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"Commonly we stride through the out-of-doors too swiftly to see more than the most obvious and prominent things. For observing nature, the best pace is a snail’s pace." ~Edwin Way Teale
I ran across this quote and realized how true it can be. A lot of my paddling trips are more about seeing how much distance I can cover in "x" amount of time rather than just enjoying my time on the water and really observing the sights and sounds around me. This trip on Loyalhanna was truly taken at a "snail's pace" and it was one of the most enjoyable that I've had in a while.
At first I wasn't even sure that I wanted to take the kayak out. I had worked until early afternoon, the weathermen were calling for rain later in the evening, it was chilly, and I thought that it was too late in the day to get much of a paddle in. I finally decided that I might not get out again for a while and the weather was beautiful right now, so I'd break out the cool weather gear and head for Loyalhanna.
As soon as I got on the water I could tell that this trip was going to be different. I had never seen the lake that flat and calm, the only ripples on the water's surface were created by my paddle. The reflections on the surface were amazing. The only noise I heard were the sounds of nature. I even enjoyed that "nails-on-the-chalkboard" squawk of the very annoyed Great Blue Heron that I seemed to be following (I'm sure that's what he thought,anyway). I explored every little cove I came upon and sat motionless for long periods just to get a close up of that annoyed heron, or to see if the deer I could hear snorting above the cliffs would come into view. As it was nearing dusk I saw my first "wild" owl and found out that they really are silent when they fly, but are very loud when they hoot. Loyalhanna is a special place if you take the time to experience it.
The water's surface was like a mirror reflecting the sky......
The only way to tell what was water and what was sky was by a leaf on the surface.
I almost hated to put my paddle in the water and ruin the picture.
There are a lot of interesting features in the cliff faces.
This heron wasn't happy and was very vocal, but he did let me get close enough for a good picture.
A natural terrarium in a recess in the cliffs.
"Commonly we stride through the out-of-doors too swiftly to see more than the most obvious and prominent things. For observing nature, the best pace is a snail’s pace." ~Edwin Way Teale
ReplyDeleteHey Mark! I often use Teale's quote on my blog too! How "late" into the season can you continue to paddle in PA? Thanks for sharing your Loyalhanna adventure... beautiful water reflections!
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteI hope to be able to paddle well into November (weather permitting). Last winter I put together a cold weather "ensemble". I have a Nike Pro base layer, NRS Endurance splash pants, NRS Hydroskin top, neoprene socks, Hydroskin gloves, NRS shoes with the titanium insulating layer, and a North Face polartec cap. I started in March this year, and stayed pretty warm. I'm going to add a NRS Endurance jacket for one more layer and a sprayskirt to keep the heat in and the water out. My first attempt at kayaying clothes was an utter "fashion failure"(Robbin had a good laugh though). I'm going to post on the "dangers" of ordering sight-unseen online, soon.
Mark