Temps were around 45 degrees with some wind when we arrived at the boat ramp this morning. So despite a cloudless deep blue sky, it was time to break out cool weather gear, e.g. insulated long-sleeved shirts and bottoms, and paddling jackets.

With the lowest water levels of the season, paddling was strenuous, and navigating the above and below water mudflats and shoals was a challenge. But we made it upstream to Capulin Canyon, the first time this year we’ve gone that far.

Sightings included a flock of 10 Canada geese, great blue herons, turkey vultures, a redtail hawk, mergansers and other ducks, and a beaver.

The wind on the way back was fierce, gusting to almost 35 knots at times, with waves in the river and even more in the lake. But we returned safely, grateful for the wonders of nature, stillness, and solitude.