Summer Eve on the Lake

 

Usually, we don't leave town in the summertime.

Since the main motivator for taking another trip to Ireland involved my 75th birthday, changing our travel date just wasn't in the cards. 

Plus, the timing was perfect for Willie whose busy teaching and coaching schedule doesn't allow too many long breaks. 

Before we left Sandpoint in June, summer had started to show up, and then we had to go.

For the better part of 16 days in Ireland and Iceland, we wore several layers of clothing to keep warm or dry. 

So, coming home to full-fledged/pleasant summer and immediately being able to shed all those layers felt SO liberating.

Last night's first kayak outing of the summer for Bill and me felt even better. 

Over the past couple of years (thanks, Pandemic!) we have quickly adapted to kayaking, even looking a bit less clumsy each time we get in or out of our boats. 

And, we have a load-up and unload system perfected enough that last night's spontaneous trip to Trestle Creek, where we put in to Lake Pend Oreille, went flawlessly and quickly. 

It felt SO good and so relaxing to climb into those boats and paddle off into the sheer beauty of our beloved lake. 

Bill took a little longer to get going because he also had brought along his fishing equipment.

Within minutes, though, both of us were in our respective elements.  He was casting his fly line while I was clicking my camera. 

What a gorgeous evening it was out there on the lake where most of the major boating activity of the day had subsided. 

We felt like we had the place to ourselves and a handful of other evening recreationalists. 

I guess I could say that for us, summer has officially begun. We intend to make the most of it in this beautiful area where we live. 

Thanks, Lake Pend Oreille and Mother Nature.  

You did not disappoint. 

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When we pulled into the driveway after our kayaking trip, these two little "darlings" had made themselves at home in the north lawn.  

This scene puts faces to the pilferers who have been steadily removing tops to flowers, potatoes and anything else that's tasty during their overnight visit to the place. 

Innocents?  Ha!