Just beginning to turn

Monday
Today was Labor Day, a day officially recognized in 1894, as an annual recognition of the American labor movement and celebration of the economic and social achievements of American workers, and now regarded as the unofficial end of summer. Children are already back at school, and around here at any rate, outdoor pools close. It was another lovely sunny day, so for us it was a day to go out kayaking and then have a cook-out when we got home. However, since it was a holiday and nice weather, we felt it best to avoid lakes that permit high horsepower, so we weren’t jostling with motor boats and jet skis, so our choice was Stonelick, which is also our closest. The car park was as full as we’ve seen it, but out on the water, it was still peaceful and relaxing - kayakers, paddle boarders and fishermen. We spotted a couple of trees beginning to develop their autumn/Fall foliage, pretty much the first sights we’ve seen so far. We paddled most of the length of the lake (it’s not a huge lake) and then up the inlet creek where it is very quiet and sheltered - there was a bit of a breeze on the main part of the lake. Our birds seen today were herons, cormorants, egrets, a belted kingfisher, sandpiper and a killdeer. As we were paddling back, we both felt quite exhausted, so after our cookout and coffee, it wasn’t too long before I retired to bed to read my book!