Kalamalka Lake is my weekend destination for kayaking, canoeing and... dragon boat racing!
The North end of Kalamalka Lake will host dragon boat racing this coming weekend. Boats will race West to East. This picture is from my April visit which will explain why there are green plants in the picture. - photo Todd Wong
This weekend, the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team heads to Kalamalka Lake for dragon boat racing. It is one of the most beautiful lakes I have seen in BC, and I love canoeing and kayaking on it.
Previously, all I knew about Kalamalka Lake had been that it was South of Vernon, BC. My family went on ski vacations to Silver Star resort when I was in Grade 5, 6, 7 and 11. I even broke my left leg (fibula) skiing in grade 6.
My girlfriend's parents live on the East side of Kalamalka Lake, near the entrance to Kalalmalka Lake Provincial Park. During the past few years, I have enjoyed hiking, canoeing and kayaking in the park, in the summer, fall, winter and spring.
When I first drove past Kalamalka Lake as an adult, it was the summer of 2003. I had just returned to BC, from the inaugural dragon boat races at Sellwood Park in Portland Oregon. I drove slowly by the beach area, marveling at the docks on the west side of the beach. Maybe they would be perfect for use for a dragon boat race. The sand was white and clean. It looked perfect for a dragon boat race.
Fast forward two years to 2005, and the Greater Vernon Dragon Boat Races took place over two days in July. The event was organized by the Calgary Dragonboat Club. We couldn't get enough paddlers from the Gung Haggis team up to Vernon for the weekend, so Peggy joined a local Vernon team, and I volunteered with the dock crew. Only the Pacific Reach team made the journey from Vancouver. Most teams were from Vernon, along with crews from Kelowna, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Penticton and Oosooyoos. Check my 2005 story: Dragon Boat racing in Vernon's inaugural DB race on Kalamalka Lake
This weekend's weather is going to be hot, with temperatures hitting 40 degrees Celsius. Looks like a great way to stay cool by paddling on a lake.
Kalamalka Lake - looking East from the highway across the lake to Martin's Nest (red roof) - photo Todd Wong
by
Todd
on Thu 20 Apr 2006 02:47 PM PDT
Kalamalka Lake - looking East from the highway across the lake to Martin's Nest (red roof
by
Todd
on Thu 20 Apr 2006 02:17 PM PDT
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park on the right... Martin's Nest point on the left - photo
by
Todd
on Sat 22 Apr 2006 11:58 AM PDT
Kalamalka Lake at sunset Easter Sunday, view from above the hot tub - photo Todd Wong
