Finally, hands-free, motorized kayaking is here.
A recent trip on August 14, 2022 to Upper Richardson Lake in North Oxford, Maine, was to verify that the on-board solar charger could sustain adequate power levels to the motorized kayak at full throttle for an unlimited (ev or sustainable) period of time. It was a success, which ensures the ability to kayak to any remote or wilderness location with no concern for remaining power.
On this particular visit on a spectacular mid-August Sunday morning, there were few visitors. When I arrived at 11 am, the parking lot contained 2 vehicles, where it could probably accommodate 30. Comments from the locals were that it was due to back-to-school influences.
While waiting for my kayaking partner to arrive, I headed to a good birding spot that I knew of. Below is some video so that you can see (and hear) how peaceful and quiet the experience is. There's simply nothing else like it.
How nice to not have engine noise or paddle noise - just wind and nature. Captured with our GoPro video option.
Below are some quick photos under not-so-good light to show you what I saw (and photographed) along the way. You won't get closer to the birds and wildlife than this! The following was a thirty-minute effort on a first attempt at exploring this area.
A juvenile Bald Eagle comes in for a soft landing. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
The mother has some things to say to each of her offspring. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
The other juvenile was completely unruffled. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
At the age where it's still a toss-up on which is preferred, walking or flying. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
A Great Blue Heron plots his next move. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
A Belted Kingfisher takes flight, complaining the whole time about something. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
Note: Upper and Lower Richardson Lakes have a reputation for having more impactful winds than other lakes in the area. They are situated in such a way that prevailing winds can be a factor because they are "head on" for the length of the two lakes.
In this video you can see how even typical afternoon winds started to put up a good chop. I was glad that I didn't have to paddle against the wind! At this point we had been out for about 5 hours / 11 miles.
When you approach a waterbird from the upwind side, they will fly right at you as they look for maximum takeoff velocity. This Double-crested Cormorant proves that fact. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
A Greater Yellowlegs conducting shoreline business. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
Who doesn't love Common Loons. Note the bill color which indicates breeding status. Captured with our super telephoto short-lens photography option.
Inspiration
This post references Trip 62: Upper Richardson Lake in Magalloway PLT, Richardsontown Township, Township C, Maine