Second Paddle

~ Bitchy After 60

In know. I know. What about first paddle? 

First paddle was a couple of weeks ago on a single nice day between days and days, a whole month of days, of fog and rain. It was nice and it was solo because I always like my first paddle to be solo. It was quiet and beautiful. The lake edges, lush and green. I saw a couple of loons, two otters, and an eagle and a few too many mosquitoes who convinced me to end my paddle early.

Second paddle, was shared with The Doc and was thoroughly enjoyed as the weather was perfect, with only a slight breeze to keep us cool. It started with breakfast on the deck. I love eating outside and enjoying my tea while savouring the view. Nothing fancy because I didn’t want to waste good paddling time making and eating a big meal.

And then we launched the kayaks

Although we didn’t see any wildlife today, we did see a lot of beautiful and interesting plant life. The water level in the lake is currently high due to all the much-needed rain we had over the past few weeks. Everything is well watered and healthy.

Cinnamon ferns and wild roses.

 

Water lilies reaching high above the surface because of the receding high water. The lake is currently draining into the river.

What I believe is a form of laurel, but I could be wrong. It is very pretty.

Pitcher Plants

The beautiful red cones on a larch tree. The larch tree loses its needles in the winter. They turn a beautiful gold colour before they fall off.

 

Several years ago there was a forest fire here, and we all had to evacuate. There are places on this side of the lake that still display evidence of that fire.

 

We visited some of our favourite wild spots. I worry that these will disappear soon because of the new lakefront houses encroaching closeby.

No paddle is complete without checking on the beaver dam.

 

And then back across the lake towards home.

 

Thank you for reading. 

Photos:  Jenn Stone

 

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19 thoughts on “Second Paddle”

    1. It was a perfect paddle. It was nice having Doug come along. He needs new knees and struggles getting in and out of the kayak these days. I was surprised he said yes when I asked today. I also love my house and back garden from the water. They are my definition of contentment. Hope you are enjoying being grandma.

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    1. It is lovely. I am very lucky and very content to live where I live. I was so happy to move back to my home province 25 years ago. Also, the flying biting things aren’t too bad by the time July rolls around.

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  6. It’s interesting to see what you see when you’re out on the lake. The beauty is astounding, so many plants I’m not familiar with. All-in-all I’d say you’re living in a perfect place.

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    1. Paddling puts me in a mellow state of mind. As far as eating cinnamon ferns, this is what I found online: The fiddleheads of cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) can also be eaten, but all are at least mildly toxic and can cause nausea, dizziness, and headache, so it’s probably best to avoid them.
      A little confusing for sure, so I think I would go with no.

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  8. I’m glad you had a good time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Your photos are amazing and show how peaceful and serene the lake is. I also liked how you shared some tips on how to paddle safely and avoid getting into trouble. I think it’s important to learn from our mistakes and not let fear stop us from doing what we love.

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