Walking the Shoreline

Twas a walk with many scenes unseen most of the year. 

And, of course, there were the usual staples:  the mountains, the water and the birds. 

While Bill was at the library tying flies yesterday afternoon, I drove out to the Trestle Creek recreation area.

It may sound redundant, but, until the end of my walk, I had the place all to myself.

Well, there were geese taking off, honking and landing. 

I also watched a bald eagle soar. 

A coal train came around the mountain and passed the entrance to the recreation area.

In the meantime, I took my time walking carefully over rocks and a somewhat soft surface along the lake shore. 

This brief afternoon adventure turned into some wonderful moments of solitude and observation. 

It's neat in the BUSYness of life to grab those opportunities  and take time for observing the nondescript but often artistic detail along life's pathways. 

In yesterday's case, I got acquainted with several interesting stumps which spend months submerged when the lake level comes up in the spring and remains so until fall.

Driftwood and leaves up near the lawn area have probably not moved from their respective spots for years or months.

 I also noticed that over the years, brilliant green moss of different shades has developed, adding its special accent and intricate patterns to roof tops, tree trunks and even slabs of rock.  

I had all the time I needed during yesterday's visit to enjoy a hint of spring in the comfortable air and to take moments just to gaze at whatever unique scene greeted me next.

The experience was both exhilarating and relaxing.  

While walking back to the car, I stepped aside for a couple of guys out riding their respective recreational vehicles.  

Then, a pickup with a canopy and two adorable dogs enjoying the scenes from their open window passed me. 

When the vehicle turned around, I could see a familiar face inside:  a former student from the early '70s who now works as clerk of Ponderay.  

It was fun talking "local" to her and meeting her hubby. 

And, so, in about an hour's time, I saw four humans, two dogs, one eagle and whole lot of geese to go along with all those other usually unseens along the Pend Oreille shoreline.

Next summer, the place will be packed with oodles of  peeps and their pets. 

So, yesterday indulged my selfish interests of pretending, for a short time, that the area was my "own private Idaho."  

A great outing, indeed.  

Happy Sunday.