The Mallards of Bedford Springs
The late night storm rushed into the valley,
Pouring down,
Creating the sleepy ambiance only a mountains lull can provide.
The crisp damp air crackles to life at lights first caste over the mountain,
into the valley's scenic overlook.
This...
this was the type of Bedford Morning Dr. Andrews must have thought of when he first bought the land...The springs, the mound of lime stone.
The thousands of guests were all calling from the trees past rings,
to go for a hiking,
walk around the springs.
The Kids,
our travel compatriots,
their kids,
All heard the call...
The mountain hike,
the incline to Sulphur Springs modest collection of water,
Green and grand in view,
The fresh, moss damp smell of the mountain air.
The river below is filling with the run off from the storm soaked dirt mounds,
cascading down the mountains terrain
Swelling the constricted Red Oak Lake,
creating the water flowing over the normal rivers edge....
not to be contained,
cresting over its banks...making a liquid withdrawal.
The rivers water, as we approach, is more akin to a rapid,
Albeit white cap small,
not swimming,
or lazy river tubing,
sun daze type of action.
As we walk down,
our cadence as fast as the river,
...there they are in the distance,
two bobbing duck like flotations....
The Mallards of Bedford Spring's
Two partners in a turbulent overflow of delight,
a life battle to navigate,
Not believing what we are seeing,
We rush past the Iron Spring,
up the 200 plus year lime stone, slippery staircase,
on to the walkover bridge,
Prime upper deck views for this Bedford matinee.
The Mallard mogul team more visible,
Heading down the rivers gaining rapids,
Expecting,
projecting human fear on them....
But these two dudes had a way different view...
Why Fly when you can cruse?
..one orange billed buddy looks up as he hears the kids screams of excitement at our natural present.
Right on..said the second, with no words,
Just tipped back wings,
dragging the water like the paddle of the kayaker resting his tired arm.
A Splish and splash,
Turning to the rivers edge,
Snacking on marsh grass and larva from the fly's near hatch.
Hard Left,
Against the rivers watery grain,
Cut to the rivers side,
Nailed it!
Perfect 180, in current, with the caught grass,
Tasty treat secured,
This Duck Duo,
Surfers on the rivers edge,
Purveyors of fun,
under the bridge the little orange feet kicking,
the tell tale sign of life's delight,
more speed, and a hard right turn,
one last sign of proof,
What a great ride for...
The Mallards of Bedford Springs
Copyright © Mike Liquori | Year Posted 2015
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