Idyll [Idle?] On The River

Down by the river it was all about green---green grass, green trees, green water, green reeds. And pale golden sunshine. The mercifully coolest day we've had since April. I'd gone along with my chair, my camera and a bag of books, but The Bean insisted I should paddle around in his kayak for a bit before he took it off up the river. I left my books with him on the bank, and paddled off with my camera.

The kayak only seats one, but you can sit on my shoulder. Photography is a wonderful invention. However, it has it's limitations. You'll just have to imagine the warmth of the sun on your arms, and the cool, delicious greeness under the trees. Watch out for low hanging branches. And try not to jump out of your skin every time a fish leaps out of the water, shattering the surface into a million shimmering shards of sunshine.

Here's the breeze, fracturing reflections into fantastical forms...........




The river is narrow here, with cabins and cottages right down to the water's edge. They blend into the rushes and trees along the bank and seem to be part of a bygone era. More innocent. Less pretentious. Heavy on the kitsch! Behold the beauteous mermaid....




Pelican and Toad seem to be waiting............for Ratty and Mole?





And since this is Florida, we have to have at least one pink plastic flamingo! See him there, just inside the gazebo?




This little fellow was definitely a remnant from the past. Looks like he's also patiently waiting.....for Mr. Obama, perhaps?





Lovely shapes and colours in the rushes............





A screen of cattails..................





..... and here we are, back where we started.






You can climb down now. I hope you enjoyed messing about on the river with me.....Shoulder massages will be gratefully accepted......No hurry. Whenever you have the time......I'll be here, on the riverbank, reading my books and soaking up the sunshine.