As a child I often got into trouble for playing in the streams of water that appeared in springtime in the lane next to our home. I loved re-directing the rivulets, making dams and watching sticks being carried along the stream’s path.
However, as an adult, I’ve repeatedly told little ones to stop playing in the ditches that separate properties from the road throughout the Cow Bay area. Springtime waters are a magnet for young explorers.
Ditches fill with snow in winter, are dry in summer, and usually hold streams of water in spring and fall when there is more rain. It’s always a nice surprise to catch a glimpse of ducks swimming in them.
Not far from my home, the Cow Bay River always seems to attract more activity in springtime when rains and melting snow increase the water level. Gaspereau fish attract the attention of both Ospreys and fishermen at some point during the spring as well.
The Cow Bay River empties into the watershed area behind Silver Sands Beach where it eventually meets up with the waters of the Atlantic.
I’ve panned for gold along the river, as have others over the years. I didn’t discover any gold, but did share a wonderful afternoon with a friend in a peaceful outdoor setting.
You don’t have to play in spring streams up to your knees in order to enjoy the waters of March. Just the sound of running water and the sight of sunlight sparkles on its surface can do wonders to enhance a walk in the woods or the neighborhood in springtime.
And the riverbank talks
Of the waters of March
It’s the promise of life
In your heart, in your heart.~ Antonios Carlos Jobim
We had no river, no ocean where I grew up–only the ditches that filled with spring rainwater and sparked our imaginations with hunger for the whole world. When rains come so heavy that the earth can’t absorb them, I always think of my childfriend Kathleen and the wooden and plastic horses we took outdoors to play with in the watery world of spring. Thank you for reminding me of that.
Your posts are a total joy. Thank you.
What a nice river! I love my lakes, but every now and then I have to have a river fix. It’s about time for a little trip through the Jordan Valley.
I could use the sound of a Spring stream or river this week. Think I might seek one out this weekend. Thanks for reminding me of one of nature’s simply joys.
My dad and I used to create mini dams in the gutter when we lived in Toronto. We’d watch the water back up and then we’d put a leaf or a stick behind the 3 inch high “dam” and break the dam. We’d follow the spinning item down the street. He was 45 and I was 20 at the time. He taught me not lose that child-like wonder and to allow myself to be silly. He’s gone now but I’m still chasing spinning sticks down the curb. Thanks dad. And thanks Amy for bringing back such a wonderful memory.
I was the same way as a child. Both my sister and I loved playing in the spring streams. Just reading those words was such a treat, and the photos are gorgeous.
Great post! I’ve been out experiencing some of that March water myself as it rushes down the hills around here.
MDW
I also loved “re-directing the rivulets, making dams and watching sticks being carried along the stream’s path”…
And I’d also like to thank you for bringing this memory to the surface of my mind! :-)
Thanks for your comments everyone :)
When I wrote this post, I never imagined that the waters of March would elicit so many shared memories of childhood.
What a lovely little river. I adore the ledges.
where did you expect gold to be at ?
Hi Michael,
A few years ago I tried panning for gold with a friend just upstream of the bridge that leads into Cow Bay. Her dad had panned there in the past. Gold sediments were found near the Cow Bay river back in the 1800s. Gold mining began soon afterwards.
More information on gold in Cow Bay can be found at
https://flandrumhill.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/gold-cow-bay-and-the-african-connection/
I hope this helps answer your question.