On Trail With Nibi Mocs

Kelso River May 27, 2005

Olympus Stylus 500, 5MP Digital P&S.

I went for another paddle yesterday. The lake was calm — smooth as glass. Of course, I had to visit the eagles. I think they’re getting used to me…. they were definitely cooperative. The 2 adults sat in one tree… not exactly side by side but close enough so I didn’t have to move between photographing each of them.

Across the lake, this year’s young one had left the nest, exploring the tree it resides in. It’s the first time I’d seen it out of the nest. Won’t be long now before it starts flying.

On the way back to the landing, I took a few photos in the fading light.

I sure do like having this place close by!

Sometimes, I go paddling at Chester Woods and hardly see any wildlife. Last night was definitely not one of those nights! It was a gorgeous evening and many creatures were out and about enjoying it.

When I first got to the lake, there were a few, puffy clouds.

Even they soon disappeared though. Further cloudscapes were out of the question and I paddled down the bay to the eagles’ nest. This particular evening, I was able to see both adults and this year’s eaglet. The latter was still hunkered down in the nest and I didn’t manage to get a good shot. The adults posed very nicely for me though…

Near where I was shooting the eagles, a large flock of geese and goslings hid in the grass along the shoreline.

Nearby, a deer browsed in the meadow

While a beaver chowed down on some vegetation in the lake… allowing me to drift quite close!

Turkeys were making a lot of noise near where I photographed the geese but never came out in the open. On my way back to the landing, owls were hooting and I saw a cormorant roosting in a dead tree. The nearly full moon was also tempting me. But I had to head for home.

Hope you get to spend some quality time with your Dad today — whether in person or not.

Last night, I took advantage of a break in the weather to go paddling at Chester Woods. First time since we lost Frodo so it was definitely a bittersweet event.

Thanks to all our recent rain, the lake was about 10 feet higher than usual. I paddled past sunken fishing piers, picnic tables and trash cans. The dock at the boat launch was a few yards from shore.

Fantastic cloud formations reflected in the calm water.

The bow of my canoe sure was empty without Frodo sitting there.

There was an eaglet on the nest I’ve been observing for the last several years. I took a bunch of obligatory shots but none worth sharing. Mostly, I just concentrated on the clouds. And, searching, in vain, for the turkeys gobbling along the shoreline.

With the clouds, I was expecting a spectacular sunset. While definitely nice, it didn’t live up to expectations.

Although I stayed fairly late, I wasn’t anywhere near the last one off the water. It was such a nice evening, it was tough to leave. Yes, Frodo was missed but I definitely still enjoyed the paddle.