Today I downloaded photos that Jeanine took from the weekend. I liked this one because it shows some detail on the kayak.

 
After a long day of training, Nico insists on taking my kayak out and demonstrates a reverse sweep stroke for his mother and siblings who have returned from a butterfly house visit to pick us up. I am told Jeanine’s camera has some great photos of their adventure and I will post once I have time to download them.

 
Thanks to Jeanine, Nicolai and I are enrolled in an all day kayak clinic featuring training in technique, safety and rescue. Nicolai was the only person in the class of a dozen who could self rescue without the assistance of a paddle float. (the standard method used). He was simply amazing, but could not keep up with his dad in his new torpedo.

 
This morning I put my kayak into the water for the first time. Jeanine photographs me as I pull away from the shore and I am happy to report that I did not sink. In fact, the kayak tracks like an arrow, handles like a dream, and is very, very, very fast. I could not be happier with this project.

 
Cousin Johnny captured in the same light. Earlier in the day, the whole crew did a 2.25 mile hike through the soggy woods in search of a 75 foot waterfall located on the 200 acre property. After getting lost (temporarily) we were able to come within ear shot of the falls but in the end only got to see the 1 foot waterfall emenating from the dam at its source.

 
As the light faded, I decided to do some shallow depth of field photos including this soft focus shot of Kyle.

 
After satisfying her first priority, visiting the porcupine in the tree (he was still there), Maya quickly takes over for Jeanine as the Queen of Cards.

 
Speaking of Johnnie’s sister, here is Rachel as beautiful as ever.

 
Whenever Kyle and Nicolai are seperated for more than a day or two they must reestablish their brotherhood with a westiling match. Johnny looks on with great amusement accustomed only to the loving greatings of a younger sister.

 
When my sister was delayed, Jeanine and I found a most unexpected treat while waiting. A Japanese inspried garden featuring several ponds, waterfalls, a water wheel driven mill building surrounded by beatiful flowers and trees everywhere.

 
On the way into town to rendevous with my sister we passed this beautiful field of wildflowers. We collected Maya and Kyle and also picked up one cousin, Johnny, whom we will return to Concord with.

 
This guy was so intoxicated by the nectar, he scarcely noticed me sneaking up to within inches of him. The emerging theme of this vacation seems to be getting very close to animals with sharp barbs.

 
Today was an overcast and rainy day. I decided to do a little macro photography to make the most of the situation.

 
After dinner, Jeanine and Nicolai settled down for a serious game of cards. I was unable to stay awake and could hear these two carrying on as I drifted into deep sleep.