Despite some morning drizzle, we set out early for the Rio Grande, and a rainbow was a positive omen. Although the day was completely overcast, unusual for our part of the world, we did not get rained on during our 4-hour excursion.

The river continues to reclaim the northern part of the lake, and navigating the ever-changing waters is quite an adventure. And with recent monsoons, there were no dry landing spots for lunch. Fortunately we found one that was not overly muddy, and it afforded opportunities to try out a new camera.

Sightings included the usual Great Blue herons, ravens, and turkey vultures. We saw one Black-Crowned Night heron, and two young beavers, one ferrying a leaf-laden branch back to its lodge.

But the best was near the end of the trip. Four juvenile Snowy egrets were fishing along the shoreline, and a Peregrine falcon chased them at one point. Fortunately they were unscathed!

As always, the rocky cliffs, water, stillness, solitude, and vastness are food for the soul.