Canoeing with Kennedy

Demumbers Bay

 So my husband and I decided it was time to take our dog, Jack Russell Terrier/Dachshund mix, Kennedy, canoeing with us. We chose our bay on Lake Barkley, Demumbers, loaded up our gear and headed off.

 Kennedy is always on leash outdoors, as he a hyper breed, easily distracted, and a natural tracker, then add to that he's fast as greased lighting. I simply hooked the leash to a nearby tree and we unloaded our gear, my last task was fitting Kennedy in his life jacket. No problem, things are moving smooth. We had chosen to put in opposite of the ramp and back country camping area, we tend to get out early and didn't want to disturb anyone camping. 

 A chill hung in the early morning air, cool temps had moved in giving respite from the usual Summer heat and humidity. A light fog rose off the water as it was so much warmer than the ambient air. Combined it created great weather to get outdoors and dramatic scenery.

 I picked up Kennedy and got myself seated in the bow with him on my lap, although not fond of water, Kennedy was being very well behaved. My husband took his seat at the stern and I breathed a little sigh of relief as we managed not to tip over during the boarding.

My husband reached back with his oar to push off the bank and with the new center of gravity he leaned just a little to far. The Old Town rocked hard to the left, then again back to the right, I continued to lean right but she rolled again to the left. I watched as the water flowed over the rail, into the bow, and our little family tumbled into the warm waters of Lake Barkley.

 I immediately checked on Kennedy, he was fine, life jacket doing it's job, as he paddled his way back toward the canoe. My husband was also okay, and had managed not to get as wet as I had.  I landed on my knees, the bottom being nice and rocky, I paid no mind. I made my way toward the canoe and the dry bag with my cellphone in it. My husband had forgot to put his phone in a dry bag and left it clipped to his belt. We gathered our gear that had floated out of the canoe then drug it and ourselves back to shore, Kennedy right there with us. 

We immediately began drying off our phones and other items as steam rose from our bodies. Kennedy shook himself off and I could tell he was questioning this whole adventure by this point as were we. Water dripping from our clothes i began to wring myself out when I  noticed my knees were bleeding. Nothing more than a few scrapes and scratches from the rocky bottom.

We debated our next move but my resolve to get back on horse so to say, had us all loading back up in the canoe. Kennedy was a little hesitant but offered no resistance when re boarding. This time we were successful and we paddled away from the shore. We usually stay within 20 yards of shore unless crossing a bay which we weren't ready to try yet with Kennedy.

Kennedy took in all the new sights and sounds as we paddled, huddled close in my lap. I began to feel the chill of the air and was grateful for his warmth. I set him down in the bottom of the bow, his back feet straddling the "v", his front perched upon the rail. He's not very sure footed, like his mom, and with his short stature he struggled so back in my lap he went. I have to say I hadn't realized the depth of the Old Town Sarnac's interior until that trip. 

 We made our way along the shore taking in the beauty and sounds of nature for a while before pulling up on the back shore of the bay to stretch and let Kennedy conduct matters of his own nature.  Standing on shore, still wringing water from my short and shirt, I felt the chill even more. The water had been bathtub warm but the cool air quickly whisked away all traces of any warmth. 

 My husband finished walking Kennedy around and we decided to call it at trip. I wasn't the only one feeling the chill. We once again set off successfully and made our way back to the truck with Kennedy again riding in my lap.  

 After loading the gear, canoe, and dog back up we headed down the worn mostly dirt road back to a gravel road, while my husband drained water from his phone blasting heat from the vents. The only thing that had saved my phone was the dry bag, although some water did get in it was very minimal, so other than my phone the only thing that was dried out was the dog. 

Once home we took the back off the phone and put it in a bowl of rice. I then immediately jumped in the shower washing off all the pieces of decomposed leaves, which was a lot and took some time with my thick head of hair. Everyone, even Kennedy, had his turn in the bath.

Turns out my husbands phone was not ruined and he is still using it. Lesson learned, dry boxes have been purchased and were used on our very next trip which just so happen to be the very same bay.

New dry box!

 Never allow yourself to become complacent and have safe adventures!

Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley

Taylor Bay

Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley

Spring has finally sprung in Kentucky and I wasted no time on our first day above 60°. The bay had been chosen over the Winter, the gear prepped the night before, and dawn finally broke on canoe day. 

As the sun crested over the horizon I could see a patchy fog hung in the air, the temperature had dropped overnight to 40°, and I was still eager to set out.

We layered up on clothing so as the day warmed we could shed layers as needed. Once loaded I wheeled the truck to Land Between the Lakes and down past the Nature Station, and to Taylor Bay. 

Fog rises off Lake Barkley, Taylor Bay.

A chill hung in the morning air but there wasn't a cloud, a single RV was parked at the back country campground, it's generator humming, and the fog hung about the surface of the water. We unloaded the gear and canoe, then portaged the canoe to the water's edge. Once situated I climbed in the bow, my feet stinging in the cold water, and got seated. My husband took his seat in the stern and we set off. 

The views of the morning sun mixed with the rising fog were breathtaking. 

View in Taylor Bay

My feet bordered on numbness but I said nothing as we paddled out into the bay. We tried to paddle to the back of the bay, towards Taylor Creek, but despite the rainfall the water level remained low, thanks to TVA and Barkley Dam. Paddling across the bay to the far side, we began working our way toward a couple islands at the mouth. It was a good warm up and Mother Nature continued to awe us with here beauty in the early morning hours.

