Morning Activities At The River

This morning we fell out of bed more or less.  I guess we're officially back on VA summertime and that means that those, who want to engage in outdoor activities should get out there as early as possible. Getting up at five o'clock is no problem. Disadvantage of the early rise is the fact, that around eight at night you're ready to go to bed get your zzz's before having to "fall out of bed" again. Another reason for getting up so early are the dogs since they do overheat much faster than people do. Picture you only had your tongue and the sole of your feet to perspire you'd be in serious trouble once it gets above 80 degrees. Not to mention the year round fur coat you'd be wearing. We like to take the dogs to the park. There we find more shade and the dachshunds don't get overheated too quickly from the reflecting heat which is all too present when walking in town on the hot and sizzling pavement.

This morning, the best hubby of all agreed to accompany me for a photo session at the river and here is the result:

The water is getting lower and makes for quite a pretty scenery.

Here I was trying to get the water look a little bit softer by decreasing the shutter speed. (Actually my first try at this with the new camera.)

Other "first attempts" didn't turn out too well. I would LOVED for this picture to be better. What a pity ! 

Eventually the heron did land and I got a better look at him and his prey.

There were lots and lots of them out, fishing for breakfast:

After watching the herons, we continued our morning walk along the river:

The vultures are feeding on the trash some picnickers left behind. Makes you wish, people would be a bit more conscientious about the locations they leave their garbage at. 

These are some impressions of the trail that leads along the river. Isn't it pretty ? 

We are indeed lucky to live so close to a park of such beauty. 

What we left behind was a bunch of vultures on the rocks. I wonder if they enjoyed the sunrise as much as we did.