June 3

After ducking down to clear the Winn Rd. bridge, Caroline and I steer our canoe downstream on the Chippewa River as the channel meanders north through Deerfield Nature Park. On the far shore, a large Map Turtle moseys along while several trees with white blossoms can be seen on the bank. Upon closer look, I see they are a variety of Viburnum. After being serenaded by a Robin, we exit the canoe near the Lewis Pontiac bridge where I pause to look and listen as the river continues eastward through the park. Measurements taken today at Mt. Pleasant indicate the river is flowing at a rate of approximately 600 cfs (cubic feet per second). Depending on the time of year, the river is known to flow between a low of 19cfs and a high of 6,210cfs during peak runoff periods or flooding. The average flow for the river hovers around 394cfs. Following a trail east into a dense wooded area, I welcome the sight of this season’s broadleaves including: elm, oak and basswood. Also, the colorful male cones of Ponderosa Pine catch my eye. From the lush canopy, several warblers sing loud and clear. Unable to see them, they sound somewhat like Black & White (stock photo). Continuing east, I come to the suspension bridge. Crossing the swinging bridge, I turned west and come to a clearing where I spot blossoms of Goat’s Beard and Hawkweed. Heading back toward the Lewis Pontiac Bridge, I notice blossoms of Autumn Olive and Maple Leaf Viburnum. Back on the bridge, I pause once again to take in this week’s sights and sounds of the river and the warbler. Since my last encounter at Audubon Woods, the Chippewa has flowed about a mile northeast to this point on its journey to Midland.

Summer approaches

June has begun

Nature’s conveyor

Run river, run

Ripples and rapids

Shimmering sun

Verdant banks

Run river, run

Stream of life

Never is done

Gentle or strong

Run river, run

D. DeGraaf