Postcards From the Lake -- Early October

Those October visits to the lake are often bittersweet, often beautiful, and on occasion, filled with surprises. I arrived in early October, Lizzie in hand (or carry box), with Rick cycling up. As I turned into our area, this was the site -- not full fall, but certainly well on the way!

A look out the front of the cottage revealed a brilliant blue lake, the trees on the opposite shore beginning to burst into color. Just beginning.

Fishing boats were getting in a few days of fabulous weather before the predicted mega-temperature drops expected (along with the predicted rain!).

 

There are signs that full color will soon arrived. I loved this bright leaf and picked it off the ground to bring home.

Rick arrived soon after, exhausted, but thrilled with three days on the bike. 

Meanwhile, Lizzie settled in immediately!

 The next morning, Rick was hard at work on his computer, which faces the window looking out on the beach. He called me over -- look what's here!

I had only once -- briefly -- seen the bald eagle (I call him Eddie, after the ski jumper) one time this summer -- in flight and without my camera at hand. Not wanting to get close and spook him, these photos were taken through the picture window, the screened porch beyond, and a lot of feet of weedy beach. 

They're a little soft (my zoom isn't what it used to be) but still.... what a creature! Check out those legs!

I certainly wouldn't want to tangle with him!

 

 What a treat!

 And should you think other wildlife has disappeared, I had a Harry North sighting, a cormorant and these three. They seem to come to our beach often!

Five days after arriving, our weather has definitely gone to the cold side -- nights in the 30s and 40s and lots of rain. I'm hoping to get to the market today for apples. Hopefully we'll have a color tour soon!