When the temperature warmed up last week, Judy Byykkonen and a friend headed out on Rice Lake and paddled to the sloughs around the back of the lake for a most peaceful time. It’s like another world back there, no boats around, quiet and serene, with surprise wildlife along the way. Check out that huge Snapper Turtle in Judy’s third photo. That’s a big one for sure. I wonder how old it is? I’m guessing Judy and her friend steered clear of that monster, I sure hope so, anyway, as it looks like it could flip their kayaks.

Not far from where Judy was kayaking, I stopped on an evening bike ride last week to record the peepers singing away along the Rice Lake/Big Traverse road. It was a perfect evening, with beautiful blue skies, too. Make sure you have your speakers on!

I absolutely LOVE the sound the peepers make!
PHENOMENAL!

Would love to be along on that kayak trip and enjoy the Spring on those waters!

It's been a very odd Spring (in more ways than one) because the chorus frogs have not been singing back in the woods behind us. Since it has been unusually dry maybe the vernal ponds haven't formed and the frogs aren't in the area. Sure miss their singing!

Hey UC, what's the latest game plan from the docs? Any updates?

Good stuff! That is one big "River Monsters" snapper. One time, I got out of my truck to move a snapper from the middle of the road and his head reached around and missed my hand by an inch. (dumb city-boy.)

I wanna go kayaking. But the water is cold and
I always get wet. Judy always has so many
adventures. Never a dull moment for her.
Lucky girl. Great pictures, Judy.