Porcupine Journals - Day 3

"The whole day we meandered with the Isle Presque River. Along squishy banks blanketed in pine needles and moss. Above, huge hemlocks and birch stand like imposing sentinels. Some larger than I've ever seen before. Glistening green stalks of blue-bead lily and maple seedlings poke through the soil underneath these giants. Patiently waiting their chance.

The river roars over rocks stained brown from tannins in the leaf litter. The water, cleaner than I have ever seen - filtered naturally. Mists settle softly on shaggy conifers crowding the banks. And a loan cormorant emerges from this misty portal, flying low above the rivers natural highway.

Fantastic rock formations grab the eye. In some places worn down smooth in circular bowls. I'm told these depressions are formed from the action of water and time slowly buffeting pebbles in circular eddies. One such large pothole etched in the river-rock reminds me of a crescent moon, dotted below with specks of foam like so many stars.

Continuing our meander along the river bunchberry, winter green, jack-in-the pulpit and thimble berries all blanket the banks. Will picked some winter green berries for us to munch on along the way. And as the sun almost peeped out of the clouds we took lunch on the rocks. Across from me a family of mergansers preens on a rock mid-river oblivious to the swift current. I'm amazed by the young - so small and hardy. They play in the rushing currents and test their curiosity in tiny waterfalls. Learning skills for adulthood already. A belted kingfisher flashes by - an explosion of blue and white - chattering the whole way down the river. And I take my cue to follow.

Eventually we found our way to the river mouth. Tangled with big logs thrown up from Superior. The enormous space of this freshwater sea is humbling, especially as cold winds rip across its surface. A shock to your exposed face. The cold air, enormous unfeeling water, and brooding low clouds make me feel small and alone. Melancholy and washed-up. Like drift wood.

Walking back though we find a patch of bright purple and white lupine like something out of a Dr. Seauss cartoon. They lift my spirits and make us all feel lighthearted. Like raindrops on flower petals. Wide eyed and whimsy."