Sailing Down the River

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Well, not really "sailing" or a "river" for that matter, but on Saturday Andy and I decided we'd had it with the whole ice thing and headed for open water. The creek that runs into the lake we live on has been open for a few weeks now and has slowly been draining into the lake. It's pretty funny to watch the water level on the lake rise while it's still ice covered: as rocks that were exposed all winter become submerged, little rings of ice pop up over the top of the rock.


Anyway, back to Saturday's adventure . . . we grabbed the old beater canoe, strapped it to the top of the truck and headed down the road a piece to put in on the creek.
As we started our paddle down the meandering stream, we found a beaverhouse along the shoreline. I suspect the beavers who live in that house are pretty industrious: during the course of the short paddle, we had to pull the canoe over two beaver dams!
There was just a skim of ice left in some of the creek's shady bends, which made Mr. and Mrs. Duck very happy.

The ducks weren't so happy about having to share the creek with a couple of canoeists though. You could almost hear them thinking every time we got too close and they had to fly off: "What do you have to do to get some peace and quiet around here?!"
The creek runs straight through the 2007 wildfire area and it was truly to heartwarming to see a blanket of baby jack pine trees poking up along the shoreline. 
Just before we got to the mother of all beaver dams, we found an upside down forest reflected back at us.


Andy scoped the beaver dam out, but in the end we decided to turn back. It had started to rain and this way we have an excuse/reason to paddle the rest of the creek some other day.

A dose of summertime fun was just what was needed to break my spring fever!

24 comments:

  1. That's so pretty.

    Ducks are funny, aren't they? Very clear communicators!

    I don't like hot weather, but I'd like it to be just a little more temperate!

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  2. Ooooh, I love the reflection of the trees in the water. Just awesome!

    I'm with Devon- I don't need it to be hot, but less cold would be great :)

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  4. Great pics! Thanks for following Mommy Time Out

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  5. It's so nice to be able to get outside again, sans snow and freezing cold.

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  6. so, so lovely. I love the idea of meandering in a canoe like that. Oh, the peace!

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  7. Nothing better than the great outdoors....looks like a good time. Your header is stunning.

    Thanks for following me and back atcha. Have a great week.

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  8. Oh this reflection of the trees in the water plus these clouds. I love it. Glad you have had some time out...
    Never did so before but I do want to learn canoeing this year!

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  9. that's so pretty! but it looks FREEEEEZING. how many layers did you have to wear?!

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  10. Oh my gosh! That looks like so much fun!!! My parents home backs up to a river and we would canoe up it or raft down it all the time growing up. One of my fav ways to connect with nature and be out doors!

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  11. I don't think I've ever seen a beaver dam before. Looks like a good time!

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  12. Those are great pictures. I haven't been canoeing in ages!

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  13. The upside down forest is breathtaking! I can't wait to get on the water. Winter, winter...won't you go?
    Last week we went to our library to hear a wild life rehabilitator speak and show some of his animals. He had a large log that had been chewed by a beaver. It is amazing at how strong they are!

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  14. Thanks for following, I'm following you back!!!!

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  15. Great photos! We experienced a torrential downpour last night,s o I'm back to hiding indoors until the sun comes out to play, but I envy your pretty pictures.

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  16. So nice!
    New follower from Mommy Time Out Tuesday Blog Hop!

    Karen
    Mommy's Moments
    http://www.avonbykaren.blogspot.com
    http://www.facebook.com/mommysmoments
    http://www.twitter.com/MommysMoments

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  17. Great pics and what a lovely way to spend a Saturday!

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  18. WoW the pics are beautiful! The reflection of the trees in the water is breathtaking. Seriously, it's amazing! Glad you had a fun day enjoying the water and the duckys : )

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  19. Love the Photos!

    New Follower via Tuesday Train

    Life Below Zero
    http://casinofreebies3.blogspot.com/

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  20. Hooray! I love it when you can get outside and see all of the creatures again! Looks like a fun adventure :)

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  21. lovely photos!!! I adore ducks.

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  22. What a beautiful outing! I'm with the others I love the upside down forest pic best I think.

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  23. What gorgeous pictures!!

    I'm running behind but I wanted to stop by and thank you for joining the Tuesday Train!

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  24. Thanks so much for the photos! It looks like you're a REAL camper, not like me with my car.

    Love,
    Heather
    http://thestyleconfessions.com/

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