Big Salmon Lake I saw fireworks from the freeway

The young medic’s search brought her to the eastern shores of Big Salmon Lake, and she lifted her nose to the air one last time. Even so, Lane knew the attempt would be in vain; the herb she sought wouldn’t grow in soil this damp.

She’d had some hope of locating a patch of wild catmint when she was crossing the much-dryer meadow to the east. Lane had searched all afternoon, and the grasses underfoot had eventually given way to... this mess. She lifted a paw, and the earth squelched, sodden with snowmelt from the western mountain range. 

Lane’s trained nose pulled a tangy scent from the air, and she perked up. It wasn’t catmint, but if it was what she thought it was, she might have something to show for her efforts this afternoon after all. Nose in the air, she moved forward slowly, starting and stopping, slowly zeroing in on the source of the scent.