Winter River

I like to spend time on the Kennebago River in winter.  Most camp owners are gone and it is quiet as the river rolls along on its path through the woods.  It is as beautiful walking the river in winter as it is in summer.  Today I saw all forms of tracks from moose to lynx.  When checking some traps on a half-frozen pool I looked down river to see a lone mallard duck sitting on the ice preening itself.  There was the distinct trail of an otter along the icy bank.  (I always wonder how they can have so much apparent fun in the icy cold water of winter.)  Thank God for the fresh snows that reveal to us the otherwise hidden activity in the woods and waters.