Echo Lake
Trish is currently working with two clients on Echo Lake in the Fayette, Readfield, Mount Vernon area. It spans over 1,100 acres and is sometimes called Crotched Lake due to its shape. We launched at the public boat launch on the North end of the lake, across from the ‘smokestack’ and just below the dam that separates it from Taylor Pond.
We paddled down the Western Shore, enjoying the gorgeous weather and scenery. Trish paddled a Focus Cali 14’ paddleboard and I paddled the Esquif Echo - quite fitting since we’re on Echo lake. When I canoe and she standup paddles we’re fairly evenly matched in speed so it’s a combination we often paddle together.
We paddled to the bottom of the Western leg of the lake and got to view a few properties I’ve worked at in the past from the waters perspective. This area has some nice tall cliffs, some undeveloped stretches and some classic old camps.
As we rounded the lake we stopped for a snack at the dam that serves as the outlet. Once water flows over the dam it meanders down a stream into Lovejoy Pond. From the dam we paddled around the headland and toured the Eastern leg of the lake. We saw plenty of Loon on the water and Bald Eagles in the sky. Not many others around and because Camp Laurel and Camp Vega were barely operating this year, it felt pretty dead. I imagine it’s not usually that quiet.
This is definitely a lake I want to return to. It has a real nice vibe and the locals we talked to were super nice, as was the courtesy boat inspector, doing her job checking for invasive species.
