Lake willows

I'll try this entry again. From some reason Blip entered it for Sunday 4, when I took it Saturday 3 Oct.


What a difference a season or two makes. The last time I pulled into this spot in a boat on Lake Benmore, the willows were bare, and there was frost on the edge.

Not today, there is the bright, fresh green of spring, the air felt lighter, and the land is trying to warm up. I can confirm the lake temperature is cold. The lake level is down and when we pulled in further up, we had to take shoes/boots off, roll our pants up, and wade to shore. It took my breathe away.

Today started out with a light frost, and first thing the wind was cold on the lake. But the forecast included gale nor'westerlies later. In this picture the lake looks serene and it was. The wind came up late morning be had died again by lunchtime.

After lunch things changed. We could see it coming with clouds of dust coming down the Ahuriri River bed at the head of the lake. We have a series of radios and made sure everyone was off the lake and accounted for, before heading back to the boat ramp at Sailors Cutting. 

The shift in the quality and quantity of wind was stunning. We didn't muck around or take risks. Just as well because the lake was very rough as we drove from the boat ramp to the house.

It's been a good day for hpx. I caught 6 fish, put 4 back and kept 2, a large rainbow in superb condition, and as good a salmon as you'll catch in the lake.

Looking at the forecast, I'll be heading home early tomorrow.