Over winter break, I took my camera along on a walk we took down behind our house. We own some acreage down in the river bottom that we rarely have the opportunity to explore. In the spring, the river is usually flooded for several weeks, or even months, and the land is inaccessible. Once the temperatures warm up, the mosquitoes hatch and it becomes unbearable to venture down there. If we have a dry fall, we usually enjoy some walks before hunting season begins. Once the snow falls – at least during a normal winter – it once again becomes difficult to enjoy a walk because of the deep snow.
We are not having a “normal” winter though, so the land is still accessible and we are trying to take advantage of it.
Despite the flood waters that come every spring, we have some enormous old trees among all the smaller saplings and brush. This one looks like it may not be standing too much longer.
We came across the monster tree below, as well. I cannot imagine how many years it has stood there, and all the spring floods it has seen come and go.
Taking a closer look, you can see a small area of daylight through the trunk of this tree. I wonder how long it will take for the critters and the weather to chisel away at the heart of the tree until it finally succumbs to gravity.
Sofie, our Golden Retriever, is always beyond excited when we head towards the river bottom. There are so many things to explore. She was particularly excited about this hollowed out log. Fearful of the possibility that a skunk could be residing within, we quickly encouraged her to move along.
Our goofy cat, Nina, also followed us on our walk. She seemed annoyed the entire time and was meowing loudly as she trotted behind us. She eventually gave up on us and turned around. We met up with her again when we reached the house porch.
The warm temperatures of December have left the river open in most areas. The open water certainly must make life easier for the wildlife that roams the river bottom.
Since we took this walk a few weeks ago, all the snow has melted. We need to get back down there soon to enjoy the peace and tranquility while we can.
–Lynell
Just Two Farm Kids 