Three Days in a Guppy 13
Article By Cleon McClain
DAY ONE
The water level was very low and many of the boat ramps were closed. Finally, we found a ramp open at Cherokee Landing, and started the process of rigging our guppy 13 (the Glenda Kay) and stowing the supplies in preparation for a three-day sailing trip down Oklahoma’s Lake Tenkiller.
I did some showing-off before I waved good-bye to my wife.
Tenkiller Lake is a very narrow lake that zig-zags through deep valleys, which made it a difficult lake to sail.
The wind was very strong as it funneled down parts of the lake.
The lake would then bend 90 degrees allowing the mountains to steal the wind leaving me nearly becalmed.
When I was experiencing the very strong winds, I was a little too busy to take pictures.
However, here are a couple of pictures of the lake when it was in a calm mood.
As you can see it is a very scenic lake!
The first night was spent in beautiful Tinker Cove, which is really a small bay with a very narrow mouth and entirely surrounded by mountains.
DAY TWOThe day started with a gorgeous morning and promised to be an ideal day for sailing. Here are some more pictures of the lake when the wind gods were smiling on me.
By Mid-afternoon, the wind was showing its teeth to such an extent I had to find shelter.
I was forced to spend the night in College Cove.
College Cove is about 20 feet wide and 200 yards long.
It provided great protection from the wind but, the water was stagnant with flies and the stench of dead fish filling the air.
(Not to mention the snakes I saw that night.)
A thoroughly depressing cove to be stuck in!
( insert the picture of the boat resting in what almost looks like a river )
DAY THREEThe next morning there was not a breath of a breeze in the air. I was ready to get out of this dreadful cove; so I motored the two miles to Cherokee Landing and finished the trip.
Sailing in the very high wind conditions was a real education for a beginning sailor like myself. The memories I acquired will help sustain me through the long winter months till once again the warm winds of summer calls the Glenda Kay and me to a new adventure.