Intro: A Perfect Day Out
There's something incredibly rejuvenating about spending a day on the water, surrounded by nature. Recently, we decided to take our boat out to Lake Pleasant, hoping to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife. The day could not have been any better. The weather was perfect, and the water was as smooth as glass. We didn’t even put up our canopy on the boat, which I always do because I don’t like being in the sun. I get sunburned way too easily, but that’s what sunscreen is for, right?
The Majestic Mountains and Persistent Donkeys
While cruising on the smooth water, we took in the breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding us. The tranquility was only interrupted by the sight of several donkeys along the shore. Seeing donkeys at Lake Pleasant is not unusual, but they always bring a smile to our faces. However, a word of advice: do not feed them. If you do, they will never leave and will try to get into your food.
We learned this the hard way during a previous trip when we watched a couple feed the donkeys. Shortly after, the donkeys tried to get into their ice chests. The couple ended up packing and moving to another area. Another time, when we were camping at the lake, two donkeys came right up to our picnic table, trying to eat our food. My husband even got a stick to shoo them away, but they were very persistent. So, again, do not feed the wildlife.
Entertaining Ducks and Flying Bread
Enough about the donkeys. Let me tell you about the ducks. We had a delightful encounter with four ducks (two couples) swimming by our boat. They were very entertaining as we tossed bread into the lake. The first couple of ducks started eating the bread, but then another couple arrived and didn’t want to share. What ensued was a comical display of the four ducks fighting each other for the bread, flying and swimming around our boat. We were so entertained watching this that we didn’t even think to videotape it.
Carp Breeding and Fishing Mishaps
We then headed to the shallows of Humbug cove (bay) where we observed several carp breeding along the shoreline. I managed to get a video of this, as best as I could. It was fascinating to watch, and I couldn’t help but marvel at nature's wonders.
Seeing all these fish, we thought they must be getting hungry, right? So my daughter decided to throw a fishing line out to see if she could catch a fish. However, she ended up getting the fishing line stuck in the back motor. She had to get into the cold water to unhook it, but she didn’t mind because she loves cold water.
Practical Tips for a Day on Lake Pleasant
1. Sunscreen is a Must: Even if you don’t plan to put up your canopy, make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
2. Do Not Feed the Wildlife: As tempting as it may be, feeding wildlife like donkeys can lead to persistent and unwanted attention.
3. Bring a Camera: You never know what entertaining moments you might capture. Don’t forget to keep your camera handy.
4. Fishing Gear: If you plan to fish, ensure you have the right gear and be prepared for some unexpected adventures.
5. Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially on a sunny day.
Conclusion: A Day Well Spent
Our day at Lake Pleasant was truly a perfect escape. From the majestic mountains to the entertaining wildlife, every moment was filled with joy and relaxation. Whether you're cruising on the smooth water, observing wildlife, or simply soaking in the sun, Lake Pleasant offers a perfect setting for a memorable day out.
I hope you enjoy our pictures and stories. Here’s to many more perfect days on the water!
Feel free to share your own experiences at Lake Pleasant in the comments below. Until next time, happy adventuring!
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