Smoke was everywhere, but firesmoke.ca predicted a small pocket of clear air right over Roche Lake Provincial Park, so I headed up there to paddle the lake.    there was blue sky overhead, but ashen skies in every direction.   There were no campers in the two campsites and only two fishing boats on the lake.

I followed the lakeshore, going into marshy areas and shallow bays to explore.

Reeds and rushes filled the shallower bays.

There were a few ducks on the lake, including this merganser.

I also spotted turkey vultures, eagles, loons, a deer, geese, spotted sandpipers, and ravens near the shoreline.

Roche Lake 017

yellow water lily

turkey vulture

loon

Roche Lake 001

merganser

The smoke was predicted to fill in all of the open spots over the next few days so I was pleased to have had one more day of semi-clear weather for paddling.