Great blue heron LbNA #16832 (ARCHIVED)

Start out on either side of Watertown waterfall. Start walking up Stream. If you don’t know witch way is up stream, throw a leaf on the waterfall. Walk in the opposite direction of the leaf. Keep walking till you see a footbridge crossing the river. Walk to the top of the bridge. Turn so the waterfall is to your back. Turn right, walk down the bridge. Turn left walking up stream along a dirt trail keeping the river to your left. The dirt trail meets a paved path. Turn left you will see a large sycamore tree up the path about 50 feet. Walk to this tree and count 10 steps. You will see a large Stone to your left in the grass. Take some time to read the stone and also look back because now you know what a sycamore tree looks like. Go take a look down the dirt trail; it’s a good place to find frogs, turtles and fish. Now go back to the paved path walking up stream keeping the river on your left. Take some time to stop at the next wooden dock on your left and look down for some turtles. If you’re lucky you will see a large snapping turtle. Go back to the path heading up stream. Walk over the wooden walkway and pass an S turn. You will pass a granite pole on your right. A few feet ahead take a look from the viewing point. From this viewing point you can often see woodpeckers in the dead tree to the left or look along the rivers edge for muskrats swimming summer or winter. Walk up stream passing another granite post. Keep walking stopping at the sharp L shape turn. Looking to your left there is a wooden dock and a large stone. Take some time to read the stone and look off the viewing point. Walk up stream untill you see a log bench on your right. Walk 8 steps from the center of this bench. To your left there is another engraved stone and a dirt trail. Go take look. Then go back to the paved path walking up stream. You will cross another wooden walkway letting you know you’re heading in the right direction. Keep walking till you are standing between 2 granite posts. Standing between the 2 posts you will see a brick building in front you. Turn left and walk till you see a red arrow up high on a wooden pole. Walk in the direction the arrow points. You can stop at the store for a drink if you like or keep walking till you see a granite post. Once you find the post walk down the path keeping the river on your left heading down stream. You will walk past a few trials and engraved stones on your left. If you like you can go take a look as you see them. Keep exploring till you reach the next wooden walkway. At the start of this walkway walk slowly, lots of critters live on the ground below as well as the trees above. As you walk to the 2nd viewing point on your left, you might have realized along the way that you can feel at your feet when a person is coming your way. Once at the 2nd viewing point turn so your back is on the center post of the wooden railing. Count 7 steps ahead, then feel with your feet to see if anyone is coming. If nobody is coming, reach below to find the Great blue Heron letter box. Enjoy the view as you stamp in. Replace everything the best you can. Continue following the river down stream keeping your eyes open for birds in the trees, butterflies, dragonflies and bees around the flowers. Most often you will see rabbits besides the path but keep your eyes open for woodchucks, raccoons, foxes, skunks and even snakes. Walking this path will bring you back to the foot bridge where you started. So enjoy while you can.