The wind is calm and we have another beautiful sunny day in store for us.  We’re leaving right after breakfast for Reid Harbor, on Stuart Island, so I have to get my paddle in early.  Fortunately, I didn’t have far to paddle for my first photo op. An eagle landed in the top of a tree right near the boat.

He was going to make me work for it, however.  After just a few shots, he flew to the top of an even taller tree, where he lingered long enough for just this one shot.

So, I headed toward English Camp, where I was sure I could get heron shots.  And, sure enough, this guy was waiting for me.

He headed along the shore, coming my way.  A seagull was looking for low tide goodies also, and didn’t appreciate this guy horning in on his territory.

Mr. Heron was not in the mood for squawking seagulls this early in the morning, and took off for quieter feeding ground.  He surprised me, flying right over my head.

Well, I figured I’d better head back to the boat if we were going to take advantage of these calm traveling conditions.  Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something scurrying over the rocks….an oyster catcher!  I love these guys, and their crazy eyes.  There is an oyster farm in Westcott Bay, but this fellow was going for the wild ones.

As soon as we finished breakfast, Al fired up the engines and we were off to Reid Harbor, for the first time in 30 years.  The last time we were in Reid, we had a sailboat.   Reid was only 6 miles away, so we were pulling into Reid before we knew it.  

What a difference 30 years makes!  The placed was packed with boats.  Luckily, it’s a pretty good size anchorage, and we were able to find a nice spot deep inside harbor.  

This afternoon, a fleet of kayaks came paddling through the anchorage.