This week, we have returned to Sandy Lake, in Portage County, Ohio, where my wife and her siblings own a lakeside cottage. We have brought along two of our grandsons, ensuring more entertainment and less relaxation.
Like most of the Temperate Zone, this glacial lake in northeastern Ohio is in its summer doldrums. A few ospreys and double-crested cormorants visit the lake each day and a noisy flock of purple martins have re-established residence in their man-made complex at the end of our dock. Otherwise, the bird population has been relatively inconspicuous, represented by house sparrows, blue jays and a changing assortment of common summer residents. Frogs and aquatic turtles grab the attention of our grandsons and, to the delight of the oldest, the bluegills have been biting.
Fortunately, the temperature has been relatively mild and the air pleasantly dry. Rain is forecast to move in by tomorrow but the moisture is needed in this area and we'll get in our swimming and kayak excursions between the showers. After all, keeping the grandsons entertained is a vital priority!
Like most of the Temperate Zone, this glacial lake in northeastern Ohio is in its summer doldrums. A few ospreys and double-crested cormorants visit the lake each day and a noisy flock of purple martins have re-established residence in their man-made complex at the end of our dock. Otherwise, the bird population has been relatively inconspicuous, represented by house sparrows, blue jays and a changing assortment of common summer residents. Frogs and aquatic turtles grab the attention of our grandsons and, to the delight of the oldest, the bluegills have been biting.
Fortunately, the temperature has been relatively mild and the air pleasantly dry. Rain is forecast to move in by tomorrow but the moisture is needed in this area and we'll get in our swimming and kayak excursions between the showers. After all, keeping the grandsons entertained is a vital priority!
