muggy

Very muggy and hot at the cottage. It's the sort of weather that saps at your energy, fuzzes up your brain so that all you want to do is swim and nap (like Mackerel the cat in the top of this picture).


Our friends Harry and Jean are visiting. We had planned to go on an overnight canoe trip today, but the weather looked like it was going to turn bad so we cancelled at the last minute. We'll probably do a day trip tomorrow instead. On our hiking trip to Killarney next week, we obviously won't have a choice about the weather. :-)


I've taken two naps today already, and have been in the lake several times. I'm trying to imagine carrying a heavy pack in this kind of heat, without water nearby (part of our route is nowhere near any lakes or rivers). Guess I've been spoiled by canoe trips where I take water for granted.





A poll survey: if you had to choose between the weather being too hot and too cold (assuming that you had to spend an extended period of time in it, i.e. no heat or air conditioning), which would you prefer? I'd prefer cold. At least then you can pile layers on and have fun in the snow. In the heat, there are only so many layers you can take off and you can still be there melting and fuzzy-brained. Whenever I think of being too hot, I am reminded of a scene from Apocalypse now where the hero is lying on his bed smoking a cigarette and perspiring, watching the fan turn slowly above him.


No exciting wildlife sightings so far except for a large male moose spotted by Harry and Jean in Adaskin's Bay. Lots of chipmunks, squirrels, blue jays, and crows. Apparently there is an abundance of bears in cottage country these days (including the area where we're going for our 9-day hiking trip next week!!!)...one was even seen on the second floor of the Algonquin Park offices, looking for food (they have since increased their security).





Just went in the lake again (just now). With the sun starting to set, this side of the lake is now in shadow...the water is colder, but not nearly as "I wanna scream it's so cold" as earlier this year. There is a small fish off the dock that nibbles on swimmers' toes sometimes, but it left me alone this time. A big snapping turtle used to live under our dock (taking a dip in the lake was more of an adrenaline rush back then, as you can imagine), but no one's seen him around in years.


I can't help but imagine that he's still alive somewhere, that old snapper. Drowsing at the bottom of the lake, maybe, dreaming his turtle dreams.


Today's Blatherpics:


- Harry's and Jean's cat, Mackerel.


- Harry, John, and Jeff in the lake.


- Jeff fixing the steps up to the cottage.

Feel free to suggest a daily poll question.


Today's Poll:



Do you have air conditioning at home?