Hawley Lake Relaxed Kayak Weekend

Enjoy a relaxing long weekend in the cool pines at quiet Hawley Lake.
•This is a 4 hour drive but so worth it, especially if you can extend your weekend.
A nice 9 mile drive south of State Route 260 on State Route 473 will bring you to Hawley Lake.
•There is little or no cell service. Texting works most of the time.
I'll send my cell number in a group email closer to departure
•The 300 acres of water make up Hawley Lake, and if you like to fish for trout, rainbow, brook, cutthroat and brown trout all inhabit the lake, but to catch them you must obtain a White Mountains Apache Indian daily fishing permit from Hon-Dah Convenience store at the SR 260 and SR 73, (open until 10 PM). Tel. 928 369-4311.
•Where to buy a required $10/night permit:
Hon-Dah Convenient Store Hwy 260&73 intersection.
They'll tell you you'll need a kayak permit too, but no one ever checks, so...up to you if you feel you want to buy one.
•There are port-a-johns and spigots (not many and hard to find) for water, I'd suggest bringing all of your own water.
•This is a very quiet lake, very laid back feeling, a great place to paddle, fish, bird, read, relax and explore.
•The campsites are 1st come,1st served, but are large and basically dispersed (no numbers/assigned spots). Many tents can be on one spot. Lake access from the site is based on site location/availability, otherwise, we may have to offload kayaks only once and then just pull them up onto shore when done paddling. It's very safe to leave them out.
•Afternoon downpours are common in the late summer, and it gets very chilly at night, so be prepared with extra shelter if you have it.
•Special fishing permit required if you want to fish the lake.
Motors are not allowed on this peaceful lake.
•Evening and sunset paddles are nice, so bring lights for your yak.
•Where? After crossing the earthen 'dam', stay on that main road .4 miles to a short green painted building and a spigot, turn left there. There's camping in the trees just to the left of the green building or down by the water.
There are about 3 tent spots on the point (see picture above)
Also possible site(s) at the beach/launch left of the point.
Otherwise, up the hill from the porta johns you can choose a campsite either under the trees or in the more open spots.
•The JAWP orange cones will be at the turn to the campsites.
Look for kayaks on and around vehicles as a clue.
•I'll be there Thursday, but it's difficult to "save spots" without pissing off some of the folks already there for the summer.
Friday: Feel free to paddle and explore, preferably with a buddy.
Saturday: Group paddle around 9:30 am-ish from the beachy area down from campsites where the little dock is located.
Explore the lake for a few hours together.
We'll stop someplace around the lake to stretch our legs and eat a snack or lunch.
•No potluck planned this time for Saturday due to lack of water.
What to bring:
•Camping gear (including rainfly)
•Extra TP (every good camper brings extra TP)
•Clam/Vevor or some sort of cover from the afternoon showers
•Camp chair and table
•Hammock if you have one
•Water that you'll need all weekend
•Firewood (We'll have a propane pit)
•Permit $10/night bought before arrival from Hon-Dah convenience store
•Hat & Sunscreen
•PFD-Life jacket/vest
•Lights for kayak if you want to paddle at night (we will definitely do a night paddle!)
•Optional: A game or book to relax with. Hummer feeder/binoculars.
Kayak wheels might be helpful.
Hope to see you there! You could use a good paddling!
IMPORTANT! NEW! PLEASE READ!
WAIVER,RELEASE,AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS
I hereby waive, release and discharge the Meetup group Just Add Water Paddlers and it's leaders, organizers, members and participants from any and all claims for personal injury, illness, property damage or death resulting from my, and that of my guest(s), participation in any of the group's events. I acknowledge that the event has risks, and I assume these risks with the full understanding that injuries may result from my participation in any event. I intend this release to discharge the above named from any and all liability arising from or connected in any way with my participation in any event, even though that liability may result from the negligence or carelessness of the above named.
I certify that I am of sufficient physical condition to participate in this event, and that my equipment is in proper condition for use at the event.
I have read this waiver and release and fully understand its terms and agree that it shall be binding on my heirs and assigns. I consent to emergency transportation and care at my own expense if I become injured or ill.
GUESTS: My guest(s) have read this waiver, and have agreed to it. I accept full responsibility for my guest's safety and behavior.
My RSVP and/or participating in this event is my signature on this waiver for me and my guest(s).
The organizer of this trip is a Volunteer, not a leader.
•Emergency contact information will be gathered before each event, so have phone numbers and names ready.