Some of my favorite activities involve being in the outdoors. I enjoy the mountains, hiking, camping, backpacking, and more recently kayaking. I have always enjoyed being near the water. I grew up in Northern California and loved going to the beach near Bodega Bay. As a family, we would comb the beach for driftwood that would be washed down Russian River during the winter rain storms. Also, I learned to surf in the cold waters of the Northern California ocean, wearing a wet suit. I never did get very good at it but sure loved trying.
Anyway, this year I got a kayak and yesterday took it out to the Aurora Reservoir, just a few miles from my house. I always get up early, so after strapping it onto the car, headed out by 8:10 in the morning. Being only 10 minutes away, I was on the water by 8:30 AM. It was a slightly cloudy, cool morning with little wind. The water was calm, the crowds had not arrived yet and it was so peaceful on the lake. I paddled across the lake and to an inlet, the water like glass, birds in the brush along the shore and perched on tree sumps in the middle of the inlet. It was so very quiet and peaceful. I would paddle for a while and then just sit and listen to the sounds, relax and reflect on the beauty around me. The thought of how fortunate I am to enjoy this moment filled my soul. Too often, I think I need to travel to enjoy some of the beauties of the earth when it is just around the corner.
The kayak is quiet as it glides across the water easily. I was able to approach a bird sitting on a stump in the middle of the inlet without disturbing it. I saw something move in the water in front of me and as I approached say a large turtle just before it dove down. A few fishermen were in their boats or along the shore hoping for a morning catch. As I glided near the shore, I caught a glimpse of a fawn laying under a tree. Quietly approaching I was able to capture a picture without disturbing him.
After a few hours I headed back, having had an amazing time. Was a beautiful way to start a weekend.
