Howdy Friends! It's Friday...and I didn't have any new photos to share with you, so that is why I'm a little late to the party! I stepped outside and realized it was a very pretty day...not too hot, not too cold, but just right! And I also noticed that there seems to be a break in the lily pads on Still Waters Pond, so I decided today would be a good day to take out the kayak!
"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature.
It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature."
Henry David Thoreau
I haven't been out since last spring because it was just too hot and the lily pads were so thick I couldn't paddle through. But now they are dying back for the winter and sadly there are no more lilies blooming either, but it sure made for easier travel.
What is interesting, however, is there appears to be a new "island" floating in the middle of the pond. I've been noticing this dark stretch of what looks like dead lily pads forming a kind of floating island, and I wanted to check it out.
Most recently I watched a pair of Sand Hill Cranes walking around on this little island, so I knew it must have some substance to it.
(These pictures of the cranes were taken a few days ago from watching them from our porch...they weren't out there this morning, or I assure you they would have flown away at the sight of me!)
Here you can see both of them as they were squawking back and forth at each other. I posted a video of them making noise on my Facebook page this week.
So anyway as I passed by this little floating island I realized it was made up of dirt and dead lily pads and new little plants popping up on it. We shall see what becomes of it as the days go by. It's interesting to see how these things develop and come and go.
There wasn't much activity on the pond this morning in the way of wildlife, but it was very peaceful and calming to paddle around and enjoy the freedom of exploring new "lands" and "seas" once again!
As I came around one of the bigger islands I approached this old dock that once spanned the waters to the smaller island from the shore.
As you can see, this dock has seen better days. I don't believe any sane human has tried to cross it in many years...
Could be a few "insane" humans may have tried, but I assure you it wasn't me! I was not too sure about even passing under this dock safely...
Coming up to this reminded me of the old song we learned in elementary school:
The Erie Canal Song
"Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge, yeah we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If ya ever navigated on the Erie Canal"
So I ducked and paddled under the "low bridge" and navigated on through the Still Waters Pond, not quite the same as "The Erie Canal"...but it was fun remembering that old song, wasn't it?
"First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others."
Thomas A Kempis
Oh yes, "peace"... something we are all in need of these days, right?
On around the island you can see the remnants of what was that same dock, which led from the smaller island to the bigger island. Long gone now. But's that's okay with me...keeps people from intruding on our little private pond.
"You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance."
Psalm 32:7
As I came around the island I did see this lovely dragonfly perched on some grasses, waiting for me to take it's picture.
Thank you, Dragon Fly! Now you may fly away...and he did.
Meanwhile, I've been noticing the red holly berries in the tree tops on the island...funny I never noticed there was a holly tree on the island last year...I don't believe the holly trees had nearly as many berries last year as they do this year. The old timers will tell you that an abundance of berries and acorns (which we also have) is a sure sign of a hard winter...yes, even here in Florida. We need lots of food for the many birds who will be traveling through to even warmer climes south as they escape the bitter cold winter up north. Sorry folks, but that's what the old timers say...I should know...I'm getting to be an old timer myself. LOL.
Just passing around by the island and then looking back at the shore on the "mainland" here below:
The yellow wildflowers are starting to really bloom along the shores of the pond now too. So beautiful to see in the autumn...
Oh, looky there! There is someone sitting on that porch waiting for me. Can you see his nice legs? That's about all you can see. Yes, that's my hubby, watching for me to come around the bend and into shore so he can come down and pull me in. Getting off of this kayak is the hardest part of all (next to getting into the kayak) There is no graceful way to do it, trust me!
Oh wait! As I am paddling and struggling to get up to the shore, this young fella is right smack dab in my face. So I figured I might as well take his picture before I knock him out of my way. I mean, would you want him right where he could jump right in your face or wherever else he might jump? I don't think so...especially when one is already unbalanced, sitting in water with no other way of escape. So I just nicely bent over his branch and he jumped the other direction, thankfully!!
Okay, here's a sweet little purple aster looking flower along the shore. Had to get some kind of flower picture to show you.
And then back on shore, standing in my Secret Memorial Garden, looking back out at Still Waters Pond. Actually, I took this picture before I decided to take the kayak out. As I stood there, I knew I just had to get out there and enjoy this morning. I hope you enjoyed it with me. Wasn't it pleasant? Could you almost feel the gentle breeze and feel the warmth of the morning sun as we paddled about? I hope so...because it was very delightful, and even better because I shared it with you.
"This is the meeting place where God has set His bounds.
Here is enough, at last, for eye and thought,
restful and satisfying and illimitable.
Here rest is sweet, and the picture of it goes with us on our homeward way,
more lasting in memory than the sunset on the meadows or the lingering light across the silent stream."
Isaac Ogden Rankin
Sunset on Still Waters Pond
Psalm 23:1-3
1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul..."
Amen.
