Sunrise Book Reading in the Kayak

Sunset Last Night – Led to . .  .
6:30 Twilight Sunrise this morning! First blue sky clear to the beach since – I can’t even remember. March? April?

Pushed away from the Evaporation fog . . . .

So I could see THIS!!! Sunrise. My Very First Clear Sunrise since we’ve moved here!

 

I paddled out so I could feel the full sun in the morning.
 

View towards DRiver and Regatta.

 
View back towards the east – our side. See how they are still all in the shade. Tisk. Tisk. :)  I have on my Pj’s under my Beach Thick Fishing Sweatshirt – my Bro’s gift to me many a year ago -

My legs were all toasty warm under a thick beach towel. :) I could have unwrapped my legs, but I didn’t want to get wet at all – and I was enjoying the warmth. :) The soothing sounds of the birds. The plunking of the fish popping out of the water, Swooshing of the waves when a ski boat slowly slid by. Beautiful. I just cant’ even tell ya.
 

There is a cove about 3/4’s of a mile away.  I can see who’s coming, but still feel a bit alone. I sat out here for about a half hour reading my book. Blind Hope – by the way, by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher is a wonderfully inspiring delightful read.  I’ve been taking it chapter by chapter. Slowly enjoying. We used to be able to go to Crystal Peaks once a week – and enjoy the fellowship of these ladies – it is like sitting in the adorondak chair, listening to their honest conversation. Two people who would/could be put on a pedestal – that wrote a heart wrenching book of honestly telling how far they really are day by day. And how God pulls them in. Shows them. Grows them. Like Paul – the more we think we are like Christ – the more learn about Christ – the more we realize how far we really are. So – one chapter at a time – I sit close, and listen to these amazing ladies – gleen, reflect and grow a bit myself. :) Anyways – back to the ride -
The tension is just so thick on the water. Like Syran Wrap. Hard to show with the colors of the water just how flat it is! And Ski Boats are going past!

Even the wake of the ski boat produces only a sweet lifting swell.
Meanwhile – back at the ranch – Perfect Beauty! Love the reflections. It is my paddle that broke the water. I was trying to still the kayak to take the photo and broke the mirror reflection. . . . :)   

Thanks for coming along with me this morning!

Summer Views

Life on the lake has been grey and dreary for the last few weeks. The warmth of the east just out of reach  - sometimes for an hour or so we get to see blue sky, if we turn around and look up the hill . . . But Yesterday – my neighbor threw one of her amazing BBQ shindigs and figured out a way to order up the perfect weather! We went to bed with this view:

 

 

The dog taking her evening bath – she loves the mud crics over at the neighbor’s house. Woke up early thinking the lake would be perfect for kayaking but woke up to evaporation fog:

 

Not wise to play hide and go seek with the boats. Like our Doggie Washing Machine on the railing?

But it did provide the perfect cover for some quiet time reading my morning books on the dock. The air was warm enough to not need socks or a sweater. Here is the view from the end of the dock:
   

By almost 8 the sun tried to peek over the east hill and tall spruce trees. Love how the light and dark separate on the lake. Hard to photograph.

 

It looks like blue sky already at 8 to the front lawn line, so today is looking like a lake day.  Nate had a friend spend the night that lives down the street and Jon and I have a friend coming over to play in about an hour.  If you are in Lincoln City today – bring a towel and come on by!

Beautiful little spot next to the boathouse. ;)

Hope to bring you some fun splashing pics this evening!!!

Kayak Paddling Obsession

Those who know me -  will confirm that I can be a bit obsessive compulsive.  Once I get a project or idea in my focus – it becomes all I want to do or talk about.  Take um. Kayaking for example.  We have been trying to paddle in various crafts around the lake – and finally were able to pick up these beauties.  They are Ocean & White Water rated – but I think I’ll stick to calm mornings on the lake! I give you – Views from the Sevylor Rogue Inflatable Kayak. :)

This is the view around 7:30 a.m.  The water has been calm year round, even during bad weather, until about 9-10 a.m on Devils Lake.
I keep looking out at the weather – fog – over cast – but calm water. This morning I ventured out before our morning activities.

I have been paddling out to the campground, across the bay towards the tip of Neotsu, and then back around to our home again. I mapped it out this morning at about 1.34 miles.

