After a breakfast scramble consisting of sausage, eggs, potatoes and peppers we packed snacks, water, survival gear and binoculars. Back out on the water, where the fish frenzy continued, we managed to capture the aftermath left by a group of spawning carp.
Pelican flight is so graceful!
As we paddled farther upstream, we came upon much wildlife. Two pelicans and a goose lazed about the creek, oblivous of the carp chaos.
The geese would let us get quite close before they'd start "chattering" amongst themselves and eventually take wing.
I think this pair would make a great painting or framed picture.
A "herd" of pelicans kept an eye on us as Jim quietly paddled ever closer. I had the camera ready and remained still while he kept me between them and himself. It allowed us to get quite close at times before they'd unfold themselves, flap about and finally take flight.
This shot would be great framed as well.
Here, I managed to capture one and a half pelicans as they take to the sky!
Look at the angle of this bird's wings as they just skim the water - amazing!
Again, look at the water under the pelican!
Now in flight, this pelican appears to float.
Everybody plays nicely on the water, even the ducks.
We captured this "goose explosion" using the same aforementioned paddling fashion.
We were both amazed at the powerful takeoff by the geese. In just an instant they'd be airborne!
This lone pelican kept a watchful eye on us although we were able to get quite close. We guess that this bird is elderly due to the tattered "thingie" (need to do some research here) on it's bill. Notice the fluffy feathers on the head?
Look at the perfect "V" formed by the wings of this pelican.
The black feathers at the wing tips and along the sides are clearly visible.
Another hawk circles, perhaps eyeing all of the crazed carp!
We repeated our cycle of paddle and photograph for hours, never tiring of seeing so much wildlife, up close and personal.
Another nosey muskrat swims idly by, allowing himself (or herself) to be photographed.
The creek grew ever narrow as we kept paddling yet there was no shortage of wildlife!
The sound of these large wings is spectacular!
This watchful pair each kept an eye on us as we paddled up on them.
Then, they too took flight.
This group appears to be "in synch" as they climb from the shoreline.
I love the "fluffy hair" on the heads of these birds!
The giant carp continued to thrash and splash all around us, oblivious of even the boat!
The fins of many fish stick up out of the shallow water as they roll and thrash together.
A coyote appears, curious about all the commotion in the water or perhaps hungrily smelling the fish.
This homestead was created from native stone. Parts of it still stand sentry over the lonely countryside.
Each stone is selected to fit as perfectly as possible against its neighbors.
How about a "room with a view"? The secluded location makes this a very desirable spot! Water nearby to boot.
Look at the blue beak on the male duck. It almost looks artificial!
....and the carp copulation continues crazily!
Kind of reminded me of the movie "Jaws" with all of the large carp surrounding us!
I love spending time in this remote, scenic area although winter would probably rough!
We followed the tiny creek until we could go no more. Then, we had to travel backwards in the canoe as the creek was too narrow for us to turn around. The carp continued to splash and rub one another, banging into the canoe as they did so. At times, the powerful push of their tails actually moved the canoe! We both got to giggling over the bumps into the boat and the drenching we took from their powerful tails! There was no peace and certainly no quiet in this little carp laden creek. We both realized that we were witnessing something that few people ever get to see.
On the paddle back to camp, I went ashore to investigate a cave. I was wishing I had my mushroom book after I spotted a smattering of fungus. They would have been tasty, if edible, and there were many of them.
There were blooming bushes in both yellow and pink. I loved the pink even though the bright sunlight washed their color out.
Back at camp, I fixed a chicken and veggie stir fry and we watched the sunset develop over the beaver lodge.
Even though it looks peaceful and calm, the fish and frog frenzy continued, unabated.
We tried to capture a bright planet above and to the left of the moon. Unfortunately, it was obscured by cloud cover by the time we got the pentax ready. Even so, I still like the shot of the moon.
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