Whitefish River Misty Morning

A lone wolf padded along the rocky bank of the mighty Whitefish River, occasionally stumbling as his paws slid off the slippery rocks. It was a crisp autumn morning, and a cool mist hung over the river like a shroud. It was a beautiful sight, one that made Koda feel at home for the first time in months. He had grown up on the banks of the Spirit River, and almost every day of his puppyhood -dawn till dusk- was spent playing in the shallow water.

A smile grew on his face and a laugh almost escaped him as he remembered pushing his brother into a deep part of the river on a particularly cold day. Koda had been scolded for his prank, but getting his revenge on the bigger pup, who had often picked on him, had been so very sweet. Of course, his brother's bullying only got worse after that, but it was important to savor your small victories.

The rocky shore gradually turned to sand, and Koda decided this was a good spot to stop for a rest and get a drink. A school of minnows scattered and darted under the cover of the weeds growing in the shallow water as the wolf came near the river's edge. Koda dipped a paw in to test the water, finding it a bit too chilly for a morning swim. Summer was gone, and soon the land would begin to die and the young wolf would be facing his first winter alone. As he lapped up the cool water, he remembered Finley, the pretty silver she-wolf he'd met on the mountain the previous day. She had suggested he join her pack, an offer he might be tempted to take up if times got too tough. For now though, he'd stay a lone wolf and explore this beautiful new wilderness.

Feeling refreshed, Koda continued on his way, content to follow the meandering river for a while until something pulled him away.