…to Mr. Muskrats home.
Much earlier this week I set out to do my "Walk with me Wednesday". This time, again setting out by kayak across the pond, to find the home of the Muskrats. Lately, they have been more active than usual. I don’t know how big this family has become or even if it is a family. It is impossible for me to tell if I am seeing one, two or many. Always the one, swimming to or from the biggest island then back to one side of the pond or the other. Often, I see a green plume of grasses waving high above the water as the muskrat returns, swimming from the bank nearest the spillway. It could be nesting material, dinner, or food for the larder. Maybe a little Muskrat Love?
There are three islands in my pond. The big island, the small island and the long island. Original, huh? Today, I’m off to the big island.
I bank the kayak and step out. I’ve brought water shoes knowing I must watch were I step and onto whom.
When the kids were young, they camped on the island. After dark, they would paddle over to the camp. We’d cheer them on and light the way with the largest spotlight we had.
On the point my foot kicks what remains of the stone campfire ring. The island needs to be cut.
Out of sight of the house and just where I expect it, is the muskrat’s front door.
Pretty nice place, I’d say. Beautiful view, the waterfront.
It seems the muskrat isn’t the only one who likes this view. On the bank above the doorway, I find that the otter have also made their home. As it was a snow cave, all that remains are, well…remains. Piles of scales and bones.
Lots of piles.
Lots of scales. This location looks directly across to the other location that I monitor all winter on snowshoes. Now I know. Next winter I have two spots to check.
Someone is watching me, time to leave.
Comments
12 responses to “walk with me wednesday”
Love your walks. Good to see you finally have some sun 🙂
I like Paddle With Me Wednesdays even better, I think. 🙂
How idyllic! So much to watch and so much beauty to look at!
There is more than enough to eat in the pond by the looks of those piles !
I don’t know if the muskrats that live in the pond are the same kind we have over here, but here they consider them as a plague. That’s because they are “supposed” to damage the dikes we have, so they are hunted. I always wish they could live in peace ! Lucky muskrats in your pond.
The pond looks beautiful in summer. I am amazed at the size of those piles of scales…(and seriously wonder about myself, as I find them strangly attractive! They are just so full so texture!)
I second what Beth said! Thanks for sharing all the wildlife and natural beauty with us all!
Beautiful scenes. The scales are pretty amazing. I envision them just pitching them out of their little pond side cottage…My daughter has just purchased a kayak…hmm you know what that means, and a kayaking I go. Hers looks like yours. I am going tomorrow night kayaking with her and friends on Wickford Harbor in a borrowed kayak.
Yes, nature has a way of reclaiming space if left undisturbed long enough. We’ve canoe camped twice and I’d love to go again, if the drought would just end. Thanks for the walk!
I love coming with you on your excursions – I agree – Paddle With Me Wednesday is particularly lovely! I only ever canoe camped once – in the far north, and it was an uncharted river, and on the second day the canoe got smashed to bits by some particularly nasty rapids and we wound up being winched out of a dense forest by military helicopter. Your way looks much more enjoyable.
We live across the street from a pond and last week Mr. Muskrat managed to find himself squished in the road in front of my house….ewww!
That was fascinating! Thanks for the great walk!
I love your trips too. Thank you for sharing with us. Do you scrapbook your photos? You certainly could, with the dialog just as you’ve presented here.
Thanks again!