We were just considering unloading our canoe on American Lake when this concerned group of local citizenry warned us that the lake was 'tainted' with a toxic algae bloom. No boats were in the water. I thought, "how could that be possible in such cold weather?" (At least I thought it was cold; they look like they were dressed for summer!) But, the boys were right. It was pretty quiet at American Lake.So, we drove through Thurston County down to Offutt Lake. The drive is one of my favorites, through open country with quaint farms and pastures. Grazing cattle browsed, and the sun was shining, making quite a display of the new tufts of green grass.
Offutt Lake is a tiny fisherman's lake, rimmed with older homes, cabins, and a sprinkling of constr- uction (as is always the case on these lakes). Every home had its dock out into the water and boats stored up on the shore, overturned. This was definitely a canoer's lake. Not too many extravagant powerboats here, or gizmos for speeding across the water. There were oodles of fishermen, taking turns loading and unloading fishing boats with tiny electric motors that are snapped onto the back. I watched them assemble their rods, pack their gear into the boats, and gently putter into favorite spots. Then, they'd hunker down, getting to the business of catching a fish. We made a point of making a wide circle, avoiding their lines. But, we were still close enough to inhale the scent of cigar smoke, and to ask how the fishing was going.
While we were paddling back to the boat-ramp, nine (!) helicopters skimmed the sky overhead. They were on a mission back to Fort Lewis and flying very low. I joked with George that maybe they were out to get us as we've encountered aircraft at least five other times while canoeing. They are always looking for someone who is reported missing, or violating the rules of a wildlife sanctuary. Once we accidently entered protected water on Woddard Bay, a seal habitat, and a helicopter was scanning the area, flying very slow. We headed upriver, out of danger. When we got back to our 'put-in-place' we noticed that someone had mangled the warning signs. When we paddled back, we saw the warning signs. We had been paddling in a protected zone all afternoon! 
This little finger on Offutt Lake was about the only place where I could find a spot with a little color. Otherwise, it was a typical lake in western Washingon this time of year, quite dull and grey, with just a flat sheen to the water. It made for some very peaceful paddling along the shoreline, though.
At the far end, where the lake gets a bit of wind, there was a reedy area with lichen-covered trees along the shoreline. The red-winged blackbirds were calling back and forth, and the frogs were busy too. There was almost a hint of spring from all the racket and I suspect in a few weeks this little lake will become even more charming as the residents start puttering out in their yards, coming out of hibernation. Yesterday, the temperature in Tacoma was 65 degrees. That may bode well for the weekend.
