Monday, May 2, 2011

Sudbury River - River Rd. to Heard Pond and Back

When I launched into the Sudbury River this morning at River Road in Wayland, the thought of paddling into Heard Pond wasn't on my itinerary.  However, as you can see by the photo at left, it became a pleasant reality.  The view is looking to the north from the pond's south end.  Gaining access to the pond is not always possible as water levels have to be on the high side.
On the way upriver I was treated to another unusual occurrence when an adult female wood duck emerged from this nesting box located just upriver from Greenways...
I saw her head and then whole body squeeze through the opening and she took flight.  In all the times I have paddled by these nesting boxes, I've never seen a wood duck enter or leave one. 

Reaching the area behind Wayland High School, I came upon quite a bit of trash that had floated in with clumps of matted grass.

The entrance to Heard Pond is located just beyond Indian Point pictured here...


I first paddled upriver to another entrance near the remains of an old wood structure but found that entrance  unpassable.  I then returned to Indian Point and found a very easy passage into the pond.  A mute swan and some Canada geese had it all to themselves.

The trip downriver was quick with a nice current and light tailwind.  This was the view looking downriver from under Pelham Island Bridge...


Back at River Road the day's catch of 114 posed in the sunshine....
This haul consisted of 54 recyclable containers (3 redeemable) and 60 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as plastic bags, styrofoam, spray cans, a syringe, nip bottles, and a small plastic pail.  Including the dozen from yesterday's trash pedal brings my YTD total to 2,430.
A cell phone was found at the River Rd. ramp at launching.  I placed it on a prominent rock in hopes the person might return for it while I was out on the water.  Upon my return the phone was gone and I assumed the owner had retrieved it.  However, when I reached my car, I found someone, thinking it was mine, had placed it on my windshield.  At that point I brought the phone to the Wayland Public Safety building and left it with dispatch.

No comments: