a full day

We had a full and productive day. Egg layer peepers, 200 of them, arrived on the farm. Bee sting between my toes. Wasp sting on Homer's hand. Chickens moved from field to fridge. Cattle, pigs, poultry, ducks, dogs and farmers watered and fed.

It was hot and humid. In the evening we took a quick drive (about 12 miles round trip) to the boat dock at Pinchot Park. Here on the farm we are closer to the back side of this 2,000+ acre state park, and have to travel to the spot where kayaks and canoes can be stored. This area provides quick access to the lake and no need to transport, as privately owned watercraft can be stored there.

As we walked the lake edge it was nice and cool. We watched a heron fly just above the water a long distance. And then I saw movement just out of the corner of my eye.

Homer circled back to retrieve the moving object. A crayfish!

That thing made me freak out! It feels and looks like a creature from a different time, like it forgot to evolve to something cute. It looks so similar to a scorpion, and since I was still puffy from my bee sting I needed no more adventure.

We picked it up (we?! Homer touched it, no way was I gonna do that) and placed on a kayak for a quick photo.

And then it was set back on the ground were it backed straight into the water at a high rate of speed.

Our intent in visiting was to investigate access and to remind ourselved to ask our friend Jeanne if we can borrow a kayak or canoe. Our schedule depends on weather and snafus. Its a challenge to know exactly when we will be able to go for a paddle. We've lived here for years and have not been out on this beautiful lake that is so close to the farm. Kinda busy when its warm and no desire when it is cold.

We have been out in other waterways on little boats before and it is always lovely. Just above the water, able to see what's traveling above and below. A nice way to spend a hot summer evening.