Whitebark Stream Rough Waters

Late Morning. Overcast. Rain possible. 40°F / 4°C.

Tohka had long since lost track of how long and how far she had wandered when she heard the gurgling  and crashing of water as it flowed rapidly over a patch of rocks. As soon as she heard it, she immediately turned to investigate, and she traveled among the aspen and birch trees until she found source of the noise. She approached the stream and gazed into the clear water, almost mesmerized by the glistening white orbs of water that rapidly flowed over the rocks. The orbs appeared perfectly solid, but she could tell from the splashing and churning that the water was in fact moving quite fast. She knew it would have been easier and safer to find a gentler spot cross, but she was too interested in the rapids to consider that.

She took a quick drink before placing one of her paws on a rock near the bank that was just beneath the surface. She watched with satisfaction as her paw disturbed the water’s flow and broke up its rounded surface as it now swirled around her paw. She reached further out into the creek to place her other front paw on the next rock just below the surface. This time, she let out a small snicker and gently swished her tail as she watched shining water droplets splash around both of her front feet. There was a larger rock further out that would be her next step, but for now, she was too easily entertained with watching the water flow around her front feet while her hind feet remained planted on the bank at the water’s edge.