Nashua River in November's Grip

There was no mistaking that November had arrived this morning on the Nashua River.  The predominant foliage color was November's signature orange.
 
I launched at the Oxbow National Wildlife Area boat ramp at Still River Road in Harvard and paddled downriver to the Ice House Dam in Ayer and back.  On the way down this deceased white-tailed deer served to remind that archery hunting season is underway...

The single-antlered buck was lying on the east side of the river about 1.5 miles below where I'd launched.  Perhaps he made it across from the west side of the river before succumbing to his wound.

Further downriver an owl and I startled each other.  The owl was perched on a tree limb overhanging the river.

Orange exploding over the Spruce Street bridge...

The buildings at the old Ice House Dam...

Catacoonamug Brook flowing in from the west...

An old riverside hearth...

A scent mound hot spot...

There was a fair amount of trash today with a good bit coming from this one blowdown...

It looked a little better afterward...

Today's haul from this 5 mile stretch of river...

Driving home I stopped to admire Mount Wachusett presiding over the valley I'd just traversed...