NO SNOW
June 26, 2015
Today we ventured off to Canyon Lake in Arizona, a reservoir of the Salt Lake formed by Mormon Flat Dam. My sister, Stephanie, took us to a local business called No Snow Paddle Boards, where we rented Paddle Boards and equipment for our day trip. We have never been paddle boarding before so everyone was pretty excited to go. I wasn't sure how the little boys would do, that was my biggest concern. I don't care for swimming in lakes but that has never stopped me from having a good time!
After we packed up our boards, we headed out to Canyon Lake for the day which was recommended by the No Snow Owner. We had about a half hour drive twisting and turning through the canyon. The view was amazing. It was a beautiful scenic drive through the cacti covered deep canyon. I was thinking to myself, where in this giant canyon are we going to find water! Sure enough, just around one of the bends was a beautiful recreation lake. The lake was calm and not crowded, a perfect spot to learn to paddle board.
When we arrived we searched for a good spot to enter the water. We then unloaded and tied the boards off into the water. After everyone got covered in sunscreen, the little boys were first to hop aboard. The water was very still and we had much of the lake to ourselves. We made our way around the narrow part of the lake where Chandler spotted some people cliff jumping into the water from more than 20 feet up. He yelled to me, "I want to do that!" Colin impressed me, he was quick to be on his feet on his paddle board. He didn't waste any time and learned on his own how to use a paddle. Charlie was loving his paddle board and even enjoyed swimming. My nephew, Parker, was a champ! This wasn't his first time so he was able to give the boys some pointers. They watched watched intently and quickly got the hang of it. Carmen really enjoyed paddle boarding, it came so easily for her. She did her own thing but also was so helpful with the little ones when they got tired and needed to be towed around. Josh and Charlie buddied up to start off. He wanted to make sure Charlie could get the hang of things. He did ride standing, sitting and kneeling. I think he enjoyed the atmosphere and relaxing cruise around the lake. I really loved being on the water. I didn't get in the water but kneeled and sat on my board as I made my way around the lake.
The water got a bit choppy as we made our way to shore for lunch. The little boys needed some help getting to shore. After lunch we decided to let them do some cliff jumping. The small cliffs were perfect for the little boys to feel adventurous. They really loved cliff jumping. Chandler and Carmen jumped off 15+ foot cliffs. Screaming was heard around the lake! Stephanie even took her turn on the big cliff. After she jumped she felt it was safe for the little boys so she helped each kid to the top more than 15 feet up and they jumped into the water with no fear! It was the highlight of the day! GREAT MEMORIES WERE MADE HERE TODAY!
As 2pm quickly approached, we packed it up and headed out. As we were pulling out of the parking lot, I spotted a group of what looked like college kids jumping off of the side of a canyon. They had to have been about 40 feet up the side of the canyon wall. I was impressed and scared at the same time, couldn't help but watch! Today was a GREAT day!!
Heading to the Lake
Loaded and ready to go
Chandler's hat of choice
Josh getting worried I was dumping him off with the other
Lost Dutchman
Canyon Lake
Let's do this already!
Lunch Break
Carmen towing Charlie
Kim, Carmen, Charlie
Chandler, King of the canyon
Charlie, Colin and Parker cliff jumping
Carmen taking the plunge
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