Tennessee Vacation ...

… Day 5.

While out driving the other day we came across a lovely park with a lake that we thought would be great for kayaking.  We had brought our kayak with us but haven’t been able to use it yet … until today.

So after a leisurely morning at the condo we headed to Meadow Lake Park … arriving there by 11:30ish.

Richard set up the kayak and we were out on the lake in no time.  We had heard that there were some nesting eagles but we didn’t see any … even after kayaking almost the entire lake!  In fact, we really didn’t see all that much birdlife … maybe a hawk or two.  But we had an enjoyable day simply paddling along.  There are several beach sites on the lake where we saw lots of people, dogs and interestingly lots of butterflies.  I say ‘interestingly’ because the swallowtails we saw were cavorting in some ashes from a campfire.  Weird.  I’ve added a not so flattering selfie of us in Extras while out on the lake.

When we were done kayaking we packed everything up and headed out.  There was walking trail nearby and we stopped here for a quick walk … like we didn’t get enough exercise kayaking!  On the way back to the car we saw a bunch of these lovely tree swallows.  I was very surprised by this one as he let me creep closer and closer while getting lots of pictures.  They must be used to people being around … as he didn’t show any fear. 


On our way back from the park we made a detour so that we could check out a garden that Richard had read about … called Plateau Discovery Gardens.  And guess what?!?  We saw our first hummingbird of the year today! Sadly, no pictures though.  The gardens were lovely … we may have to return here tomorrow.

And a Happy 86th birthday to my mom!  Love you lots!

Backblipped: July 18, 2023 … one more day to go.