Howard Lake

School has only been in progress for the last two weeks but I will admit Labor Day was needed.  The complete life change that college has been these first two weeks has been enjoyable, albeit tiring.  My Labor day was vary productive...  I was happily lounging at my dorm catching up on some sleep; when I was invited to go boating with my cousin.  The decision was to get off the college campus for some fun in the sun, or loaf about,  it was a no brainier.

I was picked up right outside my dorm ready to go, it was a beautiful day.  I was told we were going to Howard Lake or Bald Eagle Lake depending on whom you talk too.  Apparently the lake is part of the Bald Eagle state forest, but it is in the township of Howard (I found that interesting).  It turned out to be about a 30 minute drive North East of State College.

As we drove by the lake, the first thing that struck me was how active the lake seemed to be.  There were kayakers, tubers, skiers, boaters and fishermen all sharing this lake, on a Holiday weekend.   When we arrived at the boat dock, where my cousin’s boat is stored, we went to work prepping the boat and we were under way in about five minutes.  

As we idled out of the little cove that the boat docks inhabited and the lake opened up I though to myself this is a beautiful place.  To me the pinnacle of beauty is found in nature and this location does not disappoint. 

The Lake can be separated into two half’s by a bridge that bisects the lake.  This bridge also seems to separate the lake by activity, on one half there is the crazies flying around on there boats, on the other it is peaceful and more for the swimmers and loungers.   For a while my cousin and I were part of those crazies.  Driving the boat around as fast as it could go with the wind in our faces, just enjoying it.  That can only be done for so long, as we retired to the peaceful side of the lake to enjoy the sun.  

I am a southern boy and for the past month I have been missing the sun and the beaches of North Carolina.  Of course we did not just lounge for hours there was swimming, listening to music, and fishing for my cousin.  Unfortunately, a fishing license is required and on this particular day I did not feel like risking it as we had seen the game warden driving around.

The water was surprisingly warm.  I have swum in other bodies of water in Pa and they all tend to numbingly cold, but this water was just perfect.  When it was time to head back we finished by taking a tour of the lake.  We then docked the boat put the cover on and headed back to State College.

I had a really good time at Howard lake it was a great experience.  To enjoy the lake you do not need a boat, there is a man made beach a swimming area, along with boat and kayak rentals.  One thing I would love to do is go boating on Howard lake when it is a clear calm night.  I hope to do that at some point.