Re: 4/14 Rusty AMPS 130, +9 112
Hi again,
I'm back after a neat paddle with 11 friends on one of the lakes that always has open water before the others do. We saw 3 osprey (two of them on their nest), 6 or 7 loons (on a lake that doesn't have loons later in the season, but they were there because of the open water. Two of them were doing the mating dance), numerous Canada Geese and ducks. And, most exciting, we saw a Little Brown Bat. Some of you may know that the bat population in the Northeast has suffered for the past 4 years from "white=nose syndrome", a wasting disease that has killed off whole colonies of thousands and thousands of bats in their winter hibernating caves. This year one of the earliest caves affected has a larger population again, a good sign. And seeing this bat, probably on his/her migration (since it was out in the daytime) was exciting. There weren't too many bugs for the bat to eat, however, but he seemed to be finding some near the surface of the water. In any event, the bat looked healthy.
The day was cold, damp and gray with very occasional sunshine, temps in the low 40s. The water temp. was very cold, but no one went "swimming" (i.e., tipped over). We had a strong headwind on the way back. It was great to be out on the water again!
The boys did well without me today (but I don't think Rusty had any green). Edward said that he didn't want to go outside in the cold and damp (colder up here than where I was today: about 70 miles further south).
I'll try to get to a few condos later this evening. We're having some friends over for an impromptu supper.
Everyone have a good evening, and thanks for visiting Rusty today.
Ella & Rusty
