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In Helena paddling south on Hauser Lake between Black Sandy and York Bridge. The wind on the water up ahead is an indication of the 30 mph blow that lasted for about 20 minutes. I put into a quiet inlet to eat lunch and wait it out.
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Homebuilt kayak weathers storm.
by rusvandyke (Subscribe)
Posted on: Nov 17, 2008 at 10:19 AM MST
Channel: Weather
Location: Helena, Montana, Hauser Lake
What a great late Fall day to get on the water. A short paddle from Black Sandy to York Bridge and back on Hauser Lake in Helena, Montana would wet my appetite. And a brand new boat to do it in too! While enjoying the sea-worthiness of the cedar strip kayak I built for my wife, I encountered a sudden blast of heavy wind and rough water that tested my paddling abilities more than the very capable handling of the newly christened kayak. While the rough water was no issue, the high winds made paddling and progress difficult so I put into a quiet inlet to eat the lunch I had packed. I enjoy a challenge but the very high winds gave good reason to stop, relax, and reflect while eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and apple. Again, I was reminded of the unpredictability of weather and wind on Montana's small lakes and streams, where steep canyons and shear cliffs can focus and amplify the effects while hiding the impending approach. Even Charlie had not predicted this!
