Today I went for a walk around Austin's Town Lake. There is a hike and bike trail there that I love, though on weekends it can feel a bit like human frogger--dodging strollers, runners, and bikers.
I stopped to sit on a rock by the water. My back was to the trail which was just a few feet behind me. I suddenly realized that there were lots of baby turtles under water. Eventually a couple of adults came along too. I noticed the fish and then the cottonwood fluff drifting ever so lazily to the water. Every once in a while I would again hear the exercise strivings on the trail right behind me and then I would focus in again on the slow drift of leaves on top of the water. The easy sway of algae swirling around the paddling turtles. It was so nice to step away from the go-go-go and remember the slow luxury of summer. I have the visual for what I need to do everyday. Let my mind keep racing, but just take 2 steps away and find a calm vantage point.
The spot where I was sitting is a popular dog swimming hole because it is fairly shallow by the bank. One dog stepped in very regally and stood with water just over his paws. He took one step further and there was a drop off, so he jolted clumsily to chest depth. He looked over at me with the very clear expression of, "She didn't see that did she? Damn, she did."
Made my day.
We did not take waterproof cameras, so thanks Google for the image above. Paddle boarding is where you stand on a big surf board, find your balance and then paddle. Though you are on a board in the water, the term water boarding is not used. Just sayin'.
