Still Down in the Swamp

We're still down in that big swamp.  It's entirely a Silver Maple Swamp; these trees seem to enjoy getting flooded for a brief time in the spring whereas it would stunt many other trees.  And it's a place that looks very different over the seasons.  It's also a popular canoeing route, down the broad meandering Beaver River.

Right after seeing that goose we came to the river, first to the north and then looking south into the sun.  Every time I go by here I remember canoeing down this river, which I've done several times.

The bridge is an interesting one.  The old bridge, of steel girders, was deemed unsafe a few years ago, and they brought in this new welded steel structure, completely in one piece.  The truck had to back down that long hill to get to the river, and then with a crane on each side, they lifted it into place.  This is the only road where you can cross the river in about 12 miles, so it gets a lot of traffic.  Just across the bridge on the right is a popular canoe put-in or take-out spot.

Driving down a little further Mrs. F.G. got fascinated by these ice patterns and shot a few photos.  It's the one in the background with its head in the water.

Back across the river and we spotted more Canada Geese, swimming among the trees.  Did you notice the third one?

Shadow patterns also fascinate us.  They followed us as we drove out of the swamp to head further south.