Wonders of the outdoors

BY SKEETER

 Burr, Winter has finally arrived. We have had some below freezing temps and most everything has fallen asleep in my GEORGIA GARDENS. However, I spotted buds on the Daffodils today!

The Saint and I hiked the woods of one of the many wonderful parks in our area. While hiking, I spotted this bush blooming. No idea what type bush but it sure did put a smile on my face!

 I also spotted these sweet little blooms. I believe this to be wild Vinca. I have seen this before at another park near the lake.

There were old fashioned Water Pumps in the campground area of the park. We had one in our Gartenplatz while living in Germany. So seeing this one really brought back some fun memories. I would enjoy having one in my gardens again but maybe just for the look as pumping those things can be a pain in the arm. 

 It was cold and windy today and I really did not want to get out from under my warm blanket and comfy recliner. After the nice hike and seeing the beautiful blooms, I was so glad the Saint talked me into going out to the lake. The hike rejuvenated me.

If you are feeling cold and tired of Winter, hike some woods or take a brisk walk up the street and you will be surprised of the WONDERS OF THE OUTDOORS, In The Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Diverse Island

BY SKEETER

 I am going to take you back to early April today with our first voyage of the year to our beautiful Georgia Lake. Going under this bridge, I am always on the look out for Osprey as they like to nest on top of the bridge.

Zooming in, I spot the nest but no activity.

 Later with our return back under the bridge, we spot an Osprey on the nest. We see Osprey more often then Bald Eagles but enjoy them both.

 We took advantage of a beautiful day to beach the boat at several different islands in order to do some geocaching. While on this one island, we spotted a goose sitting on a nest.

 She was very quiet and still and we did not spot her as we arrived on the island. We spotted her as we were departing and after snapping a few photos of her from afar, we quietly left the island without disturbing her further.

We spotted many Loons on the lake this day.

We were lucky enough to hear them call out as well! Love that sound.

 I spotted wild Vinca on another island. The leaves were covered with pine pollen.

 The Vinca was just starting to bloom but I so wished this patch of it was in full bloom.

 While walking on the islands, I had on water shoes but the shoes would not protect my piggies from the massive amounts of Pine Pollen that was falling from those tall Georgia Pine Trees.

 Pine Pollen is so large that it is easily seen floating on top of the water at the lake.  

Yes, it was a yellow icky mess. But since this photo was snapped, the rains came and washed all the pollen out and the lake is once again clear! Luckily, this pollen does not affect sinus for people.

 As we beached the boat on an island, I spotted this Lady Bug hanging out enjoying the warm sunshine.

 This was our favorite island we visited this day. It is so diverse in terrain and so neat to explore.

 The pebbles on the beach were so unique and soft to the feet.

 These large rocks were the source of the pebbles as the pebbles crumbled from them. We suspect some type of Soft Slate type stone.

I spotted this large bush in full bloom! Master Gardener Tina, do you know this bush?

 The blooms looked like some sort of Bleeding Heart type bloom. 

 I also spotted Carolina Jessamine blooming on this island.

 Soft pebbles on one side of the island and Red Clay on the other.

Just up from the Red Clay, is this view. I tell you it is one DIVERSE ISLAND, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Georgia Lake

By Skeeter
My little Georgia Bunny's have put away their 4th of July clothes. They have gathered their Sand buckets, Badminton rackets, Beach ball, Hula hoop, Butterfly net and Flip flops! They are ready to go to the lake!
Last week I showed you the Saints parents lake in Virginia. This week, we shall stay here in Georgia and enjoy our lake. Well, we may also be on South Carolina waters as this lake runs along both states. The Savannah and Little Rivers both cross just above the dam to form the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River! J. Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill Lake has 75,000 acres of wetland for our boating pleasures.
During drought seasons, the lake gets really low. Here you see this boat is out of the water when it should be in the water. This boat owner will not be able to enjoy their boat until the water rises a bit. (This was last year and we are no longer in a drought so the lake has risen)
Always trying to look at the bright side of a dismal time, one can see what is under the water during low water times. Here you see the brown rock landscaping.
Here you see pure Georgia Clay! Lucky for us, we don't have much of this in our yard.
This dock which is usually floating on the water, is sitting on a mixture of pebbles and sand.
This spot shows the white rocks.
Pure soft sand at this spot. The lake terrain is diverse and that makes for a great habitat for much wildlife.
Here is some of the wildlife we see at the lake. High upon a power tower, we see Osprey in a nest.
A Killdeer enjoys hunting for food.
As does this Great Egret.
Canadian Geese really enjoy the lake.
Blue Heron taking off after we got a little too close to him.
The highlight of each boat cruise is when we spot a Bald Eagle soaring high in the sky.
This Great Blue Heron is enjoying a fish he caught.
What is that on the boat ladder?
Oh, little frog, what are you doing on the boat? Gee, now we have to beach the boat on the shoreline to let you go. What next?
Well a lizard of course. Now we have to rescue you as well. We try to hunt the boat over for such passengers but at times, they are hiding too well for their own good. Sail boats lined up look like telephone poles from the distance.
Ah, that is the sail boat I like to see.

I find dead trees lying in the water, a work of art.
I am not sure what you call this. Maybe a Georgia version of a Beach Buggy!
On this day, we spotted this one lone cloud in the sky. I think it looks like Casper the Friendly Ghost flying around.
We visited our friends Georgia Lake a few weeks ago. Lake Jackson is much smaller then Clarks Hill Lake but fun in the sun all the same!
Here the Saint is getting ready to partake in some water sports.

He was being a bit of a Smarty Pants on the tube so the Captain of the boat decided to really let him have some hig speed fun. Click on the video to see the Wipe Out!

No tubing for me as I am happy with kicking back and relaxing and waiting to see what I can spot next. We really do enjoy our time on this GEORGIA LAKE, when not, In the Garden...