Cool quick Thanksgiving paddle on beautiful Creve Coeur Lake, St. Louis County, MO.

This trip was not my first choice for the day.  I had set out a few hours earlier to go to Horseshoe Lake, IL.   I thought it would be cool to paddle and see the St. Louis skyline on a kayak again.  Note to self: It is duck season and the lake is closed to duck hunters.  So I left there and drove up towards Alton.  I figured I would paddle the Mississippi River area on the Missouri side.  Note to self: It is duck season.....areas are closed and people are duck hunting.

So out of frustration and heading towards my house, I was debating not even getting in the water.  However, I figured that to be a self-defeating attitude, and very "counter productive" to the kayak "lifestyle" so I stopped at Creve Coeur Lake.

What an incredible paddle!  Almost the minute I hit the water, the sun came out, it warmed up a tad, and the paddle was on.  Was not my first choice.....sometimes you have to be grateful for the trip that you got :)

Paddle ON!

Mike

Creve Coeur Lake, St. Louis County, Missouri May 10th, 2011: Quick paddle/fishing trip in between rain storms and flood waters

The rain and water levels have been so incredibly bad in the Missouri/Arkansas/Ozarks area over the last couple of weeks.  Table Rock Lake hit a record high, and there has been rain more days than sun.  So, the paddling in this part of the country has been a bit "challenging".  One of the funniest post I saw on facebook was a kayak shop that sent a quick reminder out: "kayakers please note- Flood water is NOT whitewater".  I found that to be quite humorous.
I did get a chance, however, for a quick paddle and some fishing at Creve Coeur Lake in St. Louis County, Missouri in between out of town trips.  My original intention was to fish and paddle Lake Sherwood in Warren County, however, I got about 1/2 to the destination, and realized that I did not pack the paddle....hmm....  I am glad I just laughed at it, turned around,  got the paddle, and then went to Creve Coeur.  Life is too short to be angry!  Just had to laugh......

Paddle ON!

MLT

Creve Coeur Lake, St. Louis County, Missouri March 6th 2011: Path route and photos- great winter kayak trip!

Creve Coeur Lake, St. Louis County, Missouri March 6th 2011: Great late winter kayak trip! 40 degree temps- no problem!

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Creve Coeur Lake, St. Louis County, Missouri March 6th 2011: Much cooler day- makes you appreciate the spray skirt!

This was an interesting day due to the fact that Creve Coeur Lake was not my first choice.  I had originally decided to go out to Coffeen Lake in Illinois.  After crossing the river, I noticed just about every creek and river were out of their banks, and once I arrived at the lake, it was really high.  Also, due to the fact that a power plant is attached to this lake (Coffeen), there was a ton of boat traffic, high water conditions, and it really got very windy and cold.  So I decided not to go in....something did not feel right and safe with the lake.

On my way back home, I was wondering if I had made a right decision.  Will this cause me to buy a mini van? possibly start drinking prune juice?  Will I start taking Lipitor now?  I was really getting down on myself for not jumping in.  Had I turned into a paddy boy?  Then, as if by divine providence, the sun came out as I crossed the Mississippi River. "Hey, how about Creve Coeur Lake?" a voice in my head bellowed to me.....and I answered "Why Not?".  The rest of the story is in the film.....enjoy!

Paddle ON!

MLT