The fish were jumping…

…well, three or four made a splash near our kayaks as we paddled in the bay earlier this week. The fish, eagles, bears and other birds have been a welcome distraction from the unicorns frolicking in the sunny uplands of Brexit Britain – all will be well there if the new PM is to be believed. Politically, it all seems so depressing on both sides of the Atlantic. Racism and xenophobia aiming to be the new normal, and if you disagree you’re unpatriotic or a pessimist… No wonder we decided to stay away from the news and head out onto the water. Better use of time and all that.

Sparkling

We spent a couple of very enjoyable warm and sunny mornings on the water, the first chance we’ve had this summer to bob about a bit, and very calming it was too. You know, if we needed calming.

Winds were light, almost nonexistent – they tend to pick up into the afternoon out here, so a morning paddle is often best. Away from the relative hustle and bustle of the kayak launch – there is a small campsite nearby, and sometimes there are as many as four or five people – we found ourselves paddling along the shore at the foot of Mt. Ozzard, with splashing fish and singing birds for company, and no need for unicorns.

Paddling

I love the way a bald eagle floats across a line of trees. From the water, it looks like the eagle will disappear into the forest or over and out of sight, but often it’s the angle playing a trick on my eyes. Or it’s my eyes. The eagle flaps once or twice and then glides along just below the tree tops. Always a wonderful sight.

Splashing

The fish were splashing, birds were singing, eagles were gliding and a floatplane was buzzing. Eventually caught sight of it lining up for a smooth landing further down the bay. They are noisy, but I have to admit to liking the buzz of a floatplane, and I think of the passengers inside, a lucky group who have just seen the coastal islands from high above on a sunny day.

Buzzing

I expect we’ll be paddling a few more times in the next little while. We plan to bring a lunch and haul ourselves out onto the shore somewhere, rest up on a log and eat before a bear chases us off. Or a unicorn. We’ve scanned the far shore and picked out a couple of likely looking spots. More to follow…

Unicorn friendly

Thanks for reading, here’s hoping for some light news days, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

9 thoughts on “The fish were jumping…”

  2. A beautiful distraction from the madness settling in like smog on both sides of the Pond. Love the rhythms lent here by a gliding eagle, kayak bobbing on the bay, even a float plane coming in, delivering a dream. Thanks Adam!

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  3. Wonderful shot of the floatplane and paddling across the water and I’m afraid with these daily nonstop depressing stories, you may be out there paddling a lot this summer looking for a calm moment. I would love to have a few of your eagles flying above while kayaking, but I’m glad that there are only dogs ready to chase me along the shore. Thanks for the break from the political and sports news (Tour de France is almost over and the long rest for the Phillies did not work!!) with your relaxing descriptions. Hope you’re having a wonderful and calm weekend!

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    1. Thank you! We had a fine weekend – the Ukee Days celebration of west coast life on the island, great fun. Certainly more fun than reading the news, and we’ve decided to make an effort to limit time on that, and use the next few weeks to embrace the local outdoors right here, for our own sanity!
      I don’t really follow baseball, so between now and the fast approaching new Premiership season, I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on England playing Australia and losing another Ashes series. Same old same old, but good summer ritual!
      I hope your week is a good one, with lake time and pleasant temperatures.

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  4. Wonderful moment of serenity, Adam. I was imagining being in the float plane getting away from the depressing news. Like you, I am thankful for nature’s gifts.

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