Swamp rose mallow, loosestrife, pickerel weed and water lily are all in full bloom on the Charles River. It's quite beautiful along the stretch from Red Wing Bay in Needham to Elm Bank in Wellesley, as the river winds through numerous conservation lands and less development. We'll be paddling upstream to Elm Bank, where there is a nice place to pull out the boats and have lunch. After lunch we'll return to Red Wing Bay. About 10 miles total distance. Monday's forecast calls for temps in the low 70's with some clouds and light winds.