Out on the lake we have lines in the water but mostly we’re just soaking in the beautiful morning.  The raspy squeaking call of Western Grebes carries from far across the lake.  A young loon floats by – his blotchy juvenile plumage more like grey camo than the tuxedo-like look of an adult.   Osprey circle above on the hunt and an egret expertly maneuvers into the shoreline reeds.  Puffy bright white clouds

Amazingly quiet for its size, a large turbo-prop slides by low over the lake.  He banks hard nearly overtop us once then again.  By the third pass I realize it is a wildfire fighting tanker and he is out on a training run.  It is a great perspective to watch as they first do touch and goes on the water then pick-ups then scoop and drop.  Very cool.