The Lake
September 11, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: Carola 
Since school started at the end of August I’ve finally been back to my favorite place here in my town, the lake. My daughter has zero period this year, so after I have dropped her off at school shortly before seven I head to the lake to be there just a few minutes after seven. At that time the lake usually is completely still and calm, there are only a few people, mainly dog walkers, joggers and bird watchers.
Often the fog hovers over the lake, turning it into a mystical place. Everything is subdued except for the birds’ sound – the quack of the ducks, the drumming of the woodpecker, the shrill call of the red winged blackbird and the exciting loud rattle of the Belted Kingfisher. I’ve seen Great Blue Herons fighting each other on a log out there in the lake, and the photos I took of them give the impression of a Japanese painting thanks to the fog. A Black-crowned Night-heron suddenly appears out of nowhere, flying over the lake. Most times I see them perching on a low lying branch or log, very still, waiting for a good catch. A few weeks ago I witnessed a Great Blue Heron hunting in the shallow waters in one of the numerous little bays and finally catching a crayfish.
Other days are grey which usually brings out more animals. One morning I was fortunate to observe six otters playing in the water and making their way to one of the islands in the middle of the lake. You know about my experience with the Great Horned Owls whom we discovered in a nest high up in a eucalyptus tree. I heard there is a bobcat roaming the grounds, but so far I’ve never seen him. And of course there are lots of deer at the wooded side of the lake.
Often I walk around the lake with my friend Jo. For us, the lake has become a synonym for a good time together where we share with each other what is really important to us, when we talk about our dreams and fears, about motherhood and our children. It's also the time when we can vent, be it about our husbands, our kids' schools or politics (not necessarily in that order) and simply know that the other exactly gets what we're trying to say. We also share our mutual love for nature. It has been Jo who taught me all the names of the native trees and plants, helped me to recognize the sound of the birds, explained the difference between all the juvenile herons at the lake. We have crawled through thorny bushes and underbrush to watch a bittern and become completely excited when we discover a California King Snake or a muskrat near the shore. We can stand forever to watch the herons and egrets.
But I also love to walk around the lake on my own. It usually takes at least two hours because I “stalk” the birds to capture just one good shot. I’m fascinated how the light looks on a leaf and need to take a picture. My camera is my best friend during these walks. However, these morning walks also give me a good opportunity to contemplate things that are important to me. Like my Etsy shop. This is the time when I think of new inventory and ponder about a new file system, so that it doesn't get too chaotic when tax time comes along. I think about posts I want to write either here or on my own blog. In my mind I design my garden and sometimes I simply dream - of places I want to travel to, goals I want to achieve.
It's a good place for me, the lake. A place to relax and refresh. Truly a place of my heart.
Do you have a place like this? Would you like to share?
Nature
Reader Comments (16)
Such a magical place, Carola, no wonder you feel inspired every time you are there, Looking at your photograph, I can't help but feeling inspired too.
What a gorgeous..magical..mystical image! And - yes - I have my favorite Crystal Lake. Much smaller (it looks) and with a lot less native wildlife (it's very suburban)...but nonetheless - a place I visit almost daily on my walks.
Love how you describe the peace you feel. I know it well!!!
I love that image and I walked with you in that pace of your heart.
Water is such a gift, in all of its seasons. This photo exudes the peace and magic you describe. Thank you.
This photo is mysterious and magical to me.
I, too, have a place that I love to return to, a local park here in our city that has lovely ponds and trees, and so much to see. What is it about the water that draws us in every time?
What a gift to be able to share walks there with your friend!
Why do I have tears in my eyes right now, Carola? I was thinking it was because you astound me by your grasp of the English language as your second tongue. But you've also moved me and inspired me.
My magical place here in my second country is the walled citadel that surrounds city center where we live. You can still see the ramparts and cannons and underground bunkers but all are now surrounded by majestic eucalyptic and chestnut trees. I take my walk around the loop one way one day and the next day the other way, allowing me to see the same things in different ways. But the tears, I think, are because I do the walk more for exercise than for the magic. I don't always take my camera because it slows me down (too darn big). I need to think this through and figure out how I can get my exercise and find the magic, too.
So, thanks for your lake...and for writing so eloquently and beautifully about it, stirring something deep within me....
Carola, what a treat to have you share this beautiful image and your thoughts about such a special place. How lucky you are to be able to visit here, sometimes with such a kindred spirit and sometimes with just your own company ~ lovely, indeed.
i feel as if i have walked with you, enjoyed the light's changes, the silence, and marveled at the birds' flight patterns.
as a customer of your etsy shop, i am happy to know where some of your inspiration comes from about flying. i bought a collage from you several years ago for my sister. it was on the wall next to her bed, and she loved it. she was reminded that she could soar when no one or anyone was looking. i gave it to aunt ruth.
thanks for the elegant post.
Beautiful and so peaceful. Thank you.
A beautiful image and beautiful words. It sounds the perfect place to go walking, alone or with friends.
My favourite place like that is Attingham Park, which is a National Trust property near to me. It has woodlands, a river and a deer park which gives varied opportunities for walking. Each season brings something different and special too.
The photo and the words make me nostalgic for the peace of mist and water. Beauthiful.
What a beautiful and ethereal image. Your lake looks so peaceful, a perfect place for quite contemplation.
How wonderful to be able to visit a nearby lake with so many interesting birds. And yes, fog is the perfect mysterious, magical medium for photography. I also envy your friend to walk with. I see friends walking together when I go on my own walks and wish I had one of those neighborhood pals. But alone is good too as you mentioned to do all that contemplation and creating. Beautifully written!
Am not surprised this is one of your favourite places - the picture has totally captured my attention, so easy to get lost in it. What a gorgeous scene. I feel the same way walking on the farm.
Oh Carola...how I can so relate to your post!! I so get it. Wonderful to have the solitude for your mind to wander and create...yet also wonderful to have friends that you can share your thoughts. I took a peek at the other photos on your blog and love the additional captures of the morning fog and the birds and dragonflies. My cup is always filled when I head out in Central Park here in the city...on the farm in Virginia...or in the desert in Arizona. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Oh, what a fabulous "place" to have! I love some of the photos I have seen you posting on facebook, love seeing the different varieties of birds.
My place like this is my own garden, or the trail I run on, many of the same sorts of thoughts float through my mind. Gorgeous photo!