After the storm, a gentle paddle

Yesterday's violent storms washed silt downstream and roiled the waters so that Forked Run Lake looked like chocolate milk this morning, but it was a lovely morning for a paddle. The storm tossed some debris in the water but it also broke up the overwhelming heat and humidity we've been suffering, so we were cool and comfortable even when a little wind whipped up. In some places the scent of honeysuckle hung heavily over the lake, and occasionally a fish would jump just in front of the canoe. We saw few birds and only one other boat on the lake, but it felt good to linger in quiet coves where the only sound was the dip of paddles in smooth brown water.