The boat is in the water!

We have finally launched the boat for the summer! The official date we rolled it in was May 26. It's also officially the latest we have ever waited to do so. It has been such a cold and rainy spring! Usually the boat hits the water sometime in mid-April.

Since launching on May 26, we have not had a nice enough day to take it out again! Maybe this weekend will bring some calm and warm weather.

Join me on a ride...

Welcome to our house! You can see the sunporch on the upper level. Behind our house, you can see the garage and guest house we built.

Holly loves to go for boat rides... We are slowly cruising the north side of the lake in our pontoon boat. Fun to see the activity as docks, boats and hoists are going into the water!

Here is the eagle carving from the other side. You can read about the eagle here and here. 

A grouping of fishing boats. They were pulling in lots of fish today!

Holly watching the shoreline. Not many boats are in yet. Only one can be seen in this photo and usually every house has at least one boat.

This is such a beautiful time of year when the trees are so pretty and green.

Water-skier drive-by.

Holly has her own stash of toys on the boat.

And she loves playing with them when she gets tired of the view!

Calm water approaching the swimming area.

Not many swimmers yet. This place will be full of people on hot summer days...

Great day to be cruising on the water. Another fishing boat is coming in for the evening.

Check out that Iowa sky! 
This kind of a day -- and this view -- is why I named my blog "Adrift on the Lake"

Thanks for reading!

Eagle carving: beginning to end

I thought I'd show the photos of the eagle I posted about here being made. These were sent to me by the friends who had it carved out of the tree on their property.

(note: the date stamp on the first photo is correct. The date stamp on the photos following that are incorrect -- this was just carved a week ago!)

Oak tree had to be cut down over the winter. Tall tree stump is left.

  

Beautiful morning brings the artist and the chainsaw. Scaffolding is set up. Sculpting begins.

Lots of big chunks removed.

On Eagle's wings... made me think of this verse:
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:31

Amazing attention to detail!

Eagle is completely carved out. Incredible.

Staining the carving

Completed! I thought it was about 12' high but looks more like 15' -- it's huge!

Thanks for visiting!



I will be linking to the following fantastic parties:

Debbiedoo's Newbie Party at Debbiedoo's Blogging and Blabbing
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop at Homemaker on a Dime

The Eagle Has Landed

A new resident has appeared at the lake!! Standing approximately 12' high, this HUGE eagle emerged over the weekend from a large tree stump.

A local artist came out with his chainsaw in the morning and by the end of the day, this fabulous carving was finished! He was then stained. The white and yellow is painted.

Although Mr. Eagle belongs to friends of ours, he is being shared with the entire lake as he is next to the road and overlooking the water.

I have a feeling that there won't be any ducks hanging out underneath this guy... 

Thanks for visiting!