August 4, 2007

Lake Nockamixon, Bucks County

Kayaking

(shot with Sony DSC-S85)

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This map describes today's route, accomplished in two separate expeditions.


Nockamixon teems with acquatic bird life. These young critters have
a convenient perch from which to test their predatory skills.


This nice homestead fronts on the lake.


I arrived at the lake around 11:15 am. The crew of this sailboat
appeared to be just getting started for the day.


Raising the main sail.


As before, Blue Heron abound at Nockamixon.




This is how close I can get to the Heron.


This couple is fishing beneath the Ridge Road (563) overpass.


Beyond these rocky barriers: The mighty Tohickon headwaters spring.

DISASTER STRIKES!

Along the north edge of the inlet, a number of sedimentary rock ledges
abruptly jut into the lake. These provide perches for fishermen and others.
Although I failed to take any photos of the rocks, I managed to moor my kayak to one.

Inexpertly, I wound up swimming when I tried to get out of the boat.
I made it to solid ground without losing paddle or boat, but
I got wet up to my armpits. I had the camera tucked inside my PFD (float vest).

I don't know if the camera was actually fully sumbersed in the water,
but it sure got wet! As I dried myself in the sun on the rocks,
I managed to take the remaining pictures in this series.


Boat placidly tied off to the local flora.


The rock ledge surrounding my vantage.


A view back up the Tohickon creek.


The time was about 12:30 pm. Yet all across the lake
the surface was incredibly active. There must be thousands
of fish out there, because they were surfacing
to take a nip at a bug (or shadow of a bug) at a rate
of maybe 2 per second! You could see (frequently hear)
these tiny splashes all around you.


More of the rock ledge overlooking the lake.


Here's my kayak at the boat launch after I paddled back.
The camera was still taking pictures, but it wouldn't zoom
and it wouldn't turn off. I took the battery out and left it
in the sun for a while to dry.

After a rest and a feast of Bing cherries, I took the boat back out
and explored the western reaches of Three Mile Run.
I crossed under the Rte. 313 overpass and was able to
paddle maybe half a mile up the creek that feeds
the western part of the lake. For reasons that should be
all too evident, I have no photos of that trip.

Fortunately, when I returned home, my camera seemed fully
dried and apparently back to nominal.
It will make at least one more journey with me.

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