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So long October, hello November! What a great way to end the warm season. The weather was amazing for the last kayak tour of the year. The lake was smooth as glass, creating mirror images of the colorful trees. A few Sulphur butterflies were still fluttering about and the air temperature was perfect for paddling. The first day of November was cooler with overcast skies. Boat traffic was light and the lake was quiet and peaceful. Small numbers of winter birds are arriving daily. We spotted 4 double-crested cormorants and a handful of loons fishing together in the main basin a short distance from the remote boat ramps. We also watched a pair of adult bald eagles chattering back and forth from the tree tops. There was speculation and laughter all around as we shared thoughts of what they might be saying to each other. Trees are beginning to shed their leaves which make it easier to see the hillsides and the landscape changes from Hurricane Helene. The gorge rhododendron, Rhododendron minus is blooming in a few places too. November can be even more beautiful than October! Come see what it has in store. ~ Sheryl White, JLT guide