Transition from Spring to Summer Paddles
On (and off) the water, we can see that Mother Nature is continuing her transitional march from Spring into Summer. As always, the weather is performing very unpredictably, but the natural seasonal evolution of other indicators is in progress.
The water temperature is quickly warming to a more comfortable state if you choose to enter it either willingly or not. A change of clothes on the paddle is not required for safety but should be considered for comfort after the paddle.
The blooms of the Virginia Sweetspire shrub (Itea virginica) are still predominantly white, but a closer observation will reveal that the portion closest to the stem has already blackened while the center of the bloom is slowly turning yellow. Only the very tip retains its beautiful white color. Soon the shrub will be just another speck of green in the summer landscape until the return of its vibrant, red colors in the fall.
Likewise, the clustered bell-shaped blooms of the Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) have all fallen leaving only the massive, heart shaped leaves to be appreciated. Soon the long, slender seed pods will emerge on the tree.
Finally, the blooms of the Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) have gone leaving behind the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds that arrived with their emergence this Spring. I do so enjoy seeing them at the feeders now as I am sure everyone else does.
We are diligently working to post the remaining paddle events on our activity calendar. Check it often and come out to paddle your favorite section of the Wolf River with us. Our river guides look forward to meeting you and showing you a great time on the water.
On (and off) the water, we can see that Mother Nature is continuing her transitional march from Spring into Summer. As always, the weather is performing very un
