Running Water

Running Water

One of my favorite spots on our regular running route is the 

small bridge where we cross over the South Fork of the 

Kinnickinnic River.  My anticipation builds as the path curves 

away from the main part of the University campus and bends 

down through a patch of sumac toward the stream.

I love to listen for the exact moment when I first hear the water 

flowing over stones in the stream bed.  The sound of the small 

riffle below the bridge comes just a few gratifying seconds before 

I round the bend and the water comes into view.

On this particular morning we stopped on the bridge to look at 

these exquisite patterns where the ice caught the light. I came 

back later to take this photo.

~ Hal

Kelly Creek

Kelly Creek

Once or twice a year I head over to take a walk at Kelly Creek, 

a beautiful little cold-water feeder stream that flows into the 

upper Kinnickinnic River.

Besides being a wonderful sanctuary for native brook trout, the 

magical thing about this creek is the way it springs wholly from 

a modest rock outcrop beneath an old bur oak tree. I can stare at 

that spot for hours and never come close to plumbing its depths.

This time of year it's just nice to check in on the green watercress, 

and poke around in the brushy alder, watching the birds come to 

the water for a drink.

~ Hal

New Years Day

New Year's Day

The sound of my skis, following a path left years ago. The tall 

hardwood trees move with the wind up high. Every now and 

again one of their trunks makes a brittle, deep cracking sound. 

A winter prayer.

We went up north for the long weekend and spent most of our 

time cross-country skiing and reading around the wood stove. 

The weather was very cold, the snow was perfect.

On New Year’s morning we skied this trail at The Nature 

Conservancy’s Catherine Wolter Wilderness Preserve (near 

Presque Isle, Wisconsin) with our friend Kath who was also 

up for the holiday.

For me, this quiet, nearly silent New Year’s Day felt like the 

perfect bookend to a warm and busy holiday season with all 

of our family and friends.

With thanks, “Happy New Year.”

~ Hal