Patrolling the Pond: Summer’s Home Stretch
By Mike Miller, Board Member, Vice President, Lake Lotawana Association
When the Royals and the Chiefs are playing games at the same time, you know that summer is starting to come to an end. I can’t make a full commitment to watching pre-season NFL games but am re-energized by the Royal’s late season push to make it to the playoffs. Last night, I went to the first of a four-game series with the Texas Rangers and was reminded why I love Kansas City. Friendly people, not so crowded, reasonable prices for entertainment, and all of the charm of a small town with big-city perks (like Major League Baseball). It was a great time. Is KC perfect? No. There are also many areas we can do better. But it’s still pretty darn good here. I have lived all over the country and KC is by far my favorite (with the possible exception of the month of February). And as the Royals wind down their season (hopefully playing some games in October), it will be a battle to the finish. Every gameday matters. Perhaps we can all take a lesson from seasons ending and seasons beginning…everyday matters.
To that end, I have decided to take on the Magellan. If you don’t know already, the Magellan is a paddling challenge to circumnavigate the entire lake. This year’s event is September 1st beginning at 8 a.m. when you leave your dock and paddle, peddle, or canoe around the six-mile journey around the lake. You can find out how to register in the August 13th publication of the Lotawana News (Bill Ryan is the primary contact and his number can be found in that article). I decided I better start doing a little training for it this past weekend and went out for about an hour on my Hobie. Peddle kayaking is one of the most relaxing activities I do. I seem to forget that until I get on the boat. Pickleball is competitive and exercise. Golf is a strategic and mental game for me. But paddling is truly relaxing. Just cruising around the lake checking out the wildlife or the intricately creative docks we have on the water is pure joy. While I’m not sure a six mile peddle will be as relaxing, it’s just one of those things I feel like I need to do to make the most of the last days of summer. This will be the second annual Magellan celebration and will likely break records. It’s just one more example of how creative people on the lake serve our community in ways that make Lotawana unique. Kansas City is full of cool things to do, places to visit, and events. We are blessed. Lake Lotawana is one of those treasures. As the summer season begins to wind down and the days start to feel shorter, take time to take it all in and make everyday matter.
Until next time, See you on the Pond!
SAFER SEVEN Cruising into Labor Day
As we move toward Labor Day weekend, it’s important keep safety top of mind. It maybe the unofficial last weekend of summer but it first things first…safety! Of course holiday weekend rules will also apply. As I mentioned above, one of my personal goals is complete the Magellan kayak voyage around the lake. I have mixed in a few non-motorized rules to test your knowledge.
Answer True or False to the following statements.
- You must have lights on your kayak if you intend on kayaking after sunset. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE! You need to have both front lights (port (red) and starboard (green)) and rear white light that is visible for 360 degrees just like any other watercraft.
- Every watercraft including Kayaks should have an approved personal flotation device onboard. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE!
- Your nephew wants to complete the Magellan Celebration, so you send him on his way Labor Day Morning. You could get points for this. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE! You could get up to 6 points. Guests can operate non-powered watercraft but must be within sight of the property owner. Unless you are going along for the ride, this is a no go.
- All kayaks should be registered with the office and have an official 2025 registration tag as well as Lot and Block number in the appropriate place. TRUE or FALSE? FALSE ! Beginning in 2025, lake toys like kayaks, canoes, SUPs did not need to be registered as in past years. That said, it’s a good idea to have your lot and block number in a visible location in case it decides to take a trip without you…it can be easily returned.
- You rigged a trolling motor up to your fishing kayak so you could focus. You should also have fire extinguisher on board. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE. Any power craft requires the
- The speed limit for any non-powered watercraft is 10mph in coves. TRUE or FALSE? False…there is no speed limit on non-powered watercraft. Go as fast as you like with those arms and legs.
- The Magellan Celebration is about circumnavigating the entire lake with a non-power craft e.g., Kayak, Canoe, SUP. TRUE or FALSE? TRUE!