We found a delightful campground just east of Sand Point, along the lake's northern shore. And though we hadn't made reservations, our mid-September arrival was well past the crowded peak season. We not only got in, we were assigned a terrific spot for parking our trailer. A shaded tree-covered spot in a grassy area was just right. We even had a deck for our lawn chairs.

After setting up camp, getting the trailer leveled, stabilized and hooked up to utilities, it was time to check out the waterfront and boat launching area. The short walk to the lakefront quickly revealed that I just might have a problem. It was very windy and the waves were running three feet high with whitecaps as far as one could see. Looking south down the lake was right into the face of that wind. Waves slammed against the shore, raising a spray that could soak an unwary passer-by completely.

A small boat harbor was protected by a jetty of land, so outboards and fishing boats were relatively safe. But once a turn beyond the end of the jetty was attempted, it got rough very quickly. And the only direction one could take was south, right into the on-rushing waves.

This flatwater sailor thought better of attempting to fight that heavy water. Maybe it would be better to wait until morning and hope for calmer conditions.

The dawn of the new day brought no improvement. Winds were still brisk and gusting from the south. With much disappointment I had to admit that there would be no paddling this time. I'd have to come back another time. But I had to admit that Pend Orielle Lake would be worth it. The lake is a magnificent body of water in a beautiful part of delightful Idaho. Ah well.