Let's Go for a Ride

We took a canoe trip last week after our return from the West. We wanted to reunite with our river's backyard and the weather was just a tiny bit cooler than it had been all week. My husband always sighs when we put the old canoe with so many memories (it has moved across the U.S.) in the water and push it in a gentle glide across the glassy water surface at the end of a busy day. I like it because there is no roar of an engine and only the gentle splash of the paddle stroke as we disturb only the water's surface.  We have no biting bugs either!

I have the dry yellow boat cushion sitting in the middle of the canoe and we will steady the canoe as you step across and get in. Remember to put your foot in the middle of the canoe and then gently lower yourself. Once you are seated you can let go of the dock edge!  We will do all the paddling.  Yes, you do need to wear the life jacket.

If you look over to the right you can see the nest of the osprey in a snag on my neighbor's yard. They are finished raising their young and soon will return south. The parents are still hanging out, though.  I love their occasional cry during the day when they are fishing.

We don't have much daylight left, for about an hour. It is enough for exploring.

I am surprised at how colorful the grasses are this late in the summer.  A little pocket beach for lunch this fall?

There is almost always a surprise or two for the observant and our turn toward the mouth of the river nearer the farmland revealed a brown ball landing in a shoreline tree.  I recognized the flight and shape immediately and was thrilled to get this shot from the rocky canoe.

They are not as wary as one would think.

Up ahead is the island home of one of the wealthier families in the county.  There is a large home, a guest house, and even a garage living area.  They sit high and dry for now.  Yes, they are open to the winter winds.

Ah, it looks like the last days of summer before school starts is a time for grandchildren to visit.  How sweet.

Well, we will finish this post before we turn back home. I will post the romantic sunsets in the next post. Let me pick up the paddle and put down the camera for a bit.  See you in about 500 strokes as we head to the sand bar and do some bird watching before our return.