Avintaquin Creek

When we reached the Grayhead Peak trailhead last week (before the recent snow) and began a ride down into Avintaquin Canyon, the temperature hovered just above freezing.  At our first stop at a branch of Avintaquin Creek, Boss broke ice to get a drink.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicted a 50's high and "partly sunny."  I had to wonder, "Which part might that be?" as I shivered under a completely overcast sky. Continuing downstream, we passed this rock chimney formation which we remembered from a ride last fall.  As you can see, blue sky finally showed itself.  We had sun for a couple of hours in mid-afternoon. 

There is no man-made trail down this canyon, but cows and/or deer have created sandy paths that are easy to follow.

The main creek had reasonable flow, even this late in the year.   Daisy found several nice pools for a swim.  (It was cold, but she's a lab.  She loves ANY kind of water.)

The remains of an old beaver dam forms a small pond (with 10" trout!) surrounded by willows.

The willows show red branches, now devoid of leaves.

Cliffs soar on either side of the canyon.  We were searching for an easy way out for another loop ride up to the Grayhead Peak area.  We found what looks doable, but we didn't have time to check it out.  We'll try again another day.

We went from a gray overcast that looked like snow, to vivid blue, to this incredible late afternoon light on the mountains.   NOAA, I take back my complaint.

For more skies of all varieties, click here.