Lake Sonoma

For the 4th of July this year we thought it would be a great idea to take a canoe camping trip up at Lake Sonoma about two hours north of us near wine country. Kevin and I were eager to test out some of the new gear bought over the the last couple months. It took a little bit to get our stuff arranged into our canoes but by late morning we were ready to start the 2 mile paddle to our campsite.

Spirits were high as we began the trip and remained so despite the heat of the blazing sun. We continued paddling...and hoped that Brian's map reading skills were good enough to help us reach our destination. 

There were a few scary moments out there on the the rough waters of that lake, but with Moria's skills in watercraft steering we soon learned to navigate our vessels effortlessly through the water.  Eventually we spotted a campsite and it was determined that it must be ours.

Upon first arriving at Quicksilver Camp dread quickly spread amongst the group. Trash lay strewn across the ground near the trash can and a sleeping pad and sleeping bag were found draped across the fire pit and picnic table. Further investigation revealed that the sleeping pad and bag were abandoned and that the squatters had likely skipped town. Luckily, Kevin had gloves and began the daunting task of picking up all of the trash left by those scoundrels. The rest of us picked up remaining litter such as cigarette butts and bottle caps and we began to feel more at ease with the place we would be camping at for two nights.

After setting up camp we were in desperate need of a swim and some shade. We once again took to our canoes in search of a small cove protected from both the sun and motorized boats. Not far from our campsite we found the perfect place to relax and swim.

Kevin and Moria enjoying an ice cold beer

Lovely repose overcame us and we enjoyed the serene sound of waves lapping onto shore and the laughter that echoed through our nestled retreat.

That splendid Saturday just so happened to be one of California's two free fishing days. Since we could fish freely, paying no heed to permits or rangers, we took to the poles aspiring for better luck than our last fishing escapade. Kevin cast his line and moments later he felt a tug that could only mean one thing. A fish had been caught. He reeled in his catch and we gaped and grinned in amazement. Could it really be that easy?

Kevin with his catch

Flabbergasted by Kevin's success, the rest of our group enthusiastically took turns casting our lines awaiting similar success. Kevin, however, remained the sole victor that afternoon.  

Just enough meat for us all to try some!

Ready for some supper!

Matches? Who needs matches? Not us. Not when our fellow traveler Brian has a magnesium fire starter and cotton balls covered in Vaseline. 

Brian and Kevin at work on the fire

A thief in the night made off with several of our bagels. We were lucky that is all he got and we had plenty of food to make it through the rest of the weekend.

Evidence from the crime scene

We made a new friend during our travels. His name is Moon Dog and he provided companionship during tough times.

Unsure if our water supply would last us through the rest of the weekend, Kevin and I headed back to the general store the next morning hoping to be back while it was still cool. As we departed the low spirits of our comrades were unwittingly conveyed to us when we heard Brian turn to Moria and whisper "they were very good friends..." We paddled hard through treacherous waters and finally the marina was in sight. We refilled our water bottles and stocked up on ice to last us the remainder of our trip.

With a full day still ahead of us we met back up with with our jubilant companions for more swimming on yet another scorching hot day. 

View from 'the island'

From the island we were able to see a secret area that we started for next. It was a quiet, peaceful cove that would have been perfect for fishing the day before. 

Brian and Moria leading the way through the sparkling waters

Back at the campsite we did our best to avoid the sun which was not always easy since our site was very exposed. 

Our location did make for an incredible sunset.

Sunset at Lake Sonoma

The next morning was quiet and tranquil and we were able to see a little wildlife.

The weekend passed much too quickly and before we knew it we were returning our canoes to the marina. We replenished supplies at Russian River Valley while making the long trip back to our homestead.

Group shot from Lake Sonoma