Hardy Water Lily Pads

If you travel to Mustatatuck this summer, what's left of this summer, you'll find these gigantic lily pads growing way out on the north side of Reichart Lake. I had never seen them this large before. The lake had been drained and there was at least 50 to 75 feet that you could walk out in the mud before you hit the water line.

The lily pads were huge as were the seed pods. I was intrigued by this downed tree turned large piece of driftwood.

When you find yourself without a boat or other water transportation, and you want to get up close and personal with your subject, you must improvise.

Remembering I had put a pair of mud boots in my hatchback a couple of months ago, I figured I'd give it a try. So I put on the boots and off I went. I waded in the mud to the edge of the lily pads. It didn't get treacherous until about a foot away from the first pads. So I stopped because I didn't want to get stuck in the mud. I might add here I was very very very careful not to get stuck. It was truly incredible to be so close to the lily pads. Were it not for the lake being drained so low I never would have had this opportunity. And I have to add, it was really fun too. ENJOY!