Kayak Trip #49 Chain O' Lakes: Taylor, Otter, Sunset, Rainbow - 8-22-12

This evening, we headed for the Chain O' Lakes as we figured it wouldn't be too busy on a week night. We went to the boat landing on Taylor Lake. As long as you don't have a trailer, I was told by the Waupaca County Parks and Rec. Dept. that you don't have to pay a launch fee. Since we put our kayaks on top of our vehicle, we thought this would be a good deal. The problem was with the parking. All of the spots said "Vehicle with Trailer Only." We had no idea where we were supposed to park, as there wasn't any other place, so we just pulled into one of the trailer spots. It wasn't busy, and there were lots of parking places left, so we figured we'd be OK. We have been there on a weekend when there wasn't any place to park, and we ended up going somewhere else. So, if you plan to go on a summer weekend, be forewarned.

Boat launch at the red dot.

The boat launch.

A friend who has a cottage on Taylor Lake had given me a pontoon ride around the Lakes a couple of months ago and had mentioned that Otter Lake was a nice place to kayak as big boats didn't go there much. So, we headed that direction. There were a few pontoon boats and fishing boats, but no heavy traffic.

Entrance to Otter Lake

Otter Lake

Peaceful Otter Lake

A turtle sunning himself on Otter Lake

Water Lilies and Reeds on Otter Lake

The leaves are beginning to change on Otter Lake.

An interesting swing made from logs on Otter Lake.

A pontoon boat on Otter Lake

After paddling around Otter Lake, we headed into Rainbow Lake. Since water ski hours were still in effect, there were quite a few speed boats on the water. We stayed near the shore and rocked in the waves they provided.

Large rock on the shoreline.

 Paddling towards Sunset Lake, we passed Williams Island, named for Esther Williams, the famous swimmer and movie star from the 1940-50's. At one time, she owned this island and would come up to the Waupaca area and swim in the waters here.

Esther Williams Island

Upon entering Sunset Lake, we saw Onaway Island. Here, you will find Camp Onaway, a summer camp of the Boys' and Girls' Brigade. There looked to be lots of fun activity going on.

Camp Onaway

We paddled our way around the island.

Sunset Lake

Stern wheeler on Sunset Lake

Turned the camera around for once. Me, in front of Onaway Island.

Heading back through the corner of Rainbow Lake, you can see the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.

You can also see Government Island, a wild life preserve belonging to the state of Wisconsin.

Back at Taylor Lake, we paddled toward Clear Water Harbor, where you can dine, rent boats, or take lake cruises. Here is a stern wheeler, the Chief Waupaca.

They also have a smaller vessel for tours, the Lady of the Lakes.

Dining at the Harbor Bar and Restaurant is fun, whether you come by land or by water. We ate here last week, and the food was excellent.

The pier and deck overlooking the water at the Harbor Bar. 

You can eat inside or outside, or even in your boat as they have dockside service!

It was time to head home, but not before we enjoyed another beautiful sunset from the water.

If you are interested, you can read some of the history of the Chain O' Lakes here.