After a long absence

Cold weather, low water, various ailments, visiting grandchild, etc., etc. Some of the reasons I haven't been paddling in a long time. 

Even though the water levels on the upper Guadalupe weren't that great last Saturday, we decided it was time to get back in the saddle, so to speak. The result was a lovely paddle on my favorite stretch of this river, from Zoeller Lane to Sisterdale.

And, as usual, there are more benefits than just lazy floating and upper-body exercising to recommend this wonderful activity.

Flowers, for example, like these fine examples at our put-in...

poppy panorama

poppy close-up

lowly but lovely thistles

...the rocky cliffs and overhangs on this stretch are spectacular...

Henry and non-leader Sandra

...and of course those cypress trees. I can't ever get over the sculptural quality of their trunks and, especially, their roots...

Isn't it amazing how the roots just grow every which-a-way, wherever they need to be to get their nourishment...

Yes, there's a lot in favor of this retirement hobby. But with summer coming and even lower water on the horizon, it will probably be another long while before I partake of it again.