Out and About

 

Papa and I are in-between road trips so what to do? Well, golf is always an option but we're trying out new things too. Our second voyage on the kayak was one of those new things. After two tries, I personally love it; Papa, not so much. This try definitely went much smoother than the first. I think I enjoy the relaxing exercise aspect and peaceful nature time.

We went early on a Wednesday morning, so the beach was almost empty. We were much smoother/coordinated getting in-and-out of the kayak. Remembering to attach the fin underneath helped with navigating, along with configuring the paddles correctly. For a while, we had a smooth cruise going. We were able to do a couple laps around the marina area, spending almost an hour gliding the water. It was fun listening to the various birds, the occasional motor boat in the distance, seeing fisherman and hikers doing their thing. Slowly the beach filled in with mothers and children and various sun seekers.

Of course, I had to "up" things for us a bit by strapping a waterproof bluetooth speaker onto my seat. A little smooth jazz instrumental music aided in creating a relaxing cruise. I will totally be going out again and, thankfully, this yet-to-be-named kayak works as a single or double. Papa can golf with the guys and I'll head out for a cool morning on the lake.

We still have a couple more ideas of things to try for different activities during the summer months. Meanwhile, we are enjoying early mornings on the golf course. What fun it is watching the wildlife. We have witnessed coyotes playing "king of the hill" along the block walls, jumping up and knocking another coyote off as they navigate the balance beam of the wall. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough with the camera to catch that.

We did capture the little quail family scurrying across the cart path to escape the golf ball. A friend calls the little baby quail "walnuts" and they are that small and so adorable to watch. A couple holes later we watched two young bunnies playing. I don't remember ever seeing a bunny vertically jump. How fun and playful!

SOURCE:  https://youtu.be/6iBffpG4t-Y

The desert is still blooming. It isn't the widespread flowers of the superbloom we saw in March, but the saguaros are blooming more than I remember in previous years. Likely thanks to our cooler and wetter winter. The golden blooms on the Palo Verde trees speckle the mountainsides far into the distance. The Cholla cactus are blooming, giving them that fuzzy, white "teddy bear" look. Deceptive little buggers! 

The drive to Saguaro Lake and beyond to Beeline Highway is just as breathtaking as many of the roads we have traveled around the country. Of course, seeing the wild Salt River horses is a bonus. Nature is awesome! We are grateful every day for the beauty around us, both in nature and people!