Kayak Paddle Trip - Lamoka Lake (Finger Lake area)

Lamoka Lake, near Tyrone NY (95 degrees, hazy, hot & humid)

We finally were able to get our Sea Eagle 370 kayak out for a nice paddle today.  Since it was our first trip in awhile we choose a small lake for our first excursion.  Lamoka Lake is about 30 minutes from Watkins Glen and is connected to Waneta Lake by a small channel

We bought the Sea Eagle just before we became full timers.  In the past we owned a canoe and still prefer one.  However, the convenience of an inflatable kayak makes this the best option now.  John quickly inflated it with the foot pump. 

We carried it over to the boat launch which is very nice.  Parking is available on either side of County Road 23 and  you can paddle either Lamoka or Waneta Lake. 

Concrete boat launch

This is the culvert under CR 23 which connects the two lakes. 

I purchased a great paddling book from Amazon called "Take a Paddle, Finger Lakes, New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks"  by Rich and Sue Freeman.  They suggested Lamoka due to it being prettier and a nice mixture of wild and developed shores.  We agree!

Our kayak was ready to go. We loaded up our cooler, canoe safe (stores keys, wallet, camera), and set off down the channel. 

It sure was nice to be out on the water.  There were lots of birds and a nice breeze.  The weather has suddenly turned very hot and humid but being on the water was very nice. 

The channel suddenly opens up into a pretty lake. There were a few speed boats zooming around but for the most part it was very peaceful.  

A few cottages dotted along the shore but for the most part the shore was very wooded or marshy.  

There is a small island with a rope swing in the middle called Red Bank where many of the locals play and swim. 

It was a nice paddle and wonderful to be out on the water.  Afterward we drove to Hammondsport and had a appetizer and cocktail at our favorite restaurant, the Village Tavern.  It was a very enjoyable day off.