My sit-inside Dagger kayak likes to sit inside my Element. Easier to unload this way.

I have two kayaks, a one person sit-inside Dagger Cypress I bought 16 years ago, and a new 2 1/2 person sit-on-top kayak for taking my grand kids.

I’ve been using both this summer of the virus, to get out on Lake Ray Hubbard near Dallas, Texas, and forget about everything but paddling and nature.

I noticed first, things like the surface of the lake: the murky green color, the reeds and the sky reflected certain days like the best paintings ever.

Some days – calm, others – rough

Willows artfully arranged by nature

Sky in the lake

I like taking the kids out – though they have mixed emotions about rowing!

The boys in 1 kayak, me in the other

Baseball player likes kayaking too

baby ducks!

I like seeing the giant gold carp roll, and the bass and minnows jump – then I notice the birds who live on the lake and feed on the fish and bugs.

Osprey

Young Herons

Really young herons – not old enough to fly – waiting for mommy to bring lunch

Older, magnificent heron

White Egret and Black Duck

Bird in flight

Baby birds

These black ducks sit low in water, then dive for about 30 seconds hunting fish underwater. They make a strange grunting noise when they hang out.

I like the idea that Life goes on, despite the virus…