Sunday afternoon I sat on my dock
absorbing the waning sunshine, while I waited for a heron to happen by. I have
spent each available evening waiting for a heron to skim the Rivers surface for
a good photograph. To date the event has not come to fruition but the time
spent has been relaxing. Yesterday my time on the dock gave me the opportunity
to look back at the events of this past week.
Thursday morning I took a trip south
of Adams to search for a brook trout. I utilized the DEC’s website to locate
some listed trout streams three weeks ago. Since then I have dedicated one day
each week to explore a new area. I have seen some wonderful scenery and a
variety of flowers and animals. Finally the most recent trip paid off this week
in the form of a nice brook trout. It came from under a log chasing my Rapala
lure and nearly leapt to my feet during the pursuit. The current was strong
from a recent rain and the fish took full advantage of it. I was treated to a
colorful show from the brookies flashing drives. There are few things more
beautiful than a brook trout.
I came upon a beaver dam where a
creek had a dramatic change of flow. The creek above the dam was a good four
feet higher than the stream below it. Water purged from the sides of the dam
and gurgled underneath. Two Canada geese paddled in the smooth water above complaining
of my presence. I could see where the beavers had been busy during the night
adding new logs to their home. A formidable cherry tree revealed the efforts of
the sharp toothed beavers. Sunlight must have come before the job could be
completed as it was nearly half way done. Beavers are nature’s engineers when
it comes to building a dam. I can’t imagine the strength required to hull and
place such large logs…amazing.
In another location I was treated to
the songs and the flights of a pair of bluebirds. They were utilizing a nesting
box and preparing it for a new brood of babies. It is so refreshing to see our
state bird making strides in an on going recovery. The box they were using was
placed by the DEC, but a good many concerned individuals have also taken up the
cause. I see them all over the North Country along fields and in yards. My
“bluebird” houses are always taken over by wrens or chickadees. At least they
are being utilized and the birds bring their songs close to home.
While walking through a grove of
hemlock I noticed some orange tree fungus growing on a decaying log near a
creek. It was the first time that I have seen an active culture of fungus. I am
used to seeing the white expired fungus (shelves) where growth has long
stopped. The contrast of the orange fungus to the green vegetation on the
ground (below) was a striking. Flowers are not the only enablers of color in
the woods, even the emerging buds of maple trees are adding a soft red color to
the skyline.
I found a pair of odd fellows hanging
together, like long lost pals on another creek. A drake wood duck was joined by
a drake blue wing teal. Both of them were fine examples of their species. A
drake wood duck carries what I would consider all of the colors of the color
spectrum. The drake blue wings most defining marking is not his wings as
indicated in his name. What is most apparent on him (in the spring) is his
white crescent moon separating his eyes from his bill. Waterfowl come in an
array of colors and it makes them my favorite species to watch.
Saturday morning I set about building
a campfire to smoke a wild turkey breast on. It is a tradition that I started
last year. The event yields a fine dinner and gives me the added enthusiasm to
get up at 4:00 AM during the month of May. I added briquettes to the flaming
logs after the fire was well under way. I do not like to use lighter fluid and
the confines of my campfire pit helps to shield the wind, keeping the coals
under control. The trick to smoking is to have a moderate heat and well soaked
wood chips.
I soaked the turkey in a brine of
apple juice, pickling salt, brown sugar, maple syrup and honey over night. The
acid in the apple juice helps to tenderize the bird while the other ingredients
give flavor. I allowed the bird to warm over the fire for a half hour and then
applied the first coat of honey. Every time I added wood chips I gave it
another coat of honey. Four hours later a golden sweet Turkey graced my serving
dish, almost too pretty to carve… almost.
After dinner I shared some of the
warm delicacy with neighbors. The pan I carried over lasted about five minutes.
One of the ladies remarked: “That would be good on a sandwich for lunch
tomorrow.” As she spoke there was but one slice left in the pan and it found
its way into her husband’s mouth. The next day I delivered some more to them
and to other friends along the River. Being an outdoorsman along the River has
its rewards, the best being good friends who share the same admiration for
River life.
