Kayaking Wyoming - Meeks Cabin Reservoir
Escape to Wyoming
I needed an escape for a day, so I checked out airbnb.com to find somewhere nearby that would accommodate me and my dog. A rustic cabin near Robertson, Wyoming looked promising. I booked it before I could chicken out.
I needed an escape for a day, so I checked out airbnb.com to find somewhere nearby that would accommodate me and my dog. A rustic cabin near Robertson, Wyoming looked promising. I booked it before I could chicken out.
Airbnb Cabin Near Robertson, Wyoming
|
|
Rustic Cabin near Robertson, Wyoming
Bettie, the hostess, and her daughter, Mary Ann, couldn’t have been kinder. They met me at the door with a lovely gift of toiletries, all wrapped up in a cute polka-dot bag, plus a plate of cookies and some dog treats for Sissy. The cabin was just down the road from Meeks Cabin Reservoir, a 470-acre reservoir that is part of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Most of the reservoir is in Wyoming, with a small portion in Utah.
Rustic Cabin near Robertson, Wyoming
Bettie, the hostess, and her daughter, Mary Ann, couldn’t have been kinder. They met me at the door with a lovely gift of toiletries, all wrapped up in a cute polka-dot bag, plus a plate of cookies and some dog treats for Sissy. The cabin was just down the road from Meeks Cabin Reservoir, a 470-acre reservoir that is part of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Most of the reservoir is in Wyoming, with a small portion in Utah.
Outside the Airbnb Cabin - Robertson, Wyoming
|
|
Meeks Cabin Reservoir - Hiking and Kayaking
We checked out the reservoir to see if an afternoon paddle would be feasible. It was windy and the water was pretty cold, so I thought it might be better to go for a hike and let kayaking wait until the morning. There are lots of trails for hiking in the area. I have to admit, I was leery of venturing too far after seeing a sign warning of bears in the area. But Sis and I got a good hour’s hike and checked out some primitive camping sites on the way. One site even has the uprights for a teepee – you’ve just got to bring your own buffalo hides!
Meeks Cabin Reservoir - Hiking and Kayaking
We checked out the reservoir to see if an afternoon paddle would be feasible. It was windy and the water was pretty cold, so I thought it might be better to go for a hike and let kayaking wait until the morning. There are lots of trails for hiking in the area. I have to admit, I was leery of venturing too far after seeing a sign warning of bears in the area. But Sis and I got a good hour’s hike and checked out some primitive camping sites on the way. One site even has the uprights for a teepee – you’ve just got to bring your own buffalo hides!
Plenty of Camping Sites
|
|
Paddling Upwind
The next morning, alas, was just as windy as the afternoon before. What did I expect – it’s Wyoming! It took an hour and a half to paddle against the waves and some hefty wind gusts, but we did reach the south end of the main area and Sissy had an opportunity to explore. We watched sandpipers, Canada geese, a Sandhill crane, hawks, and even an eagle, as we paddled the shoreline. I stayed about 20 yards off the shore most of the time. The water was pretty cold and I didn’t have a wetsuit on – if we capsized, I wanted to be near dry land. My dog isn’t the only one that’s a “kayak sissy”!
Paddling Upwind
The next morning, alas, was just as windy as the afternoon before. What did I expect – it’s Wyoming! It took an hour and a half to paddle against the waves and some hefty wind gusts, but we did reach the south end of the main area and Sissy had an opportunity to explore. We watched sandpipers, Canada geese, a Sandhill crane, hawks, and even an eagle, as we paddled the shoreline. I stayed about 20 yards off the shore most of the time. The water was pretty cold and I didn’t have a wetsuit on – if we capsized, I wanted to be near dry land. My dog isn’t the only one that’s a “kayak sissy”!
Windy Wyoming!
Downwind Is So Much Easier
There was a short lull in the wind as we started up the long southern finger of the reservoir. I thought we might be able to go further than I had planned, but it was not to be. Back came the wind, stronger than before, so we turned tail and ran. Made it back to the launch point in 30 minutes, and most of the time I just adjusted course and let the wind push us – no effort required. Getting the kayak back on my car in the wind was tricky, but I got it done.
Downwind Is So Much Easier
There was a short lull in the wind as we started up the long southern finger of the reservoir. I thought we might be able to go further than I had planned, but it was not to be. Back came the wind, stronger than before, so we turned tail and ran. Made it back to the launch point in 30 minutes, and most of the time I just adjusted course and let the wind push us – no effort required. Getting the kayak back on my car in the wind was tricky, but I got it done.
The Wind Died Down - For About 10 Minutes!
|
|
A Great Day at Meeks Cabin Reservoir
I gotta hand it to Sissy; she’s really got her sea legs by now. The rough water didn’t seem to faze her at all. No whimpering or worrying, just hanging out watching the day go by. I couldn’t ask for a better kayak partner. I would definitely plan another adventure to Meeks Cabin Reservoir. The beauty and solitude (not another soul on the water) was well worth the extra effort due to the wind. I’m already thinking about how much fun it would be to invite family and friends, stay in Bettie’s cabin, and spend a weekend fishing, floating and hanging out.
A Great Day at Meeks Cabin Reservoir
I gotta hand it to Sissy; she’s really got her sea legs by now. The rough water didn’t seem to faze her at all. No whimpering or worrying, just hanging out watching the day go by. I couldn’t ask for a better kayak partner. I would definitely plan another adventure to Meeks Cabin Reservoir. The beauty and solitude (not another soul on the water) was well worth the extra effort due to the wind. I’m already thinking about how much fun it would be to invite family and friends, stay in Bettie’s cabin, and spend a weekend fishing, floating and hanging out.
Sissy Had A Great Time, Too
|
|
