canoeing at ratcliff lake

This morning we got up bright and early and headed out to do some canoeing at Ratcliff Lake, which is one of the places Dave works in the Davy Crockett NF. It may seem a little strange to go somewhere you work on your day off, but Dave doesn't really get to enjoy the lake while he's working, and we had all been wanting to go canoeing. So off we went.

We got there about 8:30 and had the lake completely to ourselves. It was beautiful and smooth, perfect for paddling around with Jed and enjoying all the little coves and marshy spots in the lake. We saw a couple of herons, lots of dragonflies and many minnows.

I still have a hard time remembering that the water really is clean because of how brown it looks.

Jed's life jacket fit much better this year and he loves canoeing. He really likes leaning over the gunwale and trying to touch the water. He loves "helping" us paddle. He only tried to step out into the water a couple of times, too.

These are the fishing docks in the recreation area.

This was going to be a picture of Jed trying to step over the side, but Dave was quick rescuing him, so it's a picture of Jed sitting down in the canoe, instead :)

This is group picnic site in the day-use area. I love how nice the facilities are at the lake! This one is particularly beautiful.

On the weekends, you can rent canoes, rowboats and paddleboats from the day-use area. You can also see the swimming area a little in the background there.

Tons of little sunfish coming to check us out. They weren't afraid at all.

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Dave tried to grab one but the fish weren't that trusting.

We decided to take a break from canoeing (and let Jed satisfy his desire to actually be in the water) and spent some time swimming. The water was gloriously warm and we had so much fun splashing and playing around. Jed amazed me at how quickly he learned to keep his mouth shut and hold his breath while his face was in the water. He got the hang of kicking his legs to make himself go where he wanted to go pretty well, too. Auntie Hanna can be proud--Jed is definitely a water baby!

Then it was time to get back in the canoe and head back to the boat ramp. Jed must have been tired because he was content to relax while we paddled back.

Once we got the canoe beached and Dave went to get the truck so we could load it, though, Jed took off in the water again for one last splash before we ate a little snack and headed home.

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It was such a fun day. Lovely warm water, easy canoeing water, fun swimming and some much-needed sun for Dave's and my white legs and shoulders!! (sorry for the glaring whiteness!)