"The more isolated we are from nature, the more isolated we will feel from God. When I am in nature, surrounded by God's fingerprints, I find comfort." -Sally Clarkson
Our search for Wisconsin's clearest waters has taken us to Hartman Creek State Park near Waupaca, in Waupaca County.
Park rangers at the state park suggested Manomin & Knight lakes -part of a chain of 20+ lakes very near the state park.
MY GUIDE
The water looked clear from shore. Soon found out different. It's often hard to know the full extent of water clarity untill you're actually in the water.
Discouraged by the cloudy water, I decide to head in. Nearing the channel that leads to the boat put in -my starting point, a kayaker named Judy (she looks like Jane Goodall) pulls up beside me and asks what I'm up to.
After a brief talk she said, "Follow me."
I can't imagine a lake much different than the one I was in that would be within swimming distance, but I follow her, doing my best to keep up.
Back across Manomin lake, up a short channel, into & across another small lake called Pope. As she leads the way up another channel. There is a change -the water looks & even seems to feel different.
GRAND ENTRANCE
Exiting the channel into Marl Lake, I enter a beautiful, white bottomed, turquoise tinted, suprisingly clear lake.
Not a big lake. Looks to be about 200 yards across. Around the whole lake -about 10 yards from shore is a plummeting drop off that I found both creepy & alluring. The clarity adds to the intimidating feel, as you can see a good ways into that abyss. At 60 ft deep & only 14 acres, Marl is a deep lake for its size.
Along a shoreline edged with bulrush and water lilies, I immediately see & shoot a couple of crappie with my speargun for our fish fry.
Would have loved this lake even without seeing any fish. Fighting daylight, I swim back with plans to come back the next day. Which I did, and have been back a few times since.
To this day Marl lake is my favorite lake.
I think that build up -the long swim & suprise discovery, deepened my appreciation of it. It's become a sweet spot my mind often goes to when I need a happy place.
We all need places to go to when we feel the soul numbing effect of too much civilization. Visit once & the memories provide ongoing therapuetic value -a lingering divine fingerprint.
I struggle to find that balance between a hermits seclusion on one hand & a total acceptance of a life dominated by civilization on the other.
FOR THE FISHERMAN
Not loaded with panfish, but I did see plenty of Largemouth Bass -a couple in the 4-6 lb range, and probably more Northern Pike than any lake I've been in. Named after a fish, I would call this lake Pike Lake.
FOR THE PADDLER
The Waupaca Chain of lakes is divided into the Upper & Lower Chain. The best lakes for paddling are in the Upper Chain. These so called "slow" -No Wake- lakes are only accessed by small boats. The most popular kayak trips include Orlando, Knight, Manomin, Pope & Marl.
Everytime I come here I see kayakers. Marl lakes' connection with other lakes in this chain makes it a popular prize in an overall paddle trip. Wear polarized glasses -being a clear lake makes underwater sightseeing awesome.
GETTING TO MARL LAKE
I later found a MUCH easier access to Marl lake. GPS to Kayak Launch N2283 Whispering Pines Road, Waupaca Wisconsin. Takes you right to the lake.
If you are planning a trip to the best lakes to paddle on the Upper Chain -that includes Marl, GPS to Knight Lane Landing N2417 Knight Lane, Waupaca Wisconsin
DISTANCE TO MARL LAKE
- From Milwaukee 2 hrs (138 miles)
- From Madison 1 hr 53 min (110 miles)
- From Green Bay 1 hr 15 min (78 miles)
- From Chicago 3 hrs 20 min (222 miles)
- From Rockford Illinois 2 hrs 45 min (182 miles)
P.S. Thank you Judy, & other open hearted guides in this world, willing to say "Follow me" -to point out some natural wonder or hidden gem. Our lives are much richer thanks to you.
(To check out more of my blogs go to www.wisconsinclearlakes.blogspot.com
