Camp and Kayak on Stockton Lake

I should really title this one, "Well, We Tried." Due to a long string of thunder storms that stacked up NW of Stockton and just kept plowing their way across the area Saturday, we had to cut our fishing plans pretty short.

Friday, Brian D. met me at my house after work. We loaded his truck with gear and headed an hour up the road to Stockton Lake State Park to eat steaks cooked over an open fire and detox from family life for a short time. He and I both have very busy family schedules and we have to plan these outings pretty well in advance. Our original plan involved the whole weekend and a generous helping of stupidity and adventure, but that'll have to wait for another weekend, as Brian had a work engagement pop up on Sunday.

Got to test out my Eureka Solitaire's coffin-like accommodations once again. It's a small, but very light and capable tent. Would be perfect for doing more primitive backpacking and overnight trips in a kayak or canoe.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Chill'n by the Caveman TV is one of my favorite things in life. One channel, never gets boring.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

We eat well on these car camping trips. Not healthy, but well.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

We had a couple of armadillos come into camp about 10pm. One decided to take a dust bath in an ash pile on the edge of the woods.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Up early, hoping to get on the water before the weather sets in.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Checking out the water below camp.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Raccoon signs.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Morning coffee and then on the water.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

We paddled and fished for maybe an hour and half before the rain started falling and the lightning got too close for comfort, but we each caught a few small bass and sunfish.

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

Camping and kayak fishin on Stockton Lake, August 5-6, 2016

After breaking camp, we headed over to Orleans Trail Marina for some lunch, hoping to wait out the storms. It didn't work out, though. We did get to see a covey of about 15 quail cross the road in front of us. We had to stop to let them pass without pasting them. I haven't seen a covey like that in years.

A fun little trip.

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