Kayaking on Audie Lake

 Finally I was able to go kayaking on my favorite lake, Audie Lake, in the Blue Hills (Wisconsin). The first trip was partly cloudy/sunny which created a more dramatic mood and the dominant colors were blue and white and green. (see first 3 photos).

For the second trip I left earlier so I could be on the lake by sunrise. The fog was gliding across the calm water of the lake and it seemed like the world was standing still. I watched a pair of loons with their baby chick from a distance as they were floating through the golden mist. One of the loons (I assume the male) swam towards me to check me out and to guard his family. Close to the loons were three otters doing their thing, catching and munching on their breakfast. It was fun to watch them and their sleek bodies were shining in the golden sunlight. I was too far away to get any good photos.

I had some issues with my camera, something was different but I wasn't able to figure it out. I kept taking photos and was hoping for the best. When I downloaded the photos on my computer I noticed that the files were very low resolution. I had taken all the photos in video mode (!!) - who knew that you could take still photos in video setting! It was a beautiful morning but the photographer in me was not happy !!!

So a few days later I went out again and I am so glad I did. This time I made sure all the camera settings were correct. And I experienced another magical golden morning with fog lingering on the lake. 

I met the loon family and the otters at exactly the same location again! Maybe they are creatures of habit and they have their morning routines - just like us humans!

Sometimes I am left speechless when out in nature and words fail to describe the beauty I see and experience. Here is a quote from Rumi:

Silence is the language of God

all else is poor translation.

The inspiration you seek is already within you.

Be silent and listen.    (Rumi)

Enjoy my little kayaking adventures and thanks for viewing.

Susanne

Click on the photos for a larger view.

The only photo from my 2nd trip

This view left me speechless - on my 3rd trip

The lake looks like it's on fire

one of the otters when he/she discovered me

a pair of loons

The loon family in the golden morning fog

The guardian - the other loon and baby chick are barely visible in the distance

One of the floating bogs - perfect reflections with the sun

 

One of the floating bogs - perfect reflections

One of the floating bogs - perfect reflections

One of the floating bogs - perfect reflections

Caribou Falls & Temperance River, July 2021

 Early July I was able to go for a short camping trip to one of my favorite camp sites at the Temperance River State park, Minnesota. The camp site is really close to Lake Superior and listening to the sounds of the waves is very soothing, especially at night.

On my way I stopped at Caribou Falls and went for a hike along the river. There are so many unique and different waterfalls along the north shore but Caribou Falls is one of my favorites. The sun disappeared behind clouds long enough for me to take a few long exposure images of the falls. I continued walking upstream along the Caribou river and enjoyed being amongst the old trees listening to the sounds of the water. This is truly my happy place! 

I was hoping for a clear night to take photos of the Milky Way but clouds started to move in. I got up early to watch the sunrise which was partly cloudy as well but beautiful nevertheless, with a band of orange color at the horizon.

I spent the rest of the morning hiking along the Temperance River. I hardly took photos of the waterfalls but instead paid more attention to flowers and plants along the trail. The wild roses were in full bloom spreading their fragrance! Dainty Harebells (Campanulas) were growing and blooming in rock crevices - I am always amazed how some plants can thrive in these conditions.

As always, thanks for viewing and enjoy this selection of my hikes along the rivers and amongst the ancient trees.

Susanne

Click on the photos for a larger view.

Lake Superior waves at Stoney Point

Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls

Along the Caribou River

Along the Caribou River

Along the Caribou River

Sunrise near the Temperance River

Sunrise near the Temperance River

Wild Roses in bloom

At the Temperance river

Dainty Harebells

Ferns

Dainty Harebells

A patch of ferns

At the Temperance river

Ferns along steps

Wild Rose with spider

Buttercups