A rumble and a whimper awaken me. It's just after day break and the Lily, our Schnauzer, nuzzles at my hand and I can here the train chugging along behind the house. She and Hazel are relentless and want their breakfast. I get up, kiss Marie, leave her sleeping and let the dogs out back to do their business in the back yard as the train rumbles away along the cliffs into the distance. I put the coffee on and ready their breakfast.
When I turn back to the door that are staring, waiting to be let back in. I let them in and they quickly have their breakfast .I dress and pour the coffee. I can see through the front window the river has risen a bit overnight and a heron sits across the yard on a log near the bank. The water is dotted with geese swimming away in search of their breakfast as well. The, girls, satisfied with full bellies are anxious to go outside and see what's moving. I let them back out to attend the back yard, squirrels and birds are forbidden from being in their yard and are vocally and swiftly dealt with. With coffee poured, I make my way to the swing on the back porch to sit awhile, listen to the River and check my email.
Email checked , no pressing work distress calls I turn my attention to the River. The dogs and I move out front and they stay on the porch while I start the day in earnest.
Its time to fish a bit from the bank as the morning fog lifts. I grab a couple of rods and some baits and head for the river side. I start with a whopper plopper, a top water bait with a propeller tail that makes a lot of splash and noise as it moves along. I cast into a small eddy along a fallen tree and do a quick pull to make a noise with the tip of my rod then a short wait. The water explodes and a bass takes the bait. Fish on!, It's small but strong and definitely fun. After a short struggle he is released back into the river to continue to grow. Maybe I will catch him again in a couple of years. As I move along the bank neighbors on their way out to work pass and wave. Sometime I just sit and watch the river go by. I am at peace here. Birds are around flitting tree to tree. I see turtles scurrying away from me as I disturb their basking in the sun. And if I am lucky maybe I will see the otters. Fishing along the bank I alternate between the whopper plopper and a 6" senko, A plastic bait that imitates either a nightcrawler or maybe a wounded baitfish. No more fish are fooled by my baits on this morning but I will try again later.
Returning to the house, Marie is up and watching me from a seat out front. The dogs think I've been gone for ages show it.
Another coffee some more relaxing. then time to take the girls for a walk. They are happy and have to smell everything. We walk a while along the road and come back along the river. A train rumbles along the far bank heading south for Roanoke.
Marie and I tag team cooking some breakfast and discuss what to have for supper (doesn't every couple?)
We land on some burgers on the grill and fries. Plan made- But we have no lettuce. Off to the store I go- a short 10 minute drive later I'm in the grocery aisle picking up lettuce as well as a list of other items Taco stuff and some Margaretta mix. Tomorrow we have Tacos. we usually go to Rocas Mexican for tacos but decide to do our own this trip.
I get back unload the groceries and we get them put away in the fridge and pantry. We turn on the TV and catch up on the news and have a sandwich.
Marie is content sitting by and listening to the river. Occasionally seeing the blue heron come by and light a while or the bald eagles across the river- we hope they will come across so we can get a better look. We make a game out of being the first to call out ," Train!! " as soon as we hear one coming.
The sun is high and its just right to get back on the river. I pull the kayak out and take to the water. Paddling up river for a while , anchor and cast . finding the water has went back down during the afternoon, I decide to get out and wade a while. It's much easier that trying to keep the kayak pointed in the right direction. The water is cool but not cold this afternoon. Casting along the rock ledges using a Ned rig or the senko, I catch a few dinks and one nice 17 incher. Its been a good day on the river but its supper time now.
We cook the burgers on the front porch grill and dine out back. After cleanup we make our way to the River and the firepit. This is one of our favorite things. As the sun sinks behind the house and the stars begin to shine the fire pit comes to life. we feed the fire have a few drinks and watch the stars. We might even get to see the Starlink satellite train. Its late when we go back to the house.
We turn on the TV and find an old movie to watch. As the night grows long we retire, tuckered out from a full day of relaxing at The River House.