Cisco Sonar July

[irishmist]

To everyone who lives, visits and loves Bear Lake,

Summer is here at Bear Lake. All the rental cabins are full and family reunions that have been in the planning for months have arrived. We have had nice weather during July so lots of people have had the opportunity to enjoy the lake and all it offers. The water temperature is approaching 70 degrees so adults only have to scream once. Kids think it is like bath water. Boats are everywhere towing wakeboarders and tubes. Waverunners skim across the water like motorcycles at a motocross. The wind has been fair but we are entering the season of the monsoon so we can look forward to afternoon thunder showers and instantaneous gales.

Boaters need to learn to watch for the signs of a “blow” which can turn a peaceful day on the lake to a harrowing, scary, wet experience on the lake in a matter of minutes. Always watch the north end of the lake. If you see sand or dust blowing, figure you have about twenty minutes to get to cover. Also watch the clouds and if the start to circle around the lake beware of upcoming wind. There is so much water evaporating off the lake during the summer it creates its own weather. Humid air mixing with water coming off the lake is a dangerous mixture for instant thunderstorms and wind. Pay attention to the direction the wind is coming from because it may not be much where it is originating but after it travels the length of the lake the waves can be immense.

If you are too busy having fun and don’t notice what is happening around you don’t panic. Make sure everyone in the boat has a life jacket on and start to proceed back slowly. Don’t go directly into the waves or straight away from them. Try to quarter the waves. If you have an anchor, deploy when you get near to shore and the bow of the boat will head into the wind. If you are heading for shore make sure you tilt up the outdrive so it is not damaged if you beach. Worst case scenario is drifting into shore and swamping the boat, but at least you will be safe. Most boat have enough flotation in them that even if they fill up with water, they will not sink so stay with the boat. Make sure you call 911 to describe your emergency and location before this happens.

Usually the wind dies down around 7:00 pm so if you tough it out you will have a nice ride back. Years ago we had no communications but with cell phones today make sure you contact someone on shore so they know you situation. Common sense will save you and your passengers.

Readers usually expect me to talk about some wildlife. This past weekend I observed a unique gathering of mammals along the shores of Bear Lake. I believe that the 24th weekend has become the biggest visitation days on Bear Lake. You know how sometimes you see hundreds of blackbirds lined up on powerlines during the fall. Well this weekend there were thousands of people lined up on the thin thread of sand between Gus Rich Point and Rendezvous beach. They were packed in tighter than cordwood. I think most of them were having a good time but if we get another normal winter, the threads of beach will be gone. Time to go to Rendezvous, state line or North Beach to find sand.

Cisco’s Landing is open seven days a week now. The carp are there providing enjoyment for everyone. Come down and see them. We also have a Hyperlite Wakekite that truly adds a new dimension to wakeboarding. Check it out on YouTube and come down and rent it.

As always, I appreciate comments or questions at cisco@cut.net and keep our beautiful lake clean, clear and blue.

Bryce Nielson
Cisco’s Landing