Loon Lake #1 June 2015

Loon Lake Sunset

Our first campout this year at Loon Lake, and due to the drought  we found it to be at the 50% level.  Highly unusual since this lake, on opening day is usually full to the tree line.  Apparently the powers that be decided to dump half of it into Union Valley Reservoir.   Not sure why.  Also, this time I tried a bigger, more private site at the end of the campground, #28.  It was terrific.

This time Atticus joined Kate and I, our grandson, for the first couple days.  We played Qwerke (Atticus was amazing!) and Chicken Foot, swam, went kayaking, fished, looked for bones, climbed rocks and did lots of hiking.  I think he had a great time, I know I really enjoyed having him along.  When he left on Sunday morning with Kate and Biggs, Ben was quite sad, until he hit the water, then all sense of loss was gone.  Ben did a whole lot of swimming this time but never tired of it.  He absolutely LOVES the water.

Weather was really hot.  Got up to 95 in the Rv, 87 in the shade.  So we had to run the AC one night for half an hour just to cool it down.  Also lots of bugs.  Kate and I went home with too many itchy red spots.  I think Atticus didnt get as bit.   I hope not.

I didn’t do great in the fishing department but did catch two nice trout while kayak trolling in the morning.  I did “catch & release” to Kate’s dismay.  It rained on Sunday after they left, and I then found holes in this 30 year old RV awning, which I quickly patched with good ole’ duck tape.  Worked good enough.  I’ll probably have to replace it after the season is over.  Only other event was I found a frog on the kitchen counter one morning and had a mouse (or chipmonk) visit in the night and tear up the toilet paper in the commode.  I’m going back again in a week and I surely hope there are less bugs this time.  Also will bring a bigger fan.  The rocks and boulders were quite challenging getting that heavy kayak down to the water but I did finally find a path thru the woods that was relatively smooth for the wheels.  Rather out of the way but at least doable.

Author: Geoff

Quick rundown: Grew up in Lombard, Illinois, went to Arizona State University, worked as a CPA with Arthur Andersen & Co, then Laventhal and Horwath, then Rolling Stones, then Heron International, then Goodby Berlin and Silverstein in San Francisco. Moved to the foothills in 1990 and traded futures and designed websites. Married to Kate Stewart, now living in Colfax, CA. We have six grandchildren. I enjoy camping in our RV, hiking, kayaking, fishing, droning and cross country skiing Also conga drumming, photography and dogs.

6 thoughts on “Loon Lake #1 June 2015”

  1. Bro Geoff
    Wonderful narrative story of your weekend, felt like I was with you guys.
    Excellent portfolio of photos covering the weekend. Who made decision to
    drain 50% of lake into the Union Valley Reservoir? What is Union Valley
    used for — agriculture?
    Thanks for terrific package covering trip.

    1. Union Valley is just another recreational lake in the chain. I really dont know who or why the decision was made. actually when Loon is low its fun to beach comb. so many rocks and boulders are exposed that you dont even see when its full. Kate prefers it full however.

  2. Nice photo’s of what looks like a great time for all. I’m sure Atticus had lots of fun with you two and the two four leggeds. Nice to see Ben getting to swim as much as he wanted. Beautiful sunsets. Looks like Biggs likes boating. I tehink the fish were happy to go back into the water. So good buddy, are you living your dream?

    Happy Trails,

    Caroline

  3. Did Atticus have his own fishing pole? The photos as usual are great. The sky and cloud shots
    are beautiful, and it looks like Atticus was having a great time. Ben sure loves the water, and
    Biggs might have put his toes in the water, but I think he was hot wearing his life jacket.
    Kate was a bug target, it was wonderful that she was there and had the pleasure of enjoying
    Atticus in that camp setting. It looks like a good time was had by all. I’m sure this will be among
    the more memorable times Atticus will recall.

    Love, Mom

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