At the start of May I drove up to Stake Lake to paddle the lake and hike the trails.   There are a number of lakes where this can be done, like McConnell Lake, Lac le Jeune, Paul Lake, Lodgepole Lake, Logan Lake, Heffley Lake, Tunkwa Lake, and others.   Usually I paddle first since winds arise by about 11:00.    I paddle around the lake once or twice first, then I load and secure the kayak, change into hiking gear, then head out for a hike.   Winds were light as I paddled around the lake.

I chose a combination of snowshoe trails and cross country ski trails for this day.    Each time I do this, the route is different.

Although the lake was a busy spot (on a weekend), the trails were quiet.   Sandhill cranes flew overhead.    I spotted a gray jay, a hawk, a woodpecker, and I heard small birds chattering in the trees.   I plan to do the double outing (kayak and hike) quite a few times through the paddling season.