How hot is it?

It is so hot that the trees are fighting over the neighborhood dogs. We are expecting two warmer than normal days. When we got out of bed today, we saw that the temperature, at 6 a.m., was already 80 degrees. Today and tomorrow will be close to 100 degrees. So for today, I thought I would share with you photos of cool, refreshing water. Ready?

I would love to be on this beach just to enjoy the ocean water.

From the water

I can just imagine standing under this waterfall.

Another waterfall

Jumping into Lake Tahoe would really cool me down.

Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay

This lake near where I live looks inviting.

Enjoying a local lake

I want to jump into this river.

A view of the river

One more. Imagine sticking your feet in the cool rippling waters of this stream.

Rippling waters

If you are in a hot zone, stay as cool as you can, drink and carry water with you. Have a great day and be well.

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A Day at the Lake

I woke up this morning with a case of ants in the pants and just had to get outdoors and admire spring here in the foothills. What could be better than taking a stroll around one of the local area lakes? Would you care to join me?

We arrive at Trout Lake. The winds are calm, and the day is starting to warm up. From across the lake swims the welcoming committee.

The welcoming committee

It is so peaceful here. The only sounds are those of the ducks and geese on the lake. The lake is amazingly calm.

The lake

We are greeted by one of the locals.

Greeted with a smile

You and me and the locals are enjoying the peace and tranquility.

Overlooking the lake

It’s a perfect day for a swim!

Canadian Geese

The remains of last year’s cattails still stand proud and tall.

Last year’s cattails

We see a family on the beach. There are three geese and a bunch of goslings. They see us approach and head into the water.

The family is out for an early morning swim

I get lucky and catch a photo of the family lined up in a row. They are followed by a white goose who runs interference.

All in a row

Walking along further around the lake we spy one of the resident snapping turtles.

A snapping turtle

Lupine are starting to bloom and their colors are just glorious!

A mass of lupine

We come across an area where water plants are floating. The colors from the red stems that are under water are striking.

Future water lilies

Looking into the waters edge we can see trout swimming about. Some of them are as big as 14″! I was not sure if the photos of the fish would turn out, but I did catch this fish as it looked at me.

A trout looks at me

A short distance away is another snapping turtle basking in the sun!

Basking in the sun

Heading away from the lake and back to my car we discover this patch of lupine breaking through the tarmac…such lovely flowers!

Breaking through the tarmac

Well it’s time to head home. Thanks for taking this stroll with me! Have a wonderful Sunday!

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A Walk in the Foothills

I headed out the door all bundled up and ready to take a walk around the neighborhood. It’s a chilly 39 degrees, but despite the cold there is something wonderful about a walk after it rains. The air is crisp, and the air smells of the forest. Come and take a walk with me…

I got to the lake nearby and was grandly greeted by one of the local natives.

A goose greets me

Then one of his buddies stepped up to say hello too!

Hey who are you?

One of these fellows got a bit curious about me…

Whatcha got there?

If you look closely you will see his eye is blue, and yes he is looking right at me. Also, notice the ridge of tiny teeth that run along his bill. Click on any of the photos to see them better!

Continuing on around the lake, the wind starts to kick up a bit. The cloudy skies make for good photo taking opportunities and I am at the ready. As I start to wonder off my friends decide to follow me.

Can we come along?

Upon seeing me other geese on the lake seem to feel that getting into the water and away from me is a good idea.

Further along the geese head out into the water of the lake

The wind is very cold, but I catch the calm side of the lake only to find the reflection of the trees in the water, and the colors that bleed breathtaking.

On reflection....

The breeze chills me as I turn back to the look at the lake.

The wind ripples the water

I head over to the other lake in the area. When I get there, while still cold it is away from the wind. And I find a lovely spot for a picnic, in the summertime that is!

The perfect spot for a picnic in the summertime

Then I hear a commotion coming from the lake and a pair of geese take flight!

Geese taking off!

I turn and head back home. As I get close tiny drops of rain bounce off my jacket and I step into the vestibule of my home. What a wonderful walk! And I made it back just in time too, because when I turned around to look back from whence I came, I was able to get this shot:

It is snowing!

It started snowing!

I hope that you enjoyed our walk!

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