I had just returned from a short but meaningful trip kayaking in Yosemite National Park.

 

It was late July in Merced and the temperature had pushed beyond the high 90's, soon reaching triple digits. The sun was high sending rays of warmth, no, blasting beams of heat that even permeated what should have been shadows of coolness amidst the ever changing movement of light as the sun traveled across the sky. I was the lone paddler out on Lake Yosemite that day (with the exception of a few migratory water fowl), braving the heat.

 

While immersing myself in this peace and tranquility, the solitude of my experience was also felt, so strongly, that I desired others be afforded this understanding. With that, I embarked on a new direction, a path that would lead to opening a way for others to feel the joy of being outdoors.

 

Lake Yosemite has always been a great place to spend time with family and friends; a time where you gather, exercise, relax, or just learn about nature, and in Merced, a wonderful way to beat the heat.

 

After years of thinking and evaluating, we took the plunge! The PadYak Shack will be opening May 4th, 2019. This will be a new business at Lake Yosemite in Merced, California; an on-site location where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards and experience life. If you are a bit apprehensive due to inexperience, you can take lessons, or, with just a little instruction you can be on your way to fun and excitement. When you return, stop in, purchase a cold drink and tell us all about your time on the lake.