It was very chilly early this morning when we embarked from the Cochiti Lake boat ramp. For the first time this season I wore thermal top, bottom, and paddling jacket.

The headwinds were cold and fierce for awhile. The water level had dropped another six inches, so there were lots more above and below water mudflats to navigate, and very strong current in places. Several times we had to go completely across the river, at right angles, in order to make progress.

The mid-autumn light was magical on the rocks and water, and there were still vibrant colors. A few flocks of Canada geese and a pair of soaring redtail hawks added greatly to the day.

It is a great gift to experience the deep connections with nature, solitude, and stillness. It certainly puts the madness of the so-called real world in perspective!