A River of Flowers - The Black River
We managed to do a long paddle on the Black River on the weekend, and it couldn't have been more gorgeous. About 80 degrees out, very little wind, and brilliant sunshine and color.
Portions of this river are protected by the Nature Conservancy. It has a lowland lake as its main source of fresh water, rather than snowmelt. As it widens it meanders through a vast swamp before becoming free-flowing, eventually emptying into the Chehalis River southwest of Olympia. 
The swaying aquatic plants here are about 25 feet long, with just the tips out of the water. I think it is some kind of wild lobelia, very fragrant.
The dense shoreline represents one of the most extensive riparian environments in Western Washington. There are mixed stands of red alder, Oregon ash , Pacific ninebark, and dogwood and willow. The shoreline was vibrant with the sounds of birds. These nesting houses were hung on trees near the water.
Lily pads line the river in many places. We noticed that most of the blooms were yellow, but found groups of orange ones like these.
We paddled for several hours - or, I should say that George did. The warmth of the sun, the songs of birds, and the gentle flow of the water made me feel so sleepy that I scooted off my seat and layed down. While George paddled, I watched the trees overhead glide by. It was so peaceful and heavenly.
As we returned to our 'put-in point' there were kids, dogs, and kayakers. Everyone was getting into the water.
We managed to do a long paddle on the Black River on the weekend, and it couldn't have been more gorgeous. About 80 degrees out, very little wind, and brilliant sunshine and color.
Portions of this river are protected by the Nature Conservancy. It has a lowland lake as its main source of fresh water, rather than snowmelt. As it widens it meanders through a vast swamp before becoming free-flowing, eventually emptying into the Chehalis River southwest of Olympia. 
The swaying aquatic plants here are about 25 feet long, with just the tips out of the water. I think it is some kind of wild lobelia, very fragrant.
The dense shoreline represents one of the most extensive riparian environments in Western Washington. There are mixed stands of red alder, Oregon ash , Pacific ninebark, and dogwood and willow. The shoreline was vibrant with the sounds of birds. These nesting houses were hung on trees near the water.
Lily pads line the river in many places. We noticed that most of the blooms were yellow, but found groups of orange ones like these.
We paddled for several hours - or, I should say that George did. The warmth of the sun, the songs of birds, and the gentle flow of the water made me feel so sleepy that I scooted off my seat and layed down. While George paddled, I watched the trees overhead glide by. It was so peaceful and heavenly.
As we returned to our 'put-in point' there were kids, dogs, and kayakers. Everyone was getting into the water.