Jon saw me out there and called to ask if he could join me. :)  

Paddling back to the house – It took from 7:30 – 8:10 to refresh the air in the kayaks, put them in the water, paddle the 1.3 miles and get back on shore, kayaks stored away.  We had to be across town near Taft around 8:45 or I would have taken more time to sit and enjoy the lake. :)

____________________________

Yesterday – I thought to try to see if I could stay totally dry in the kayak  which would lead to more time out there, if it is not a soaking each time. The water today is a balmy 68 degrees as the air temp hovers around 60.  Brrrrr.  Made it the whole trip without a drop. :)

View from the kitchen – Sun on the water, advection fog encroaching.
The sun felt marvelous. We have been in an overcast haze for days.

Made it out to Sand Point Loop, by the Campground. Had to make it back for a library program, so I turned around here.

Notice the water surface difference, south east side to north west side. Crazy.

Views looking North and sort of east-ish. :)

I keep an eye and ear on this opening all the time.  Jet Ski’s and Water Ski boats blast out of this opening from the Regatta Park side. :) Spooky. :)

 

Beautiful water and views back towards home. I thought my tummy muscles would be sore, but I feel my back muscles strengthening.  I can feel the arm put area to the center of my ribs tightening. My forearms and wrists as well. Buttocks and inner thighs get a work out staying centered. I find myself sitting straighter in the chair, actually feeling better not to slouch. The kayak rowing is very much different than 3 man raft rowing. I love it. :)

We had the option of buying one hard sit on top kayak for the same price as these two inflatable sit in kayaks – and with two great paddles – and it was excruciating decision for sure.  But having Jon call this morning – and ask to meet me out in the middle – made the decision priceless.  Love paddling with the boys!

This seems to be a sweet spot for calm water. Looked for Cattails for our study –but did not find any. We’ll have to do the ones by the road agan. :)

Summertime and the Livin’s Easy -

Need a little theme music?  Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

 

 

 

 

Nate Kayakin’

Waiting turns to tube and ski - 

Jon liked the design on these but ended up getting up on the “girly” ones that were a bit better for him.  
I didn’t have my camera when he was up, the first time I wasn’t home and the second time I um. Didn’t have it. It happens. :)

The fog stayed on the beach – all week – while the lake just got hotter and hotter!
  
Darren an Nate BBQ’d Chicken, Pork and Roast. The Roast the sliced into Beef Jerky. Oh So Yum.  The Chicken we went with a soy/marin/sesame/garlic 24 hr marinade.  The Pork was a dry rub, it was supposed to be a whole loin – but ended up being several pieces. Bummer. But still good!

Nate had to leave the party this day to take the 5th Year Oregon State Test CAT-5.  He passed with flying colors – My Son is Smarter than a 5th Grader.  Do we get money for that? He is learing the family secret Texas BBQ recipes passed down from his Papa John.

 
Our guests were here Tues – Friday. It a party every day. We felt welcome into their family.  Jon has asked several times if they have to wait a whole year for another family reunion. The boys had an amazing week! And, though it might not make sense for most - for those who know, I hope the Boys had an amazing week too. )

Joy of Morning!

Oh the Joy of Morning!
Water Flat.
Birds Singing.
Air Crisp.
Mist Rising.
Salt Air Hanging in the Honeysuckle.
Canoes Slicing.
Through the morning calm.
How Do I Paddle Through the Morning Calm?
Let it envelope me. I cling to the peace. To the Freshness.
To the uncertainty of the day. For the Hope of Christ’s Return.
Knowing He has sent a Comforter while we wait.
I sip the coffee. Wet my toes on morning dew. Pet the dog. 
Deep breath that comes from the fresh aroma of a new day.

Sunrise on the Lake on the Eve of Independence Day - 2010.
  
This is the most Pink/Red/Purple I could pull in on a tiny pocket camera. I can tell you that what the eye saw – and what my Nikon L22 Coolpix Saw were two different things. But this one was close-ish.

 
Sun Rises over these trees – it is still the 5 o clock hour. Pinks and blues are lighting.  This corner is our house – the house behind “Our Yearly Tree” is the neighbor’s.

Year Long Tree Study – In Summer – At Sunrise.