On the water

Yesterday was the absolutely perfect day to get on the water.   Sunny, temp in the low 70s, light breeze.  So I put aside the to-do list and loaded the kayak.

I decided to go to my 2nd favorite kayak location, Black Creek, on the Scottsville end, where I'd get lots of twists and turns and plenty of trees.  Plus a handicapped-accessible loading dock that's a breeze to use.  Since the water is high, I wouldn't have to worry about the MANY underwater tree trunks this creek is loaded with.

I set out, happy as a clam.  After a short time I came to one of my favorite sights, an old double-bridge.  How beautiful is that?!  

As a rule, I go through the right side heading out.  Kind of like staying to the right on the road.  Hah!  I got about 80% of the way through and it was clear that unless I was willing to lay down backwards on the boat and somehow simultaneously work against the current, I wasn't going to get through. 

There was definitely not enough height to either turn around or back paddle my way out, so pushing on the 'ceiling' with my hands, I backed myself out without too much difficulty.  I backed up in the creek, deciding if I would risk the other side of the bridge, try to explore some of the other side-shoots of the creek (where I'd never been so had no idea where the dead ends were), or be sad and call it a day.  I decided to try the left side, and made it through without much trouble.

I paddled upstream for about 30 minutes and my hip was not just mumbling, it was grumbling.  Much  as it would make for a short trip, I figured I had to turn around and go back to the dock.  I took another photo of the bridge heading back, and it's really easy to see what was going on earlier.

Now, I've seen people fishing in rowboats with small motors on this creek in the past, and they've made it through the bridge.  The water is just high.  Everywhere.  This is apparently the 3rd wettest spring on record in our area.  I am NOT COMPLAINING!  I know lots of places are really hurting for water.

I wonder where I'll decide to head next week?

Happy Mother's Day

 Maybe you've been waiting to see what I'd do with those little woven hearts I made.  Mother's Day seemed like a good time to start my outdoor display this year.

I'm hoping it brings people smiles.  And that plenty of people leave hearts here for others.  Unlike my kindness rocks last year, I will not be making close to 500 hearts this year.  When I'm tired of making them, the display will be done.

WOW to hats and gardens

 The Ontario County Arts Council fundraiser was held last Saturday. I must say, they did a fantastic job.  The event was fun, they carried the theme well throughout the activities, and I’m guessing they did okay raising $$. (Although I’m positive that the event cost LOTS of volunteer hours. And of course u have no idea what their fundraising target was, so no clue if they hit it.)

I was pleased that both of my hats sold.  I think the winning bid on each was $30 each, but to be honest I sort of lost track. 

Here are 2 of my favorites.

If I recall correctly, the maker of this hat said she used actual peacock, goose, turkey, chicken, and duck feathers.  It was beautifully balanced and drop dead gorgeous.

This fun hat had a mama chicken and three little fuzzy chicks.  It made me smile.

Now for some beauty from my garden.  

My crabapple tree is always a knockout.  I draw lots of compliments from passers-by.  It has grown from a small sapling to a large beauty in just a decade.

A few years ago I planted a double-flowered kerria near the crab, and they always flower together with their beautiful complementary colors.

I wove a few scarves and have some more towels on the loom, but nothing to show yet.  Maybe next time you stop by.  ;-)