Hard as it was to leave, if we wanted to be in time for the arrival of fresh produce at Shearwater, we had to head for Kakushdish, So, I did our laundry, Al filled the water tank with sweet Ocean Falls water, and we were underway for Kakushdish at first light.

There were no boats in the anchorage when we arrived. After the hustle and bustle of Ocean Falls, the quietude was music to our ears.

We’re having a heatwave, with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s everyday. I have no choice but to get up as early as possible, so that I can get my paddling in before the sun has a chance to heat things up. I have to dress for the water temperature, which is in the 50’s. So, by the time I get a couple of hours in, I am soaked from the inside out. But, the early morning light is lovely.

I’ve always wanted to be able to see what was behind the point where we usually anchor in Kakushdish, where the Sandhill Cranes always seem to hide. So, that was the first place headed. I was not disappointed. There, like he was waiting for me, was a beautiful specimen. I was sure he would take flight right away, but he tolerated me long enough for me to get these shots.

And then, he showed me his back side and headed for the seclusion of the tall grass.

The red throated loons and mergansers were very wary this year.

One day, I was so jazzed I paddled all the way out to the entrance to Kakushdish. I was gone almost 3 hours. Al was about to come looking for me. The scenery was extraordinary.

I thought these comfy looking rocks looked just like theater seats.



When I got to the river I’ve always wanted to explore, I came across another Sand Hill Crane.

I started paddling back to the boat one day, after finding nothing to shoot but a crow.

It was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for something a little more interesting, when an immature eagle flew overhead and landed in a nearby tree. I was only able to get one shot before he took flight again, but it was a dandy.

On our last evening we were gifted with this lovely sunset.