The wind had not yet kicked up as the intrepid members of the Local Yokel Yacht Club assembled at the private TerraSol campground in Patagonia for their weekly pilgrimage to Patagonia Lake. This particular Wednesday found a ragtag group of adventurers—and one anxious reporter on assignment—loading up kayaks and life vests for a morning of paddling the usually quiet, serene waters of the lake. I tried to help, shivering in the early morning ‘breeze’, wondering how to take pen and paper for notes on the windswept waves without getting the paper wet.
This week the group included six regulars and two of us on our first venture out. One kayaker, 77-year-old Krysa Kobryner of Patagonia, sported her “uniform,” the Local Yokel t-shirt. “I have worked from being helped in getting into the kayak and then getting towed in from the lake because I didn’t have the strength to paddle, to doing it all by myself!” Kobryner proudly declared. I grumbled to myself, “She’s the same age as I am! If she can do it, so can I!” I really do like those t-shirts, though.
TerraSol invites and encourages residents and visitors to come and enjoy a morning on the lake. No experience is required and they provide all of the equipment. “All you need to do is show up at 8am on Wednesday morning,” said Mary Tolena, owner of TerraSol. Everyone is welcome, whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’re an experienced boater.
Bird watchers are frequent participants, as birds and other wildlife are seldom disturbed by the quiet paddling of the kayakers. I tried to get good pictures of the beautiful area and the kayakers, but between the waves trying to push the kayak away or swamping it, and juggling the paddle and the phone camera, it felt like I was a one-armed wallpaper hanger.
On hotter days, there are private areas where the kayakers stop, pull the boats ashore and go for a swim. It seemed a bit cool on this excursion for swimming, however. “Please, let’s not swim today.” I thought. “It’s cold and my swimsuit body abandoned me 20 years ago!”
Then the wind picked up, and paddling became a real challenge. “It’s like paddling an oil tanker into a hurricane, but I’m not a weeny, I’m not a weeny!” I thought, battling the waves.
Not to worry. Aastral, the organizer, guide of all adventures, both nautical and terrestrial, general maintenance person and jack of all trades at Terra Sol, was present with a paddle board and emergency supplies should anyone need help towing or require emergency assistance.
The weekly excursions are led by Aastral, who has been a resident of TerraSol since arriving from Chicago in 2022. Aastral discovered Patagonia by throwing a dart at a map that landed on SE Arizona. Having been raised in the Southeast, moving with his family from commune to commune there as a child, Aastral was ready to ditch the cold climate of northern Illinois and head to a warmer place similar to where he grew up…minus the bugs and humidity. TerraSol was the perfect environment.
An ongoing theme at TerraSol is “Bringing People Together.”
“Non-commercial activities to bring people together and to provide a holistic, outdoor experience, making it accessible to all” is the goal, said Aastral.
In the cooler months they have a plethora of various sizes and types of bicycles for visiting hikers on the AZ trail to use to go to town for supplies. Aastral also takes those interested on two-wheeled excursions through the area on some of the lesser known roads and trails. Again, free of charge, bike and equipment provided. This is yet another opportunity to bring people together in an outdoor, “holistic” way.
“We have always had enough equipment for everybody whenever needed,” Astral said. “It’s been magical.” The kayaks were either donated, long-term loaned or bought at a discount. TerraSol encourages anyone who has a kayak or bike that is ‘unemployed’, well, they would be happy to offer ‘employment’ for it. Aastral has the skills to put it back into serviceable shape.
The funds necessary for the services and equipment come from donations and an annual fundraiser. Last year’s fundraiser allowed the purchase of a small trailer for the kayaks and paddle board. This year, they are hoping to be able to purchase a new, more modern and high tech paddle board. The paddle board is necessary for emergencies that could occur on the water.
All in all, the experience was a good one. The notes didn’t get wet, I was able to hold on to my phone and the other participants were helpful, friendly and fun to be with. With warmer weather and less wind, I would give it two thumbs up!
If you are interested in participating in this great way to experience the outdoor wonders of Patagonia Lake, call Mary at 520-987-0770.