The "Backwaters" of Fond du Lac

Fond du Lac has been a place where I have explored many new locations to kayak and and enjoy the outdoors. With the help of my little map on google, I noticed a couple of rivers to trek up but when I accidentally zoomed in further, I noticed this fine line of water. It’s called Taycheedah Creek.

Beautiful little creek especially right after spring. It’s a narrow creek about 12 feet wide. It was enough space for me to turn my 9.5 feet kayak around to go back for pictures. It’s also very shallow, about 1-3 feet deep. The dimensions are not the reason why I have written about this creek though. The reason why I focused on this site was because of the simple fact that not too many people know about it nor pay any attention to it as a possible place to kayak. I was shocked when I asked a kayaking friend of mine if they have ever been in the back water and they just looked at me. “You know, Taycheedah Creek?” I got nothing but a deer in the headlight look from them.

See something jumping out of the water?

This little spot of water holds a “Hall of Nature” feel to me. After I came in the west side of the creek I had a view from the water that looked like looking down a hall to a very large mansion. This hall held some beautiful images of nature than couldn't be held in a frame.
During the full trek, there is one place where a kayak might get hung up for a little bit, where the two creeks intersect, but nothing a little scooting couldn't handle.

I highly recommend exploring the creek that intersects with Taycheedah Creek if for nothing else, just to see the different area and experience the little babbling brook at the end of it. Just make sure your kayak is small enough to turn around, otherwise you will be paddling backwards instead.

The Taycheedah Creek is an amazing little backwater to paddle down. You can witness wildlife such as deer, ducks, cranes and much more in this little place that is right on the southern side of Lake Winnebago. I highly encourage any novice to come down and get your feet wet in this little area.

Lets see what happens

I went out onto the water with on thing in mind......to try out a 12' kayak and compare it to a 9.5' kayak. With my surprise, the boat handled extremely well. It was easy to turn around for it's size. The one thing that really sold me on the boat was the ability for it to go straight and fast with the same amount of effort as if I was paddling my own kayak.

Slowly out paddling with a friend and trying a Sit-On-Top Kayak

Went out with a friend for some mild paddling. We spent the time talking about some of the little water inlets on the lake and checked out one to see where it would go.
It's nice to spend time on the water with no agenda or goal or anything else driving you to be out their. Just sitting out on the water and listening to the waves splash and the peace and quiet that it brings, is just enough to relax from a day at work.

Rain Rain Go Away.......Please?

I entered the water at the Hwy 45 Rest Area on the west side of the lake. I then made my way up north to the next island on the west side of the lake. I looked around the island but the bugs on it were pretty thick so I stayed in the water. I then started my way back and realized that behind me was a dark cloud slowly coming closer. I tried to paddle as fast as I could but I was about 1000 feet away from the landing when the wind really picked up and the waves started to get bigger. Luckily I was going with the wind, as you can see in the red, I was going the fastest at a point before the island closest to the landing. 

Family time is the most important time

I have other articles that I wanted to write about, but this was one topic I wanted to bump to the top of the list. Spending time with family is so very important and teaching them ways to enjoy the outdoors is also very important. I try to show my kids that you can enjoy the outdoors by simply going out and looking around.

Sunday morning trek

Hot air and warm water makes for a stinky trip......AC Please!

Good hot day for a watery trip

The Nice Back Waters Isn't So Nice...Anymore

Next Time, Go To Shore

Paddling Supple Marsh

Back for Pictures in the Backwaters

Hitting The Back Waters and Writing a Message

Passed The Hump In The River

Almost Made It Through

Lake Flies and Diving Ducklings

Tons of Fish My Way

First Kayaking Trip of 2011

Yesterday I tested the waters out in Lake Winnebago. I took my new Kayak which is a 9.5ft Swifty by Perception. I put the kayak in at the public boat landing within Lakeside Park of Fond du Lac, WI.