Storm Eagle

Yesterday was the sunniest day since we got here, and this morning looked promising. We packed up our kayaks with fruit and food, and headed for Loon Island. Half way across the lake, the wind began to pick up. The waves got really big rather fast, so when we landed at the island it was difficult to not get smashed up against the rocks.

We couldn't stay because a storm was coming. Heading home was fast due to the waves being behind us now. Once the kayak was in the waves, we were going along with the wind to our back. Then from above the trees we saw one of the Bald Eagles that live on Washington Pond. My waterproof camera hangs from my life jacket for easy access, so I snapped a few photos between paddle strokes. We got home, got the rain covers on our boats in time for the rain to start. Thought I'd blog while the weather does it's thing.

Giant Wharf Spider

One of my most popular blog posts are the post about the giant wharf spiders here on Washington Pond. I grew up here. I learned to live in fear of the Wharfers. They are big, ugly, full of attitude, and will chase a small child off any waterside deck, dock, or wharf. Here is another, and to show you how big this evil beast is, I dared put my hand into the photo. The Wharf Spider is about the size of my palm, not including my fingers. That's a big spider. To also know they can walk on water, make web sails to skip across the water back to the shore only adds to their mystique. I remember splashing them off the dock, and they would simply walk across the water returning to the underside of the deck. I always imagine the underside of any dock filled with an entire society of Wharf Spiders.

The same Maple tree now is covered with lots of little baby Wharfers. Today when I kayaked in, I noticed them all scampering about on the tree bark. I didn't want to use the tree to get out of my boat in fear of squishing the little darlings. The only thing worse than a bug is it's guts. I just stepped into the lake and got wet instead.