March 11.  copied from journal.

No Lionel.

Did our big Tadpole Rescue again today.  R didn't want to drive the truck across the causeway so parked at David's.  We've learned a little from previous rescues so loaded up with two buckets,  a large sieve and a metal scoop.  We were just in time too.  Two tiny depressions of muddy water choked with choking tadpoles.  Tried to get them all.  May have missed some but not through lack of trying or looking.  Some too may have been mauled/crushed by the sieve/scoop but we did our best.

It's muddy smelly work because finally have to dig in with hands to feel for squirmy bodies but the pay off is the release.  Our dam is full of clear, tannin-dark water.  It's a living ecosystem with resident ducks, grebes and purple swamp hens,.  It also has at least one turtle!  Releasing the two buckets of tadpoles into what must seem like heaven is the big payoff for me.  The muddy water entering the clear water is like a brown mushroom cloud of muck.  In this turbid maelstrom tadpoles, tiny wriggling shadows, lurch to the surface and then disappear back into the cloud.  But if you stay and watch, the cloud dilutes, and the tadpoles emerge.  They swim out to clear water and waves of them can be seen darting to the surface, pink mouths agape (yes, actually saw pink mouths agape).

Said to Richard, if we've done nothing else today we've saved dozens and dozen of lives (even hundreds?) Note:  saw a few remaining tadpoles that afternoon when walking dogs.  Went back after dark with torches and buckets and got them all.

Rode Balthazar in the arena.  He was a little antsy - after all he hasn't been ridden for 3 months, but quite good all in all.  Put a rug on him to protect him from the biting flies.  They're driving him 'round the twist.  Sprayed him twice before riding.  It helped but didn't stop them.  At least it's cool enough now that he can wear a rug comfortably.