Sand Lake / Whalen Is Exploration (Level 1)--cancelled

Due to weather conditions, this trip is cancelled.

This trip is limited to OOPS members who are WEC, unless exempt under Activity Policy F.1.  To register, you'll need to log into your member account on the OOPS website.  

 Reminder: Registration for every trip is always conditional upon final approval by the Trip Organizer.  The TO may contact you to assess whether your equipment & skills are appropriate for the trip.

Narrative: Lewis & Clark had to make their own maps & charts. Ha! We have CalTopo & NOAA!   O.K., big deal, so neither I nor Chris M. have paddled along Whalen Island's north side to the top, stopped for lunch and waited for the tide to ebb before returning to the launch at Sand Lake Recreation Area. But, we have TECHNOLOGY! After carefully studying the local charts, contemplating satellite photos and skipping dessert to pore over tide charts it is obvious that Sunday, March 18th is a most auspicious day for a paddle. At least according to the stars.

If you would like to join us we will meet at the Sand Lake Recreation Area, Fisherman Day Use Area where there is fee parking and an unlocked toilet. Well, it wasn’t locked when no one was in it. Low tide is at 08:59 so we will meet at a civilized 10:00 or so and launch 11:00-ish when there will be enough water to float a kayak. The group will proceed north & east along Whalen Island with the flood tide. We will explore (coonskin cap optional), take pictures, practice strokes, look for animals, make notes, eat lunch, bestow Heath bars to trip organizers. The usual. This Corps of Discovery will then depart at slack around 2:20-ish or grab the ebb tide a little later for a gently enhanced ride back to the launch.

Yes, it is an adventure. But we have not returned with any less than the same number of paddlers we left with on any of my trips. Okay, big deal, so it’s only my second trip, it’s still a record of which I am proud.
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Sand Lake Recreation Area, Fishermans Launch
Take out: Sand Lake Recreation Area, Fisherman's Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: NA
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Michael Kipley
Assistant Organizer(s): Chris Mayou
Has organizer paddled here before? No
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Michael Kipley
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 45 - 55
Estimated Water Temperature: 45 - 55
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 - 5 hours
Tide times & heights: High Tide 14:22, 6.8 ft
Current information: Not Available
Hazards:  
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments:  
Location (Optional):  
Photos (optional): yes