BVO JOURNAL |
Blackstone River Date: October 10-12, 2009 As I opened up the store, our Columbus weekend started out with a kingfisher calling from the mist that covered the Blackstone River. The sky was dark with clouds and the winds blew the colored leafs from the trees, sending them floating downstream. By 12:30 pm the wind slowed down and my group of seven arrived. During our paddle down river we first enter Turtle Lagoon in the Lonsdale Wetland. Exploring the lagoon, painted turtles and a small raft of Mallards are found. Most of the lower vegetation has already turned brown, but the trees above are starting to change to a yellowish hue. Continuing on we pass a couple of boats, fishermen casting their lures under overhanging branches. At Firestone Cove a lone blackcap night heron stands guard, looking like a grouchy old man ticked at being disturbed. Entering Second Cove, turtles drop from partly submerged trees and into the cold dark water. Sampson the lone mute swan glides out and several small rafts of ducks take flight. The last area we visit is the Valley Falls Pond. The trees that line Rhode Islands second largest wetland are in full color, a boarder a blaze in red, yellow and gold compliments the dark cloud covered sky. Floating in the choppy water we watch several flocks of waterfowl fly overhead, some coming in for a landing, others continuing on for their journey south. As we leave for our return upstream, a kingfisher calls out. Our second day starts with a local teen catching a 3 lb. largemouth bass from our kayak launch. With a group of five we once again travel down stream for the Valley Falls Pond run. Entering Turtle Lagoon the skies are dark blue with large white clouds casting shadows along the water. Immediately a large flock of mallards explodes from the lagoon sending water flying and turtles scattering. The group pass fishing boats, one working the submerged section of old bridge under the John Street Bridge. Gliding into Firestone Cove I slow the paddlers down at the sighting of a deer. Our stealth is rewarded with two does and a yearly walking around the clearing at the end of the cove. Hoping to see the deer once more in Second Cove we first check out the right finger of the cove to give the deer a chance to settle down. On the left bank not far from the bike path bridge stands a majestic buck. Just then the group accidentally send a flock of Canada geese airborne and the deer bouncing through the woods. On our return trip I tell the group about a paddling trip along the Blackstone with Rob, Mike and a raft of geese. Opening up to the high 30’s and a report of a downed tree across the river, we make the decision to once again paddle the Valley Falls Pond loop. With one phone call my group grew from nine to twelve. During our paddle and safety talk I mentioned that we saw large groups of wildlife in all the areas this weekend. Before we entered Turtle Lagoon the lone great blue heron takes flight and the lagoon is void of wildlife. Slowly cruising into Firestone Cove I stop the group at is mouth and tell them glide into the cove and keep and eye on the left bank. I saw three deer there once more. By the time all twelve boats had entered the cove between four and five deer cross the open area at the back of the cove. In Second Cove a father and son mountain biking had stopped and were throwing rocks into the water, any wildlife there was lone gone. Paddling into the colorful Valley Falls Pond, we head over to the ancient black willow tree to find a great blue heron roosting in its branches. The large bird takes flight and lets out a call, sending hundreds of ducks aloft in one great explosion of water and feathers. Crossing the open water into Hidden Pond I tell my store of the UFO, upon our return a paddler yells out "UFO" and there above the river is a blimp. Our Holiday weekend ends with a couple of local fishermen decking their bass boat up at the store and coming in to show us a picture of a 14lb. northern pike that one of them had caught that day. Live the Experience! |