Canoe the Little River

The Little River meanders through the southern section of the town of Canton. A car top boat launch by the wooden bridge on County RT 27 just outside the village limits of Canton is a good access point. From there you have the option of paddling upstream through the many oxbows or head downstream where it drains into the Grasse River.

The wooden bridge is just around the bend headed upstream from the boat launch. After taking a photo I turned around and headed to the Grasse River. The trip to the Grasse is short, it took me about 20 minutes of lazy paddling and drifting.

Why so slow? Spotting a Great Blue Heron pretty much stopped me in my ‘wake’.

These are pretty shy birds that don’t like anyone getting too close. I let the slight breeze push me slowly towards it.

I never did get close, thank goodness my camera has an 18x zoom.

Turtles are even more wary of big green logs floating by with a wiseacre on it. I don’t know why they’re so shy. They keep their shells on while sunbathing so it’s not like I’m going to see their naughty bits.

After disturbing the wildlife with my camera it only took a couple of minutes to sight the end of the ‘road’ where the Little River empties into the Grasse River.

Looking downstream on the Grasse River. The Miner Street bridge is just beyond the houses in the distance.

It was time to turn around and head back. Here’s a photo from the mouth of the Little river looking upstream.

I took my time going back too. There were a number of wildflowers to check out. Pickererweed, Arrowheads, Joe Pye-weed, Turtleheads, Cardinal Flowers, Swamp Milkweed and others lined the shore. Even drifts of Forget-Me-Nots had bloomed where the water had receded. But it was the Bullhead Lily I was after. They had yet to be added to my trophy list and I was determined to get some good photos of them.

Bullhead Lily – Nuphar variegatum

To really appreciate the flower you need a close look and a peek inside the cup like bloom.

A older flower has lost it’s yellow stamen like petals but has attracted a bug collection of some sort.

Anyone find my little excursion on the Little River ribbiting besides this guy? But then he’s sitting in muck ready to eat flies.

I only hope you’ve got better taste than that. If not you’re welcome to join him. Here’s a Google map to help you find the way:

View Larger Map

This was pretty close to being a block retaining wall. While talking ‘Garden’ I happened to groan when the home owners mentioned they were going to have someone use prefab block to build a retaining wall. It just slipped out and instead of passing it off on my aching back (at the time I was hobbling) I had to go open my mouth and let the truth dribble out. The pain was all in my head. I could see it in my mind, a simple functional piece of commercial drab so uninspiring that it made me sad.

from the beginning – sandstone slab – steps and wall

I’ve suffered from visions as long as I can remember so it was no surprise I had another right then. I could see it but I couldn’t fully explain or describe it. But I had to stop the blockheads. I told Mr and Mrs. Homeowner that natural stone would look ‘oh so much nicer’ and that it was available and wouldn’t cost much more than the block. I had no idea how much the blockheads would charge to install the wall so couldn’t compare labor costs. But it would be significantly higher if I did it. Since they were both St. Lawrence University people and members of my wife’s (small) church I assured them it would only be slightly higher. I didn’t tell them I have an obsessive compulsive habit of doing stuff only an idiot would try.

This is a reflection of my vision. I wish the sun hadn’t been so bright.

A few boulders (including the one from the last post) were transplanted during construction. Upended from the edge of a rural hayfield they’ll have to adapt to village living. I’m pretty sure they’ll settle in fine.

I couldn’t see a block wall extending down the length of the driveway demanding you walk around it. Call me lazy but there’s no way I’d walk the long way around to get to the backyard. I’d rather spend a week busting my back so I wouldn’t have to.

Besides, this is a bit better looking than cement block wall, wouldn’t ya say?

If you want to get some of this sandstone for yourself the location is on RT 37 between Hammond and Redwood at the rest area by the county line . You’ll see the sign and the old stone house, ya can’t miss it. You need to phone and make an appointment before going. Call: 315-771-2128 and ask for Tim. Just keep your hands off the stone I want.

My trusty Ford Ranger continues to put up with my abuse so I thought I’d give it (and myself) a break and haul something a little less back breaking.

Normally I’m hauling close to a ton of sandstone. When ya pay $100 for whatever you can get on the truck I have a tendency to go a little overboard.

Regardless of the type of stone the loading process is basically the same. First you’re going to need a long bar to lift the front of the rock high enough to get the first roller under it. With the truck backed up to the intended stone use ramps, rollers, chain and a come-along (hand winch) to slowly get it on the truck. My ramps are nothing more than three 2 x 4s nailed together.

One thing to remember – the rollers act as a steering wheels. Make sure they’re aligned to go in the direction you want. Even the back rollers need to be aligned correctly or the back end of the rock will swing in the direction they’re pointing.

Did I mention slowly? Rounded boulders really don’t like to be off the ground. They have an inherent fear of gravity and a nasty habit of jumping off the ramp. You have to coax them along a little bit at a time. This one had a fairly flat bottom so the loading went smoothly.

Easy as cake. Well, you try to get my wife to bake and you’ll know what I mean.

Go ahead and try this at home. If you don’t have a place for one I’m sure your in-law’s driveway would be a great spot to drop it off.