07/08/2013 - Big Creek Lake

1) Nice day to kayak on Big Creek Lake.

2) New signs at Big Creek Lake by US 98.

3) Hey Hey, what is that lurking on the edge of that Torpedo Grass? The tail should help you identify it.

4) One thing for sure, Big Creek Lake is bustling with life.

5) Critters with no visible pupil need a little respect because of poisonous venom. Note the angled snout.

6) Round pupil snakes have no venom and are not to be feared. Note the rounded snout and smiley face.

7) I usually look carefully for snakes and wasp nests before going under shoreline shrubbery. As I was backing away from the bank after taking photos of shoreline trash, nature left me a reminder to be more careful. There had been a snake perched on a limb way over my head which is visible on the branch near the top of this photo in the middle. Note to self: Snakes can lurk real high up. Be more observant for safety's sake.

8) Luckily the snake that could have dropped on my head was a harmless water snake.

9) The little flowers of Carolina Fanwort were dense in some places.

10) The contrasting colors of yellow flowers and red leaves were pleasing to the eye. Big Creek Lake is a beautiful place to kayak because of its abundant wildlife (saw a deer too), clear water, and wide variety of aquatic plant life.

11) Had to deal with this for about 45 minutes while headed back to the launch site. Ended up getting thoroughly soaked.