My first impression of the Peace River was wilderness. There is much to explore and much of it is unspoiled. Within the limited time of my travel what caught my attention was the contrast between undisturbed nature and development. I was able to come within a boat’s length of a heron stalking its prey. There was an almost musical or dance like gate as he moved. Incidentally, I did not realize that I had captured the heron’s reflection until I began to edit the photo. Here is the video link of it in YouTube.

At first I saw the developed areas as awful and ugly. As I looked more carefully and gave it some thought, I realize that some people feel fortunate to be able to move so close to nature’s beauty. Some abuse the privilege, disturbing all around with complete disregard for the safety of others or what they do to the environment. The attitude, “I bought this expensive fast boat and by golly I deserve to use its power.”

As I rowed closer to the homes I noticed one home that had a boat shed with lifts over hanging the river. One of the boats is a steam launch. A more compact version of the “African Queen” for those of you who remember the movie with Humphrey Bogart. I have two photos. If you look carefully in the middle of the vessel you will see the boiler, valves and  guages. The sign out front says “NASA” in large caps and then in smaller lettering, “North American Steam Association”.

The glimmer of shiny metal is the steam boiler.

Steam gauges and valves attached to central boiler.

The owner has a vivid imagination and a sense of humor, for he has a  muzzle loaded ship’s cannon to protect his property. This would be the type of cannon used around 1815 or before.

Arrrgh, Stay clear matey!

Next to the steam launch were two friends, Maurice and John, who were painting John’s sea wall. I talked to them and inquired about the launch. Their neighbor Gene was brilliant and steam power was a more than casual interest.

I explored the small harbor where the  Nav.a. gator restaurant and bar is located. As I left I noticed a small plant determined to survive in the small space it found among the timbers and steel.

Nature persists and can adapt in the oddest of places.

I entered Deep Creek, which is misnamed, thinking I had left “civilization” behind. However, I spotted a wreck on the shore.

Even the airplane contrail contributes to the aesthetic.

An old wooden fishing vessel lay rotting. The odd angles of wood, steel and foliage made for an interesting affect when captured by my camera.