The Sun peers over the trees

View from the bow

Video Canoeing Lake Barkley

After leisurely paddling to the island we disembarked to stretch and explore. The ground was fairly rocky but it was a false sense of security as you soon began sinking into the muddy earth. Luckily it was firm enough and not soupy so exploring was still possible. While wandering we heard a barge blowing it's horn every now and again, it made us curious as to the reason. 

Island view looking toward Cumberland River or Lake Barkley

We wandered about and took a few photos before shoving off again. Paddling past the island and toward the adjoining bay of Jake's Fork I found the reason for the barge's horn. A fog bank hung out over the lake, river channel, and other islands.

Fog bank on Lake Barkley

Shore and fog bank from the bow

My husband noted a large bird with White tail feathers to our right and one look told me it was an American Bald Eagle. I watched as it swooped down to the water, snagged a small fish, and then flew toward the neighboring tree line. 

Paddling on we made our way to the far side of Jake's Fork Bay and spotted our Eagle friend again, perched high a top a tree branch, watching the lake for his next meal. Not far down the shore, into the bay, we spotted his nest off some yards into the woods. We took a moment to marvel at the creation and then paddled on into the bay further. 

A loud pair of geese voiced their disapproval of our visit and flew past above our heads, honking the whole way. My husband now spots a Doe in the woods on the ridge line and we watched her silently as we paddled to the back to the bay till the water became to shallow to continue much further. 

Guiding the canoe to the bank we again disembarked to stretch, explore and grab a bite. It had warmed to the mid 50's and we began removing layers. Setting up our picnic we noticed the Doe behind us in the woods, still following the ridge line. She paused to watch us and us her between prepping our food. No alarm was raised, the doe quietly watched us before finally continuing on her way. 

I stood eating a sandwich and wishing I could feel my feet, now completely numb from the cold water. Another boat entered the bay and trolled halfway back before setting a jug line. Brunch in our bellies now we set out again paddling to deeper water then cutting across the bay. As I photographed the Sun and sky to my right my husband spied a Beaver approaching. I quickly switched to video and recorded the swim by. 

Watch video here

We made the final push back to the boat ramp and our trusty Black Chevy. Our arms were feeling the burn from paddling so much but every bit was worth it! 

Happy Paddling & Hiking

Land Between The Lakes Kentucky

Sunset on Kentucky Lake

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area

You're gonna here me talk a lot about Land Between the Lakes, it's beautiful and minutes from my home. I couldn't count the outings I've had in this land peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Over 170,000 acres, 300 miles of shoreline, 500 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horse back riding,  and off-roading. A lot to explore! 

Two of many creeks in the area

On any given weekend you can find me cruising the back roads, camping, fishing, canoeing, or hiking the National Recreation Area, known locally as LBL. 

One of the many back roads

Wildflowers abound in Spring and no matter the season so does the wildlife. See Turkey, Foxes, two different Deer species, Eagles, and even take a cruise through the Elk & Bison Prairie.

LBL Wildlife

There are many camping areas from modern pay use to back country, that's my style! Just don't expect to find cabin

restaurants, or lodges. Facilities are basic outside the Woodlands Nature Station, Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Planetarium, or the Welcome Stations located the the North and South entrances. Modern amenities can be found in the numerous towns, resorts, and lodges surrounding LBL.

Many roads lead straight to the water.
One of several streams cross the back roads.

I remember one occasion where we were cruising the back roads with friends in two separate Jeep Cherokees when one began having alternator troubles causing the battery to die. We ended up swapping the batteries back and forth, using the Jeep with the good alternator to recharge the batteries. No one wants to leave a vehicle behind and/or complete repairs in the middle of no where.

There are also a lot of places there is no cell phone reception either. This me of another story. My husband and I were cruising the back roads and came upon a camouflage truck parked off the side of the road. We thought nothing of it, till we came back out the same road and saw a man in camo with a gun and dog. Okay, a hunter, we thought. He was in the middle of the road though and clearly trying to get us to stop. Once stopped, my husband rolled down his window and the man wanted to use a cell phone but neither of us had any reception. He told us he had lost his keys in the woods while hunting and had no spare. This strange man then wanted to ride with us in our regular cab truck with his dog and gun. Needless to say we weren't comfortable with that but didn't want to leave him stranded. Oddly he inquired hold cold it was supposed to get that night, which we advised into the 30's. We offered to call someone for him once we had a signal, he gave us the name of a friend, Edgar, and his number. He advised us to call Edgar, tell him where he, Moe, was and his situation. Edgar was supposed to have a spare key to his truck. We bid Moe farewell and assured him we would call Edgar. Once back toward the Trace, the main highway through LBL, we called Edgar but got his voicemail. My husband left a message detailing Moe's situation and location.

We arrived home and worried More would be left in LBL and thought my husband would have to return for him. Edgar finally called back and asked for more details. When advised of the situation Edgar told my husband he had bought Moe a GPS because he had gotten lost for several days in LBL before, but guessed that didn't help him find his keys. My husband made sure Edgar would be able to locate Moe and wished him luck.

There are a lot of lessons in both tales and I can't help but find some humor also. I will leave you to take what you want from them, and hope you get to explore this beautiful area!


Happy Hiking!