[Journal Entry for April 30, 2011; Lake Welch] I drove up to the Harriman Park Office where, for $45, I purchased a boat permit and gate key. My route took me past Lake Welch, whose blue surface beckoned invitingly in the afternoon sun. So on the way back, I stopped for a short paddle. I put in at the public launch, which is off Route 106, near the Johnsonstown Road intersection, using my new gate key at its entrance. This launch is well-suited for kayaks, for the gravel ramp extends into the water at a very shallow angle, making entering and exiting the boat easy. The vegetation around the launch, and around the lakeshore in general, was showing signs of springs. Most trees had some new leaves, and several were covered with white blossoms. A bed of Mayapples were sprouting near the road and a forsythia - a remanent of an old homestead, I guess - was in bloom.

The launch is at the northwest corner of the lake, on what migth be called its northern shore. I'm using my West Side Boat Shop EFT, a fast sea kayak, today. I paddled north, past overhanging and blossoming birch and beech trees. These trees both have long, thin flower stalks, about three incles long, with the birch's being yellowish and the beech's brownish. A great blue heron took to flight as I rounded a corner, and flew across the lake. I paddled past the public swim beach. It stands out because its beach is made from imported white sand and because of its several bath houses. I then passed the dam. Its an impressive concrete structure when seen from the Minisceongo Brook side, but from lake level it is just a low concrete wall, though from the treetops beyond it one gets the impression of height. The spillway is unprotected by any sort of rope or gate, and though I felt no suction as I went by, I found the experience just a little unsettling.

I then paddled out to a group of small islands, situated in the middle of the lake, being careful to avoid the rocks that surround them. They are densely vegetated, with bushes and short trees. I rested for a few minutes in the channel between them, and then headed southwest, towards the part of the lake crossed by Route 106. The roadway is on an earthen levy that cuts off the southwestern tip of the lake, with a low bridge that allows boats to access to the far side. I stayed in the main section, however, where I met and chatted with another kayaker. After a bit, I headed back to the launch. I passed a group of Canada Geese, feeding with rear ends pointed skyward, as I rounded a point of land.

About an hour.