Exploring Crane Creek Tributaries

Crane Creek has several tributaries that feed it, and the little streams or runoff areas that I walk by on almost a daily basis always seem to call to me, inviting me to splash through the water and see what natural sights may present themselves. I've had a hankering to walk along or through two of these tributaries for the past several years, and this spring I finally made the trek.

The easy stroll I anticipated did not materialize. First of all, I encountered far deeper water in spots than I had expected, and the noisy splashing of my approach alerted any wildlife within the vicinity to disappear into the undergrowth. I see more wildlife walking along the canal road than I saw on my little jaunt along the creek bed, because I make very little noise while walking along the road as opposed to sloshing through ankle deep or higher water.

Secondly, I encountered a lot of nearly impassable undergrowth, so I had to alternate between walking in the water and finding a path to navigate along the bank in my efforts to find a passage along the creek. These banks have a tangle of undergrowth and dead fall that hamper passage. Trying to scramble over, around, or through these bushy jumbles presented difficult obstacles at times.

However, I persevered in my endeavor and did see a few sights I would not have seen had I walked the normal byways along the canal. I did find a new patch of wild asparagus, the location of which shall remain a secret. I also encountered wild roses with the fruit from last year still hanging on the thorny stems. Brushy shrubs and scrub trees grow with abandon, but I took the jaunt too early in the spring to see much new growth. I need to rewalk this route once spring fully arrives in order to appreciate the many plants that grow along the side of the creek.

My noisy wanderings of course negated any chance of seeing wildlife in the vicinity, but I saw numerous signs that animals lurked nearby. Deer paths crisscrossed from bank to bank and led off into what to me looked to be impenetrable trails. I heard pheasants chortling in the underbrush, the meadowlark’s melodious trilling made great background music, and of course robins abounded. I did glimpse some sort of raptor soaring high above me, taking full advantage of the updrafts and the brilliant sunshine.

Quiet little pools of water allowed me to take relaxing breaks from my exploring. I would imagine what I consider peaceful havens now will turn into mosquito alley this summer. I am sure ticks would be another distraction later in the season. Fortunately I took my little stroll before the ticks came out in full force.

Although this little trek did not completely satisfy me because of unforeseen troubles with navigating my way along the waterway, I did enjoy my time along the creek and I am extremely grateful that I still have plenty of places to walk in solitude and to appreciate the outdoors and our rural countryside. Peaceful spots and solitary walks along the canal, abandoned roads or fields help keep me complete in body and spirit and in tune with the natural world