Over the past few years, my wife, Nancy, and I have explored some of central Maine’s finest small ponds and lakes in kayaks. We’ve found them to be an entertaining alternative to sea kayaking on the ocean and whitewater paddling in rivers and streams.

While sea kayaking offers the challenges of open water navigation coupled with tidal changes, and whitewater paddling requires constant attentiveness in an exciting downriver environment, lake and pond paddling provides relaxing opportunities to enjoy boating in more controlled, peaceful circumstances. Flatwater paddling on ponds and lakes has become an important outdoor activity for us.

We’ve paddled, and I’ve written, about several small ponds and lakes in the last couple of years, including Runaround Pond in Durham, Megunticook Lake in Camden and Branch Pond in Palermo. Serene paddling in exceptionally scenic environments is a commonality they share.

I recently conducted a solo exploration of Stevens Pond in Liberty. The picturesque pond met our criteria, so Nancy and I planned a trip.

Weather is an important consideration for our pond and lake trips. Serenity is difficult to experience in bad weather. We look for warm, sunny days with light winds. Some wind is preferable in the spring to keep the flies away. A Goldilocks day was identified in early June.

Most paddle boats are adequate for lake and pond outings. We use flatwater kayaks because they track well, have minimal exposure to winds and ours are comfortable. Canoes designed for flatwater offer a good alternative.

Nancy paddles a 17-foot fiberglass Current Designs Solstice. The sleek Solstice is quite fast and the outfitting is exceptionally comfortable. She uses a rudder to facilitate turning the long vessel. I also have a Solstice but prefer to use a 12-foot plastic Casco 120 for lake and pond paddling. The rugged plastic design is very durable and the short hull facilitates easy turning. However, given its heavier weight, wider beam and shorter length, the Casco is slower than the Solstice. I often find myself hurrying to keep up.

The weather was warm and sunny with light winds when we arrived at the small boat landing on Route 173 in Liberty. Two people were leaving in a canoe as we unloaded our kayaks and gear.

We departed southwesterly from the landing ramp. A large, irregular tract of land named Quigg Island dominates the center of the pond. Much of Quigg Island is a forest preserve owned by Georges River Land Trust.

We turned left into a narrow channel that separates the mainland from the northern end of Quigg Island. After navigating through the passageway, the eastern sector of the pond opened up to a cluster of small islands.

We proceeded to the eastern shoreline and then maneuvered south in shallow water through a maze of tiny passages between the islands. The area was decorated with scores of yellow pond lilies just beginning to blossom. Only low-draft paddle boats can access these waters.

Once the southeastern end of the pond was reached, we turned west and progressed between more islands in very shallow water. After rounding a short peninsula that extends out from the southern shore, we paddled to what appeared to be the southwestern terminus of the pond. Instead, an attenuated opening leads to a surprisingly large body of water called Howes Cove.

Howes Cove is a fascinating place to explore. Two miniature islands seem to stand guard over the entrance. Kayaking deeper into the cove, we crossed through a captivating congested garden of lily pads.

Exiting the cove, we traversed open water north to Quigg Island. A tiny brook separates the southwestern extension of the island from a narrow mainland peninsula. Quigg Island Road literally crosses through it and leads to what appear to be some private camps. When we arrived, a tandem canoe team was pushing through the brook.

Nancy and I decided to forgo dragging through the minuscule rivulet and take the long route back instead. We paddled north along the eastern shoreline of rugged Quigg Island and west through the northern channel. Following a visit to the dock at Quigg Island Forest Preserve, we returned to the Route 173 boat landing completing a very entertaining day of exploring.

My book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine,” narrates the best lake, pond, river and sea kayak trips in Maine.

Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine” is available at northcountrypress.com/maine-al-fresco or in bookstores and through online retailers. His previous books are “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals — New England.” Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at ronchaseoutdoors@comcast.net.