Today we started with a before-breakfast kayak paddle along the shores of our lovely Laurel Lake. The mist was rising off the water and slowly passing along, and we paddled slowly and softly, to keep the silence of the scene. At one point, Cia whispered to me and pointed up, and I soon saw, at the very top of a tall tree, a bald eagle sitting motionless. We both stopped and stared and then softly moved on. 

Early morning on Laurel Lake

Watching her territory

This afternoon we went to Naumkeag, a majestic summer "cottage" (more like castle) overlooking the hills. We took a guided tour of the house, and wandered among the gardens and lawns. 

Later, we donned our life vests and took our usual dip in the lake, floating and moving our arms and legs and taking pleasure in whatever we saw.