All pictures in this trip report were taken by John Scruggs.

Under clear blue skies, with a cool breeze blowing out of the west, six Arizona Trailblazers (or, as John calls us, Waterblazers) gather at the South Ramp launch area of Watson Lake in the Prescott area for a day of kayaking one of northern Arizona’s most scenic and popular lakes. Due to a windy weather forecast, I was considering postponing this trip. But I had already done that on our previous three kayaking trips, and with the latest forecast indicating slightly less windy conditions, I decided to just go for it this time.

Our six kayakers today are: Chuck, Lynne, John, Billie, Neil, and Pam.

This has been the windiest spring season I can recall in all my years living in Arizona, seemingly impossible to plan around things like kayaking. So I decided we either had to just put up with the winds, consider taking up sailing instead, or simply give up kayaking altogether

We choose to put up with the wind today, that is, as long as we don’t get blown completely off the lake. By 8:30 AM we’re all ready to shove off and start paddling north along the west side of the lake toward the North Ramp and the scenic Granite Dells area. Starting temperature is about 70 degrees.

Watson Lake is one of two reservoirs, along with Willow Lake, created in 1915 when the Chino Valley Irrigation District built Watson Lake Dam (then called Granite Creek Dam) on Granite Creek. In April of that year the creation of Watson Lake would justify the biggest celebration Prescott witnessed in many years, with speakers, free barbecue, local bands, and even a special train to reach the lake. And a general holiday was even declared. The City of Prescott purchased the reservoir and surrounding land in 1997 to preserve it as recreational land and would later create Watson Lake Park.

After slowly working our way north on the lake toward the picturesque Granite Dells, we paddle among the huge, rounded granite boulders, many partially submerged and forming promontories and small islands on the lake. This is by far the most scenic and picturesque part of the lake, and where most kayakers and other boaters concentrate.

We decide to check out the nearby dam area and then look for a good take-out point for a rest and snack break. Finding nothing suitable, we head for the North Ramp area instead.

At 10:00 AM we beach our kayaks and are fortunate enough to find a large vacant picnic table on a high point overlooking the lake. By about 10:30, the forecasted morning winds begin to kick in, and we decide to head back to the South Ramp launch area before the winds get any stronger.

Unfortunately though, we’re a bit too late and experience strong headwinds all the way back to the South Ramp, requiring us to dig in hard with our paddles to keep making progress and moving forward, as the estimated 20 to 25 mph winds try their best to blow us back to the North Ramp.

Most of us reach the South Ramp area a little before 11:00, but Pam is struggling with her large inflatable kayak and it’s high bow section that keeps getting buffeted by the strong headwinds. The day after the trip, in an email to everyone, John would write “I was truly impressed with you Pam, given that it was your first Kayak and your boat left a lot to be desired. You soldiered on into a tough wind and completed the course. Bully for you!” And from Billie: “I agree with you John. I’ve always admired Pam’s spirit and perseverance. Pam, you are a real trooper, lady!”

We’re all proud of you, Pam, for hanging in there under such challenging conditions, especially on your first outing with this group, and look forward to your next kayaking trip with us, hopefully in much less windy conditions.