Mittens and Planes

Yesterday, though mostly overcast, was still quite mild with temperatures in the 40's and continues what seems to be an extended January thaw.  The previous day, we'd enjoyed sunshine and temperatures in the low 50's which allowed for biking on a local rail trail.  None too shabby!

Shortly after getting on the water I paddled over to Egg Rock and noted the water level had nearly risen to the inscription.  From there I paddled down the Concord River to see if the wide straightaway below Davis Hill was still iced over (as it was on Christmas day) and instead found open water...

Suspected it was open as I'd encountered a stand-up paddleboarder heading upriver from that direction.

Earlier, on my way downriver I'd come across a small airplane...

Looked as though everyone got out safely and the plane was mostly intact...

Several real airplanes could be heard but not seen as they made their landing approach to Hanscom Field.  The planes would emerge ghostlike from the low-hanging and milky colored clouds just as they crossed above the river.

Some raucous sounds drew my eyes to a pileated woodpecker...

At Saw Mill Brook, flow from Punkatasset's east slope was wending around the man-made channel...

Looks like this tree is budding a bit early...

As I approached the Monument Street bridge on my return trip I saw a car backing up across the bridge and a fellow whistling and waving to get my attention.  It seems his daughter had dropped one of her mittens from the Old North Bridge and they were following the mitten as it floated downriver with the hope of recovering it.  So, of the many things plucked from the water with my paddle yesterday, a small white and pink mitten may have been the most important...at least to the little girl and her parents.

The other stuff found floating, snagged, or on the riverbank...