May 15, 2023

Sunrises and sunsets.

Sunrise on Little Bay de Noc

I don’t get up early for many things, but I will be up before dawn if it means fishing at sunrise. Both fishing and sunrises are some of the most pleasurable things in life.

While any sunrise is beautiful, there’s something about seeing the sun come up over the water that makes it special. Today, the lake was particularly placid, which means the water is more like a mirror. You get that gorgeous, liquid reflection of sun, sky, and clouds, and you understand why so many artists find their inspiration in nature.

As for me, I think people need nature to stay grounded. Going outside and watching the world do its thing recharges us. Ironically, it’s what’s outside and around you that keeps you connected to something inside that we tend to forget in the hustle and bustle of life with all of its demands and responsibilities.

I can’t help tossing in a rainbow. The weather was nice the other day, so I got out of work a little early and threw the kayak on the car to head out to my favorite inland lake. It’s about an hour’s drive away, but it’s located in a nice, secluded spot. I figured I’d cruise around to see if I could locate any bluegill. They’re small, but people in my house like fried bluegill more than any other fish.

Bluegill are a little challenging right after ice off. The water is cold and they still tend to be scattered, so you have to travel to different spots to find them. But once you do, the fishing’s generally good. And if you don’t find them, at least you got some exercise.

I’d been out paddling around for an hour or so when a pop up rainstorm blew in. These common spring storms don’t last long, but the rain was falling hard enough that I hustled back to the dock, pulled the kayak up on land, and headed for the car to wait it out. When the rain finally passed, I hopped back into the kayak. As I was crossing the lake to hit another potential bluegill hideout, I looked over and saw a rainbow in what remained of the little storm. It was wide and bright, so I snapped a picture.

You can’t have a sunrise without a sunset. I took this on our first foray out into the Bay this season. The boat launch we use in this area is located in the mouth of a river. One thing you discover right away is that even though the snow may no longer be on the ground, what remains of it is still working its way through the system. On this day, the river was cooking with gas.

Between the water flowing out of the river mouth and a stiff wind blowing across the bay in the opposite direction, the lake was choppier than usual. Fortunately, the wind died down in the late evening, and we did less bouncing. As we headed back in, the clouds opened up enough to see the sun just as it began to drift down into the western horizon. I waited until it hit just the right spot and took a picture.

For some reason, I sleep easier and wake up a little more refreshed after a nice sunset. And we sure are blessed with some dandies.