Pleasant paddlers group offers different look at lake
MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR ~ 7/28/2010

For a certain demographic Lake Pleasant means wake boarding and water skiing, buzzing across the water in ski boats or partying in Humbug Cove.
There’s another group that prefer to be on the water in the early morning and then in the evening, hoping to reel in a big catch.
There’s still a third bunch that like to experience the North Valley lake in a different manner.
For the past six years Interpretive Ranger Terry Gerber has been catering to an audience that likes to see the lake at a slower pace.
Now in its sixth year Gerber leads the Pleasant Paddlers Program, one which schedules approximately two outings a month at Lake Pleasant.
“We’re open to anybody that is interested in either kayaking or canoeing,” Gerber said. “The last event we had out here we had 57 people. I try to mix it up to give as many people as possible a chance to participate. Sometimes we have our events in the early morning, sometimes we’ll do night events. We’ll also do some events in the middle of the week. Those are better for viewing wildlife, because there isn’t as much noise and activity from boaters out on the lake. I also realize that the ones during the week don’t work for a lot of people that have to work so we also host weekend
adventures too.”
On Saturday the group, led by Gerber, went on a full moon adventure as they explored the Castle Creek area of Lake Pleasant.
While Gerber estimates he will see 60-70 percent of the participants multiple times he said his groups always have a bunch of first timers.
“We have families, but we’ll have teenagers out here and I have had a guy in his 80s so it’s really anybody that appreciates nature and being out on the water. It’s a whole different way to enjoy the lake.”
Gerber said that during breaks he offers some information about the area’s vegetation and animal life, but for the most part the events are more social than interpretative.
This past Saturday Gerber was set to lead a three-hour night-time event exploring the Castle Creek area of Lake Pleasant and taking full advantage of the full moon.
At 6:30 a.m. on Thursday Gerber will lead a group to discover Paul’s Hideaway Cove. After crossing the main bay participants will have the opportunity to take a two-mile hike to an airplane crash site.
The group leaves from the four-lane boat ramp area at the north end of the park. Those interested in going to the crash site should bring proper hiking shoes. The event is scheduled for four hours.
While the vast majority of participants own their own kayaks or canoes rentals are available at the lake.
Scorpion Bay on Lake Pleasant has rental kayaks, For information call 928-501-RENT(7368).
Rentals are $20 for an hour or $48 for one of the Pleasant Paddlers three hour adventures.
For those that have their own watercraft the only fees to participate are the $6 entry into the lake and a $2 water craft fee.