Friday, December 31, 2010

Last River Trip for 2010





What a weird way to end the year. This morning we had heavy rain along with a line of thunderstorms and by afternoon, I was out with jeans and a t-shirt as the temperature got up to around 50 degrees… May you all have a nice New Year Eve celebration and a wonderful 2011. The photo to the left is a self-portrait taken on the river.





Yesterday, I decided that I needed to get outdoors and since there wasn’t enough snow to cross country ski, I decided to head out in the canoe. I put in right below a dam (there are a couple small dams on this river, but the backwater behind the dams are frozen, making it impossible to canoe). It felt good to be back in the boat for the first time since October and hear the water ripple underneath the hull and from the springs along the bank that feeds the river. I got to see squirrels play along the banks and in the trees, a muskrat that looked at first like a long in the water, to disturb ducks that take to the air at my approach, and to look at the hardwood swamps, the bark about as gray as the sky. It rained a little, but that was okay. It was only an off and on drizzle, no soaker, and I was prepared. Unfortunately, in winter, there are no leaves to muffle the sound and I could hear the highway, less than half mile to the west, all the way. But I also got to see lots of ducks, some geese and several swans who have decided to winter it out up here, along with a downy woodpeckers and a kingfisher. I snapped photos with a new lightweight waterproof camera that I got for Christmas and hope to take on my trip next year… Unfortunately, its battery gave out and I didn’t get any photos of the swans. Also, the point-and-shot isn’t nearly as quick as the SLR. But it was a good trip; I floated leisurely, taking breaks to drink hot tea and to do some thinking. There’s nothing like water to clear one’s head.



By the way, in case the photo above has you wondering, I wasn't planning on playing a game of hoops along the river. The basketball was found floating in a log jam (and it's a pretty good ball)!

17 comments:

  1. Was nice down here temperature wise, though rainy. I did enjoy some time on the deck.

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  2. In the high fifties today here. I was in shorts.

    Happy New Year to you and yours, my friend.

    Cheers.

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  3. Yeah, we've had that weird weather also. On St Stephens day it went from -12C to + 14C in twelve hours. Nuts, eh. That morning it was like going out into a summers day the morning of the 26th.

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  4. I'm so glad it was warm enough for you to take that trip, Sage. And the basketball has a great new home, to boot. Happy New Year!

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  5. It didn't start to thunder here until about 6PM. I guess everyone was fairly liquored up by then but that storm last 12 full hours.

    Not a good sign that the geese didn't leave or that on this side all of the snow has melted.

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  6. nice...hope you had a great new year as well...was a pretty mild night here...would not mind dropping in a canoe...

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  7. Happy New Year to you too, and what a cool way to bring in the new year! I am so envious of 50 degrees, oh gee....super amazing!..and glad you saved such a fine looking basket ball! Happiness to you and your loved ones too!

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  8. I enjoy your unique perspective and find myself reading your previous posts as well. One of my resolutions is to comment more on your blog. Best wishes to you in 2011.

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  9. you really enjoy nature! some of your posts make me want to go in the wilderness and...nah I'll keep running on the roads.

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  10. Very evocative writing, Sage. It's as good as being there! Much warmer here - 70 to 82F. Happy New Year mate. xxoo

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  11. Isn't that the truth. I couldn't agree more. Water is simply the most efficient path to peace of mind. Great pics, Sage. Someone looks awfully happy and content! :-)

    Happy, Happy New Year!!

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  12. We bundle up in our heavy coats when it gets down to 50 here...

    Happy New Year!

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  13. Strange weather everywhere!
    And I find it absolutely hilarious that instead of a ski...you went out in your canoe! How contradictory:)) The weather makes me shake my head....

    Best wishes for this new year!!!!
    (And if you need some snow, I could share. I've been skiing almost daily. But Definitely no canoeing:))

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  14. I've been boating this time of year several times but never north of the Mason-Dixon line.

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  15. Looks like a wonderful, peaceful time!

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  16. Glad you explained about the basketball. I was gonna ask if you had put up a couple of goals on the water.

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  17. Is my geography wrong? Is MI suddenly in the South?

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