Early Morning in the Canoe
The weather is incredibly beautiful, early morning finds the lake flat calm and empty except for waterfowl quietly resting and feeding. This is the time of the day we enjoy paddling the canoe. We have the lake to ourselves and the scenery is gorgeous. Snow covered mountains reflect like a mirror on the surface of the calm water, the only ripples are created by the canoe as it cuts a path, gliding seamlessly toward the opposite shore. This is indeed a time to think, to exert, and to bask in the beauty of nature.
Soon I plan to bring my camera, and photograph waterfowl and scenery, but not until I can locate canoe stabilizers, or pontoons. This will allow me to be a little more active without fear of tipping and loosing my camera equipment in the drink. I had pontoons on hold at the Sportsmans Warehouse in Anchorage, the last ones in stock. They were a gift for my husband on his birthday. I called on Tuesday, and they put my name and phone number on the box to “hold”. Last night, Wednesday, we drove to Anchorage to pick them up, but no one could locate the pontoons, or knew anything about them. One salesperson said they knew that some pontoons were sold the day before.
We were so disappointed, and drove back to the valley empty handed. Today I will do an internet search for this item and have it shipped. But, it will take awhile to get here and the cost will be significantly greater with the outrageous postage charged to ship to Alaska. Before I place the order, I will make a few more calls. I don’t have much hope.
Until then, we will continue to enjoy early morning in the canoe without the camera. For now, each trip will remain embedded in my memory.
Gail Niebrugge, Artist
