Today
Did the Q/B to the Lake. Weather could not have been nicer for it. My dad took a ride to drop me off and for pick up. I wasn't shooting for any speed records but all in all it took me 3-1/2 hours exact point to point. The water on the upper river was really moving. That and a good breeze made for a trick or two around some turns. Water high enough for clearing obstacles but those trees around a bend that want to pluck you out of the canoe are a treat! Like always, every turn could be a pine barrens postcard.
I saw very little Animal activity till lower downriver. Then it seemed like everything that stuck out of the water had a turtle/turtles on it. Most of them didn't seem terribly bothered with my intrusion. Stopped to rest at the third beach and had a fun game of chase with a little swift. Felt like a little kid again. They are devilishly fast. And no I did not catch or hurt him.
Once on the upper lake proper I let the wind coast me into the tall grasses to reflect on the quiet. As it would, brother wind turned to my favor and got behind me on the lake and man did I move then. Barely had the paddle in the water. A beautiful Heron Spied on me from the grasses on my right and then nonchalantly flew in front of me and sat to my left to give me the watchful eye. I blew into the canoe landing at Batsto, readied the canoe for pickup and ate my lunch in quiet while waiting for my dad. Also filled the better part of a WaWa bag with trash. Hope some of my pics came out. My camera ain't so great and the ride was a little busy for shots.
The ride home was a nice chance to talk with dad. He enjoyed being my shuttle. This day, it's perfect temperature, it's beautiful sky, the river and the chance to take it's lovely air into my lungs was a treasure.
G.