Our kayaking trip today took us about 9 miles upstream to Capulin Canyon, in Bandelier National Park. Water levels had dropped about a foot since last week, and mudflats and sandbars are beginning to appear, making navigation tricky in some areas, with strong currents in a number of places.

Due to muddy and slippery banks we were not able to land at Capulin, but went back down river to Cochiti Canyon for lunch and a short hike.

Sightings included Great Blue and Black-Crowned Night herons, Canada geese, turkey vultures, ravens, redtail hawks, a merganser and other ducks, and a beaver.

The stillness, solitude, and connections with nature are always deeply moving and inspiring.