Paddler raises money for Special Olympics

For the third year in a row, Brian McGough of Columbia Falls is paddling his kayak around Flathead Lake over a period of five days to raise money for and awareness of the Special Olympics Montana-Glacier Area.

McGough will be joined by his 15-year-old daughter and encourages other kayak enthusiasts to join him in the Flathead Lake Challenge.

On Monday, McGough along with other kayakers departed from Somers Bay heading south around the lake. They plan to stop to camp each evening at state parks along the way. The route will be tracked in real time through the use of a Spot satellite tracking GPS and give followers an online look of the path taken during the trip.

The journey can be tracked at http://bit.ly/FlatheadLakeChallenge.

McGough hopes to raise more money this year for the Glacier Area Special Olympics team.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online now through the end of the year at www.FirstGiving.com/mtletr/flathead-lake-challenge. Anyone interested in kayaking one or more legs of the challenge can contact McGough directly to coordinate the details by calling 406-471-2111 or emailing flatheadlakechallengemt@gmail.com. Paddlers are asked to have their own kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices and any needed camping gear if staying the night.

The event is being co-sponsored by Montana State Parks, which is providing camping opportunities to the kayakers. Each leg will begin at approximately 6 a.m.

Tuesday: Depart West Shore State Park and paddle to Big Arm State Park.

Wednesday: Depart Big Arm State Park and paddle to Yellow Bay State Park.

Thursday: Depart Yellow Bay State Park and paddle to Wayfarers State Park.

Friday: Depart Wayfarer’s State Park and paddle to Somers Bay.