Here in North Dakota, I have a few days off before starting my workamper job so I set off today to find a lake to kayak on.
Cherry Lake did not disappoint. Wide open space, a shoreline with lots of little coves to explore and me eager to enjoy messin’ around in my boat.
This area is full of lakes, surrounded by cornfields. It sits in the path of the Central Fly Zone for migratory birds.
I hoped to see many different water fowl today but here was my first encounter.
Out on the cold waters, I heard Sandhill Cranes calling out so I paddled toward the sound thinking to see them in shallow waters.
On the horizon, I saw flocks of cranes flying north. On the water were Mallards, Geese, Coots and Mergansers flying away when I got too close for their comfort!
Paddling on, I saw a maze of cattail islands with Red-Winged Blackbirds perched hither and yon claiming their individual patches of territory.
Going deeper into the maze, I followed one long path thru the cattails which brought me to a dead end…and get this, my paddle and the bow of my kayak were breaking thru surface ice.
Okay, so I was at least a mile from my car, and the only boat on the lake.
Even tho’ I was caught up in the wonder, the beauty, the sheer glory of Nature…I figured it was a good time to make my way back thru the maze of cattail islands to open water.
Just in case I got caught in dire straits because I know my crazy loud orange rescue whistle would not be heard in the backwaters by anyone but the birds.
Once more on open water, I relaxed into an easy paddle already looking forward to the…next time.
What a great day!
Love, annie
Tin Can Traveler 