Convert

Today was another beautiful day here in the northeast. Sunshine through some high clouds, low humidity. It was another 'treat' considering the often brutal Augusts here. I spoke with a friend on the phone yesterday; he was ready for a return trip to my river island beaches. I told him to be here at 10:30 and we would make it happen.

We got down to the riverside about 10:45 and the place was 'hopping.' There were a lot of people coming and going. The parking lot was near capacity. We managed to get into the water and away from the chaotic scene as quickly as we could.

We immediately headed for the island. I could see as we approached it that the Lotus were blooming in the water-lily field near the island's shore. I pointed the canoe in that direction. The picture above is of a Lotus in full bloom in the morning sunlight. I steered the canoe around the side of the lily bloom-field that would allow us to enjoy the fragrance in the almost-still air. It was nice start to a beautiful day.

We rounded the lily bloom-field and headed down-and-around the southern point of the island. After we round that point we are in a different world out on the water; away from 'the rest of the world.' The water was so nice and calm I decided to take him to a different beach than the one we had visited before. Again, he loved it.

He is going to college this fall. He is an ex-Marine and is certified now for his GI Bill. He told me his first priority when his benefits start is to buy a new computer for college. His second? He wants to buy a canoe or kayak so he can go out there on his own.

He told me when we came back in, 'ANY time you want to go out there, you let me know.' I think I have created a 'convert.' He loves it out there, too.