By the middle of October there are very few paddlers on the lake or the rivers of the area.   Although the water takes a long time to become cold, colder temperatures and winds must be deal with.   Mornings tend to be cold and winds start up by late morning so there is a window of opportunity to fit in a paddle.   It is best to choose a mild day and a south exposure, if possible.   On this last chilly paddling day, I went to Paul Lake and launched in still conditions in the morning sun.

There was no wind for the first half hour as I went west to Gibraltar Rock.

Winds from the west arose but I stayed in the lee of the bluff for as long as I could, enjoying fall colours.

When I made the turn around the bluffs a headwind made progress slow as I paddled to the end of the lake and back.

Winds abated halfway back and I enjoyed an easier return paddle.   The temperature was about 4-5 degrees and the winds rose to about 15 km so the windchill was -1C.     I had on a good paddling jacket and a sprayskirt, but it was still a chilling experience.   I hope to get our once a week for as long as the weather permits, but I will keep the outings short and look for the best conditions.