfall, but it’s still shocking to see. Today, as in summers past, I kayaked under the bridge and as far as I could go. I don’t think many people go under the bridge because there’s never any garbage or debris and that’s always a good sign that no one has been there.
It was so beautiful back there. I went as far as I could squeeze my kayak through. There were a few logs in my way, but I just pushed them out of the way with my paddle. And then, because it was so early in the morning, it was so quiet and peaceful. Only the birds were chirping and singing. It was very pleasant and relaxing! It really is beautiful. Go check it out!
As I turned around and headed back to where I started, I once again passed Milo McIver Park and this time I got closer so I cold take a picture of the swimming area. I think this is a really remarkable project that is done each year. It is put together each year and made into a permanent structure so that all swimmers are completely safe from boat traffic. No swimmers at 6:30am, but I have seen others swim laps in years prior. I’m certain the cost for this structure is very high and I am very grateful, as I’m sure all summer swimmers are as well! Go check it out!
I continued my journey along the north side of the reservoir as I wanted to go look at the condition of Gedney Creek Boat Ramp from when I first saw it this past winter time. As I continued my paddling, the scenery along the water’s edge was absolutely beautiful. The sun had finally burned through the clouds and was shining brightly. I saw some wonderful gifts of nature along the way.
I have to say that one of my favorite sights always is seeing the vegetation growing out of the tops of the tree stumps. As the first picture illustrates, they almost always have flowers of some type. We think of old dead tree stumps as just that – old and dead and useless. Well, in this case, they serve as beautiful flower vases, so to speak. They really are amazing!
I finally came upon the boat ramp and needless to say, I was disappointed.
Part II – My diatribe! It will be brief, I promise!
You can see in the picture above that half of the boat ramp is not useable by vehicles due to all of the logs, pieces of wood, and mess laying about the entire 2nd side. There is NO EXCUSE for this – AT ALL! When I used Calkins Boat Ramp last time – SAME THING! I spent 30 minutes picking up logs and wood debris and when I was finished, vehicles immediately began using that side to unload their boats. I haven’t seen the Sunnyside Boat Ramp, but I heard from several other people that it’s exactly the same way. This is a problem! This NEEDS to be fixed!
The fact is there are SO MANY logs laying everywhere in the water at Foster Reservoir. Right now, most of them are along the shore lines. However, all it takes is a big shift in wind, a lot of boat traffic, etc. to get them all moving around. It’s dangerous. They’re not only dangerous to the people who are there to use the water park, but they are dangerous to everyone’s boats, kayaks, and other watercraft.
The logs at Foster Reservoir NEED to be dealt with. I mean they need to fork out the money to hire a company to come pick up all of the logs that are floating everywhere. I’m not talking about 100 logs, the number is easily several thousand or more. If you know who should be made aware of the situation, please let me know. Let’s all let them know!
OK, I’m done. Back to kayking.
As always, every time I kayak at Foster Reservoir, I am always enthralled with the scenery. It’s so incredibly beautiful and I love being out there! Our upcoming weather is supposed to hit triple digits and normally on the water I would go, but it’s 4th of July weekend and it will be so busy. If you’re planning on kayaking at Foster Reservoir or any other place this coming weekend, please be careful! Always! And for our triple digits, don’t forget your sunscreen!
2024 – Kayak Trip #29
I so enjoyed the read, it was delightful. You log, “the sun was fighting its way through the clouds” , which beautifully describes the sun rise and perhaps the resilience needed to overcome the adversities of life. I see the sun rising in you. jo
I didn’t even think about the specific words I chose. But, you’re right! Thank you!!!