Hello everyone on this mostly sunny day in August!  It has cooled off quite noticeably today, such a difference from yesterday.  It is 11:30 am and it’s only 64F (18C).  That’s why I thought it might be better to have a slightly later coffee time today.  If you are not used to the cool temps you might want to wear a jacket or sweater.  I have lots of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milk tea available for everyone today.  Sheree has promised to bring some of her special vegan banana bread with her this time.  It sounds so good, I can’t wait to try some!  And we are off to a special spot down by the river.  It’s a bit of a walk, but not really that bad to the part we are going.

We will have to bring our own chairs with us this time and blankets for those who don’t mind just sitting on the ground.  I actually like that myself.  This area has a thick layer of pine needles on the ground making it very soft and comfortable to sit on.  It’s a nice sunny spot this time of day and completely sheltered from the wind so it should feel very nice there.  Plus there is also abundant shade for those who don’t want to be in the sun.

From here we get a good view of Kenora’s dam over there.  They are not letting much water through right now since it hasn’t rained much for a while.  That means less water coming into the lake.  So the river level has been dropping about 1 inch (2.5cm) each day for the last 2 weeks and is going to continue like that for another week at least.  So the current in the river isn’t so bad right now except out near the middle.

Still quite a few pelicans over by the dam too I see.  I brought binoculars so you can see them better.  They are remarkable birds.  And huge, I think I mentioned before they can have a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3 meters).  That’s bigger than our eagles.  Oh, look over there through the trees.  A pelican is coming in to join his friends over at the dam.  Well, I got a picture but it’s not the best.  I have trouble with moving targets!  But at least it shows up fairly well.

There is still a lot of bird life around though most have stopped singing now and just using their various chip, chirps and other call notes to keep in touch with their young ones as they teach them how to survive in the forest.  But, alas, many are starting to flock together, getting ready for their southward journey.  They are smart.  Heading to a nice warm place for the winter months.  That’s what I should be doing too.  Except I wouldn’t want to come back.  Hey, look over there.  A Canada goose is coming around from behind those rocks.  Wow, so nice and close too.  I hope you brought your cameras with you today.  That’s a real beautiful goose too, quite large.

Just look at the time.  These coffee times go by way too fast!  I certainly hope you have enjoyed it down here by the river.  I must admit, heading back is a bit harder since part of the path is uphill.  But there are a couple of nice level areas along the way where we can stop and rest if you need to.  And they are beautiful spots too with flocks of birds flying among the trees.

Well, I certainly hope you have enjoyed today.  Have a great day and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

© 2019 Steve McLeod.