The Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes in Columbia, Marion County, MS

Lake Bill Waller

Lake Columbia

Lake Bill Waller is a popular fishing area located just a few miles from Columbia.  The 168 acre lake was renovated in 2004 and reopened for fishing in 2007.  Lake Bill Waller is known for its good population of trophy large mouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Three handicapped access piers and three earth piers make fishing from the bank very popular. When the weather is nice, small fishing boats can be seen scattered across the lake.

Lake Columbia used to be one of our favorite little swimming areas many years ago. When I was in my 20's I often packed up my kids, some cold drinks and snacks and headed to Lake Columbia to soak in some sun while they played in the water.  Back then, a sandy beach hugged the water. Now ornamental grass and water lilies cover the area. The county spent a small fortune a few years ago to drain the lake and clean it up. They then transformed it into a fishing area and restocked it.  Like Lake Bill Waller, it is a popular fishing spot.

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Red Bluff

Red Bluff is often called "Mississippi's Little Grand Canyon". It is a beautiful place to visit and is located about 15 miles northwest of Columbia, off Highway 587. The natural erosion of the west bank of the Pearl River created colorful layers of sand, gravel, soil and clay which plunges 200 feet into a creek that empties into the river. Although Red Bluff is located on private property, a road leads directly into a parking area nearby where visitors can get out and walk along the bank.  Be warned, there are no guard rails present.

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Splashes of Summer Fun

Summer Favorites...

Cold watermelon

Water noodles

Spending time in the pool

Playing in the sand

Jumping upon the waves

Digging for shells

Chasing seagulls

Relaxing with friends

Bare feet

Dogs playing on the green grass

What are your Summer favorites?

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Sweet Little Chickadee

For a fleeting moment, sooner than I can take a normal breath, 

a sweet little Carolina Chickadee will swoop into the bird feeder, 

grasp a seed with its short beak 

then perch on a nearby branch.  

He'll bend forward with the seed tightly grasped between his claws 

and peck at it until the pieces are a suitable size for him for swallow. 

 He appears to be "praying" with his little head bowed and claws together- 

now that's a picture of perfect sweetness! 

Come fly away with me

sweet little Chickadee!

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Summer Evening on the Lake

While at a recent birthday party for my grandson, I stole some moments away to view the surrounding lake area. It was a sweltering hot, humid afternoon with temperatures in the mid-upper 90's in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Droplets of perspiration trickled from my forehead as I walked on the grassy banks of the lake and observed the local wildlife. 

On the opposite bank, I observed a Canadian goose sitting in a brush of thin green shrubs. She must have noticed I was staring at her because she began moving more, nervously turning her head east to west. I turned my attention away from her and walked toward a beautiful large weeping willow tree centered west on the lakes edge. I appreciated the gracefulness of the willow where it stood with limbs outstretched  and long sunlit fringes of leaves which lightly swept the ground below.  The tree provided nice shade for the birds and other creatures.  A large Canadian goose took advantage of the shade as it foraged the ground for bits of food.  Moments later, a  Great Blue Heron was spotted on the opposite side of the tree.  I wanted to try and capture a closer shot of him so I quietly crept toward him, holding my camera in a ready position.  He sensed my presence and suddenly escaped across the lake, leaving me the opportunity of one more shot of him with flight wings spread a few feet above water.  

The goose from the opposite bank decided to come into the water and was soon joined by the goose from the willow tree shade.  Together they waded through the cool water, sometimes dipping their beaks into it for refreshment.  I enjoyed watching reflections of lake homes and other trees shimmy across the lake's surface, giving it a colorful sheen. Beautiful!  

As dusk approached, orange, yellow and purple hues painted the sky.  I stood in awe as I watched the beautiful transformation of day into night.  I felt grateful for this perfect ending to a very hot summer day. Goodnight Sun.  Hello Moon...it's good to see you.  

I took a deep breath...there could never be too many beautiful sunsets in my life :) Each is as tranquil as the one before...

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