In Richmond, the weather in January is pretty unpredictable. Last week we had snow in the middle of the week and by Sunday afternoon it was sunny and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Mist At Dawn
The mist rising off of the water is one of those early morning phenomenon that always seems special to me.
Feather In The James
Paddling along on the James River I watched a single feather silently float past.
Small Herd On The James
In the early morning hours late last summer I witnessed a small herd of deer drinking from the river and watched from a distance as they began their day.
Little Toad
Soaking Up The Sun
A great time of day to spot turtles in the river is at dawn.
Since they are cold blooded the turtles need the warm of the sun to really get moving. Rocks in the middle of the river provide a great opportunity to soak up the sun’s energy in a place where they won’t likely be disturbed.
When I found this Eastern River Cooter warming on the rocks the sun’s rays had just made their way over the trees on the river bank.
A Beautiful Start
There’s something very special about being on the water at dawn.
Double-Crested Cormorant
The James River near Richmond, Virginia is home to a fairly large number of Double-Crested Cormorants. It’s pretty common to spot them sunning on rocks or swimming in the water.
Flight Of Geese At Dawn
Sometimes, when I’m able to get to the river at dawn, I’m rewarded with the simple pleasure of watching the river awaken.
A Simple Gift Over The Gunwale
Looking over the gunwale of my canoe I’m struck by the peace, quiet and stillness of the scene. My paddle, the clouds, trees and even power lines are all clearly visible in the slow, calm water just inches below me. Continue reading “A Simple Gift Over The Gunwale”