Independence Grove

After a few days of clouds and rain I woke up to clear skies and calm wind . . . Perfect. This morning I went out to Independence Grove and rented a canoe. On my way the sun was above the horizon, but a haze still hung on the fields.

The birds were out and as I came up to the grove there is a marshy wet land just before the entrance. A deer was leading her baby across the marsh. The water, which came up to her knees, was up to the baby's chest and he had to bound to keep up with her. It was so peaceful.

The lake was perfectly calm and you could hear all different birds, geese, and ducks. A big difference to what I saw in February when I was out here before. There weren't many people out at 7:30, so I really felt like I could just go and be part of calm that filled the grove. Two swans floated in the lake and even the guys out in their fishing boats talked in hushed tones. I loved it.

I paddled around the lake a bit and headed toward one of the bridges. Little starlings were active, so I thought they were feeding. But they were busy building nests.

They started by going to collect mud from the shore. 

Then back to the site.

Added to their little nest under the bridge.

I spent most of my hour just hanging under the bridge watching them. After that, heading in to the shore and home. Satisfied that I had gotten up.

Happy Memorial Day! Celebrate the freedoms others have died for! It's still the greatest pace on earth to live.