Lake Success

When we only have one day off on a weekend, it isn’t hard to find beauty in a backyard to enjoy. A few weeks ago in late July, we had our first free Saturday off in what felt like forever. So, we went fishing!

We live near the beautiful Lake Success on the Tule River. It’s formed by the Success Dam and has a capacity of 82,000-acre-feet. It’s crystal and clear and oh so beautiful in the mornings before the visitors arrive. If you get there early enough you can look over the lake, as the sun reflects off of the water, way before the boats have created the ripples that cause the soft, dirt bottom rise to the surface, and create the murky looking water the daytime visitors see.

Early in the morning, before the sun meets the horizon, a fisherman makes their way to hidden spots in hopes of catching Bass fit for a King’s feast. The quietness of Mother Earth allows us to hear the fish jumping as they begin their early morning stretching. Birds circle, soar and glide above the water diving and dipping for a quick sip and hoping to catch breakfast. The cool air is fresh and welcoming into the lungs. Peace.

Families begin to arrive after the sun has said its good mornings and the sound of laughter, talk, and music fill the air. Soon speedboats can be heard zooming with jet skis as joyful shrills escape the mouths of the adventurous visitors. The smell of barbecue fills the surrounding area while ice chests flood the edges of land that cup the lake tenderly, filled with nice ice-cold beverages for a perfect day.

Good fathers stand at the water’s edge, fishing with the littles in the afternoon, knowing it is unlikely to make a catch, but do it because the kids love it anyway.

As the evening light comes to an end and the sun says its farewells. Insects venture into the night skies feasting off their preferred delicacies and buzzing fills the empty sound of the lake. Catfish begin to come alive in the cool night waters and new fishermen stay safe in the boats as they attempt to lure Catfish onto their hooks. When the dirt has settled back to the bottom during the warm summer nights, the water returns to its original beautiful clear state. The night lake sets the perfect stage as the moonlight dances atop the soft ripples created by the dancing Catfish. The campers have lit their bonfires and smores are melting in both big and tiny hands alike. With the help of the moon resting in the night sky, the flashlights provide just enough light to illuminate the pathway to the crisp cool tents waiting to house sleepy heads.

There is always beauty to be found in our backyards. Don’t forget to take the time to explore when you get a free moment.