Toads and…

…bass.

Flotilla…

…to Sandy Beach and back.

Surfeit of Shadflies…

…and hundreds of gorging gulls. Spent flies covering every surface. Gulls getting too heavy to fly. And, with high wind and heavy rain, it was not a great night for aerial endeavors.

But, the great shadfly irruption speaks volumes about clean, healthy water in Mudge Bay.

Lots of Asclepias incarnata…

…just beginning to bloom.

Manitoulin Morning

Early paddle and swim, in glass calm. Lots of super aerodynamic common terns working the shoreline in their aerobatic way. Minor shadfly irruption over night.

All Forms…

…paddle, walk, ride, swim, and sail—and that sailing was the Windrider in an odd, smoky, humid haze, and “racing” Three Forks for a while. Nolo contendere; we smoked ‘em.

Photos by Sue

Showers Over Gooseberry…

…and calm enough to paddle there, if it wasn’t such a long way back.

Sandbox Shoveled…

…septic uncovered.

Morning Paddle…

…among the showers.

Afternoon Under Sail

Sometimes almost six knots under just jib and mizzen. What a great boat.

Perfect For Paddling…

…and so we did.

Water is up a welcome bit. Let’s hope it stays.

Viper’s bugloss…

…along with a little Birds-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)…

…and Canada lily, along with lots of bracken.

Fog After Rain

Quite a bit, actually, seventy-five quarts bailed from the dinghy.

Day’s Eye Time

With storms in the forecast. Big surf roaring in from the east.

Packing…

…for return to Kagawong. In the continuing heat.

Serviceberries are being gobbled, and they do taste good.

Fireflies

Quite a few, though none really visible in photo.

Blast Furnace

Ninety-four in the shade. Hot wind.

Unaccustomed…

…to the heat and humidity, but still a lot of yard work got done. All the new asparagus and all the new raspberries, though weed-choked, survived and are growing well.

The new cherry tree is also prospering.

Pier In…

…with, because of the low water, a new kayak rack.

Also, Iris:

Calm After Wind…

…and cool and cloudy.

Here is Bri’s version of the Lead Casting video, designed more for business purposes—