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Lake Ouachita
Kayak camping on Lake Ouachita, Ouachita National Forest8/3/18
It's early August. That means hot and humid here in Arkansas. This is not typically a great time to camp but I'm going to give it a try. Kayaking and camping on the water should help keep me cool, in theory. Three years ago I tried just that here at Lake Ouachita without good results. It was the end of July and the temperature got up to 100° and into the night was reluctant to fall below 90°. The inside of my tent was intolerable so I headed back around 1:00 a.m. This trip I was determined to stay the night. Entry was made on the north side of the lake in the bay of Cedar Fourche, which would have been but a creek prior to 1953. At 2:00 p.m.it was 89° with a slight breeze into my face. What other direction could it be but in the face. If paddling or cycling the wind will always find a way to blow against you.
I paddled a couple of miles to an island on the edge of the main body of the lake. Here the conclusion was made that this area was not for me. Many power boats moved in all directions. Large boats and small boats...beautiful and homely boats...fast and slow...there were too many. A large marina was visible across the vast and shiny field of water. The day was mostly sunny and the water did glisten with mesmerizing reflections that fascinated my eyes into a dazed condition that was very pleasing. After waking, a quick stroke had me moving back in the direction of my origin in search of a less busy campsite. Eventually a shoreline with adequate amenities was secured. My requirements included a view to the west...a clear and semi-level surface...and trees close by to support my hammock. Many nights have been spent in a hammock, but none in the heat of the summer. I was curious if the air surrounding my entire body would be cooler than a tent. I just realized that my body habitus was feeling a bit slimy. A cool and, yes, refreshing dip in the lake provided a much needed rinsing. I did fish for a short time but landed no trophy bass. On the first cast a lunker was hooked but managed to break free of its tether before it could be brought to bear. Bastard!
All was made ready and firewood gathered. Boat traffic was minimal. Those that passed by were ignored to make the situation seem more remote in my mind. As the sun lowered a fine dining experience was prepared consisting of chicken strips, a hard boiled egg, chips and a couple of beers. These were partaken of as the sun approached the horizon directly across from my camp. Insects were not bothersome, aside from a few fire ants that had discovered my choice foodstuffs. As the light dimmed into the dusky intermediate aspect of the day, a fire was coaxed from some local materials with a flint and piece of quartz. No wait...now I remember...it was a lighter and a couple of napkins...none of this bushcraft bullshit for my fire, dude. This blazing conglomeration of flames lasted till nearly 11:00. At this time, the hammock was eased into and my sleepless night began. Clothing started with shorts only and this was quite comfortable. As the night progressed a long sleeved T-shirt, then another T-shirt, then the bottoms of my pants, then some socks were added. I had no underquilt or cover of any kind. There was just the nylon and the bug netting...no tarp. I was mostly warm with these layers but still had just the slightest chill, and the wind was calm.
When I exited the unit at 5:00 a.m., I was surprised to find that the temp had fallen to only 69°. This made me surmise that a hammock would do well on a warmer night. All materials had been sprayed with permethrin to minimize ants from the trees and mosquitoes from biting through the material. All gear was then gathered, packed and crammed into the tiny hollow behind the seat of my whitewater kayak. This boat behaves well in rough and calm waters...in my opinion. Just before 6:00 this very craft slid back into the calm waters. There was a minimal wind...in my face. The sky glowed with the coming dawn and a few clouds added character to the scene. By 6:15 my starting beach was landed upon. Again, all gear was loaded, the surrounding area scanned for missed items, and all was cleared for departure. Back down the dirt road did my trusty vehicular device go. Within minutes the smoothness of the paved highway was felt below my tires. By 7:20 I was in Hot Springs and parked across from the Colonial Pancake and Waffle House on the edge of the downtown area. This was a new breakfast spot for me and I was eager to try it out. A welcoming booth at the front was available. The seat was a bit saggy but the view out the front window was fantastic. Joggers occasionally passed by along with an assortment of human traffic. The coffee was satisfying and within twenty minutes a massive plate of breakfast foods was laid before me. My tall wait person, Susie, was quite lovely and left me wanting for nothing. After almost all was consumed the bill was paid and a hefty tip left under the coffee cup for Susie the server. The prices here were a bit high but that was my only complaint...and not really a complaint since I left happy. From here it was down the newly refurbished Hwy 70, which I must say, was a pleasure to traverse. Never before has a highway needed four lanes for so long...well, I'm sure plenty have...but this one is just so beautiful to finally behold. I was home by 9:30. The outing was a complete success. The total miles covered came to 4 of those units.
