A Cool Walk On A Steamy Lake

The cool weather is still here. Forty-three degrees this morning is a record low for this day. I am dressing appropriately for the cold and not finding it a problem. The lake was calm today at 7:30 when I arrived. Walking clockwise, the angle afforded me to perceive the steam rising from the water's surface. When the air temperature is colder than the water temperature, I think the liquid and gas transfer heat units and some of the water escapes as steam into the atmosphere. Visually, it appears that the water is steaming hot, like a cup of fresh coffee. To the touch, the water still feels very cold.

The boardwalk was very empty, a sparse few walkers and joggers made their way along the path with me today. The park has landscapers working on replacing some of the foliage that was lost from the storm flooding over the summer. Several men in bright orange vests are working at more than one location pulling out dead plants and replacing them with vibrant lush new plants. The landscaping is one of the highlights of the park. It will be interesting to see what flowering plants they decide to install.

I saw my friend Shirley; she said that her walking partner Lois was visiting family in Tennessee. My friend Ken was there and shared some jokes, thoughts on pagan holidays, general news and political strategies. My walking friends are a source of knowledge, insight, humor, camaraderie and joy. It is fantastic to live where other beings are friendly, positive, happy and interested in forming connections. Walking the lake starts my day with joy, energy, and a wonderful interaction with active people and Mother Nature. With this perspective, I know that life will get better and better and better.