Paddling along the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille under the Milky Way was a sweet treat for friends Karen Wilmoth and Chris Celentano.

The Coeur d'Alene residents recently went on a three-day kayak/camping expedition on the lake.

"It was breathtaking, one of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life," Wilmoth said. "The stars were amazing."

The two wanted to paddle the entire 111 miles of shoreline, but had to cut the circumnavigation short at 72 miles because of thunder and lightning.

They started at the southern tip of the lake at Farragut State Park and paddled most of the night.

"My favorite part was paddling under the Milky Way and the meteors the first night," Celentano said.

He said it was a joy to see most of the lake's shoreline, which featured little known coves, tiny islands and rugged terrain.

"We live in a very special place," Celentano said of the scenery.

On one day, the two paddled 32 miles.

Paddling at sunset was a break from the heat, which was Celentano's only gripe.

"We dealt with extreme heat every day of the trip and I would say that was the primary factor that led to us not completing the trip," he said. "Because of the heat, it slowed our pace down significantly and required us to stop regularly to (swim and) cool off.

"Ten- to 12-hour days on the water will take its toll on anyone."

Celentano wouldn't recommend the trip for novice kayakers.

"This is not something to be attempted by anyone, but an expert-level kayaker who is conditioned to paddle very long distances and navigate a very large body of water," he said. "Lake Pend Oreille is a lake that needs to be respected in every sense of the word.

"The stories people hear about the lake churning up 6- to 8-foot cresting waves are true."

Wilmoth and Celentano are both experienced kayakers and have taught the sport.

"To anyone wanting to attempt this, use common sense," he said. "Don't get in over your head and plan extensively."

During night paddles, the two used head lamps.

Wilmoth said there are plenty of places to camp along the way, but people should be aware that there are day-use-only areas as well.

"It gets pretty privatized toward Sandpoint," she said.

Wilmoth, who used to live in Bayview and had done some night paddling on Pend Oreille, said she has always wanted to attempt to paddle around the entire lake. She and Celentano met and hung out with some friendly boaters for a break along the way.

"I love that it's not so developed on that lake," Wilmoth said, adding that the water is also clear. "It feels like you're out in the wilderness and alone a lot of the times because it's so big, even though there are a lot of boats."