Saturday, December 29, 2012

A Deer Farewell to 2012

Snow was in the forecast and temps were close to the freezing point for possibly the last time this year.  So, why not get in one last paddle in 2012.  I launched at Lowell Rd. in Concord and ascended the Assabet River for a mile and a half before returning to find light snow falling at Egg Rock (photo at left).
However, shortly after launching and before reaching the Assabet, I encountered this white-tailed deer at the confluence...
This deer seemed intent on checking me out and didn't seemed the least bit afraid...
The deer remained in the same spot while I crossed over to check the inscription at Egg Rock...
The bottom line "Before the White Man came" was submerged.  Compare today's water level with this photo of the same rock 4 weeks ago to the day...
The approximately 4 inches of rain received in the last 2 weeks or so made the difference.

On the east slope of Egg Rock, someone had erected a temporary lean-to of sorts...
Perhaps it served as a duckhunter's blind?

Returning to Egg Rock from the Assabet, my deck was decked out for the last time this year...
 
Not wanting the day to end too soon, I continued down the Concord River to take a look at the Old North Bridge in the lightly falling snow...
 
Then it was back to Lowell Road where all passengers went ashore...
 
The year's last group of vagabonds consisted of 20 recyclable containers (4 redeemable) and 24 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as nip bottles and polystyrene (aka styrofoam).  YTD = 6914
 
Following some tasty hot cocoa (from my new thermos) and a wintry drive home, I began work on my fifth Skipper's Year End Report. 
 
For a self-confessed winter hater like myself, I have to admit to enjoying today's snow while out on the river (but not looking to make a habit of it).
 




2 comments:

Erik Eckilson said...

Glad you made it out Al. I've been sick and busy, which has meant no paddling this week. Happy New Year!

Al said...

Erik, Sorry to hear you've been sick. A lot of it going around. Hope you recover soon and in time to celebrate the coming new year.

I'm going to join the Adirondack Pirate Paddlers for their 10th (I believe) Annual New Year's Day paddle on Lake George. They'll get started at 10am on New Year's morning.

Capt'n Dangerous asked me to extend his welcome to you and also any RICKA paddlers wishing to join in.

Happy 2013!