It has been a slow and uneven start to spring here in Marquette. Some days the ice has blocked access to the lake, at other times the air temperatures have been too cold. After 10 days of this, the past several days have been just right. Well mostly right.
One of the Presque Isle Rocks on a glassy day
Friday and saturday, I was able to do runs out from the Presque Isle Marina up and around the Presque Isle rocks. Friday was glass calm as can be seen in the photo. Saturday had some winds and waves on the lake.
Worked on sustained speed and ended up within 5 minutes both days of my target. Happy given the elapsed time from the previous paddles. Also worked on paddling a range line in the mild conditions on saturday.
Today added a different challenge. The temperatures once again dropped into
The mouth of the Chocolay River
the low 30s and the wind was expected to be gusty. Both of those add up to avoiding the big lake but the good news is the Chocolay River has opened up. It is sheltered offering protection from the wind and as a bonus, this time of year it has a bit of current on it. An area by the mouth had currents at 3-4 mph. Enough to play with ferrying, eddying out and then the forward stroke grind of paddling against it. After 30 minutes of looping around and paddling against the current, could feel the power increase as the technique improved on my forward stroke.
This time of year the training goal is to reinvigorate rusty skills and be ready for the first instructor workshops that are rapidly approaching. The weather is what it will be. But the rusty skill of adapting to what the weather allows is being reinvigorated as well.
Sam