After we left Wade Island, Merlin guided
me further down river to a number of other islands along the Susquehanna.
These islands are all part of a designated water trail and are completely
opened to the public. Campgrounds on the islands are accessible to
anyone, and can provide an enjoyable get away without really having
to go anywhere.
The islands we encountered downstream were seemingly even more alienated
from the city. We paddled beneath a canopy of trees and any sounds
of the hustle of the city were quickly drowned out by the deafening
groans of toads.
We actually had a chance to pull up on one of the smaller islands
and walk around. Standing on the island I had to constantly remind
myself that just beyond the treetops of the island to my right was
the city of Harrisburg. This knowledge made the feeling of isolation
and serenity even more unreal.
One of the islands was actually farmed at the turn of the century,
but since then has grown such a dense lush forest that farming would
be inconceivable.
The Great Egret has made Wade Island its home and has not taken to
the other islands around it. But this does not mean that the other
islands are dormant. Orioles, wood ducks, mallards, woodpeckers, swallows,
and numerous songbirds have made these islands their home as well.
|
Merlin also pointed out to me the tell tale signs of a raccoon scavenging
across an island and an otter slide that looked well worn.
Once we came out of the thick of the islands my first reaction was
to steer the canoe back to where we had just come from, but a harder
rain was threatening. We had drifted along the river for a few hours
and despite the persistent drizzle we had avoided any major storms.
But I was thankful for the chance to see a true treasure sitting right
in my own backyard.
|
