THE DROUGHT AND PRINCE

Whenever possible, I like to paddle my kayak around the small coves to snap critter pictures. Yesterday was not a good day for phographing birds or animals, however. The prolonged drought we're experiencing is responsible. I almost always see green herons, but this time I saw only one small bird.
 

Click the picture to enlarge or you'll never see the bird!

In normal times, the area where the bird is standing would be under water. Below are more pictures showing how much Smith Mountain Lake's water level has receded. We live on a deep-water cove, so we have no trouble getting our boat out of the boat house and into the lake, but some folks in shallow water are probably unable to launch their boats.

 Thirsty roots reach for water.

Even though I'm worried about our plants, animals, fish, crops and our water supply, I momentarily forgot when I saw handsome Prince, our next door neighbor, stretched out on the rip-rap that's usually covered with water.

Thank you, Prince, for making me smile.