I’ve been waiting for 8 months. I knew from past experience that I could launch the boat when the level of Flathead Lake achieved 3′ below summer’s full pool.
Wrong!
Either I miscalculated or winter storms have pushed the shoreline rocks higher. I think the latter. Anyway, not enough water for launch. All I accomplished was a broken trailer taillight and an unintended swim in very cold water (while searching for the taillight pieces). We did salvage the outing, however, with picnic at a nearby park.
Falling in the freezing water of Flathead Lake was the second shock of the day. The first was filling the 60-gallon boat tank with premium gas at the new, post-Covid prices! We may be outfitting the boat with long paddles.

