Like most summer weekends, this one was action-packed.  Hubby and I decided to take a couple of hours and take our kayaks out.  Given our weekend was full and time was a concern, we decided to go to Lake Wilhelm in Goddard State Park for a leisurely float.

The lake was busy with others who wanted to take advantage of the water a hot, sunny day.  There were pontoon boats, fishing boats, and other people with kayaks.  It was interesting to see the variety of kayaking activities. 

There were some serious fishermen with poles mounted to the kayak and gear strapped in the rigging of the boat.  They floated along the edges, casting towards shore.  We only saw one person catch a fish.  Not a huge surprise given it was noontime on a hot, summer day.

There was a lady in a bright yellow kayak.  She was drifting as the wind might take her, reading a book. 

Others, like us, were paddling along, looking around, and enjoying the day, taking in the scenery.

There was a breeze that made the 86-degree (Fahrenheit) day quite tolerable.  Despite the still surface of the water, there was so much to see.

We started by staying fairly close to the shoreline.  The weeds and bushes were alive with insect activity.  The damselflies and dragonflies are a favorite of mine.  I love watching them hover and speed away, changing course in a split-second. 

I am no expert at determining species, but I am an enchanted observer.  They come in such a variety of colors!  The bright black and blue damselflies were performing their mating dance.  Some dragonflies were a shade of bluish green, others black, and a smaller-size variety, a rusty red. 

As we continued our journey, there was movement close to the edge under a log suspended about two feet above the surface of the water.  We drifted a bit closer and saw two ducklings swimming quickly, looking for the rest of their family.  I secretly hoped they did not become a meal for a hungry bass lurking near by.

A snapping turtle swam near us, with head and tail out of the water.  One touch of the paddle to the surface and it dove for safety, popping up for air not too far away.

Looking to the air there was a great blue heron, scanning for activity, and coming to rest in a shallow area.  The heron stood on point, watching for a meal to show itself.  The heron is a skilled fisherman.  Stealth and patience are its advantage.

High above a bald eagle soared in the airstream.  It was a treat to just lean back and watch the show. 

Insects skittered on the surface of the water.  Occasionally a fish would leap up, crashing back down in the water.  Insects make good fish food, as my fly fishing friends are well aware!

Looking down into the water revealed fallen trees, well worn, creating habitat for the creatures below the surface.  There were small fish swimming in great numbers.

All the while I realized that what had me captivated was not the individual moment or species, but the enormous diversity.  Diversity of nature, of people, of culture, of lifestyle, all captivates me and brightens my life.   I am so thankful that my eyes and mind are open to so many different opportunities.

On this day, nature provided the opportunity.  Not only was I able to relax, I could fill my mind and engage my brain.   Side note?  All of this was free.  No admission fee.  The ability to enrich our lives by just taking in what is around us.

Pennsylvania is chocked full of county and state parks that offer hiking, biking, picnic areas, and boating.  There is amazing bird watching, as well as trees and flowers to make a game of identifying.  Many areas, like Goddard State Park, charge no admission to enjoy the amenities.

There is so much to see!

It makes me happy anytime I can get outside.  I may not get to a park today, but I will be outside.  It is guaranteed I will be smiling!