Splash!
Went on a scouting trip in the Lower Saint George River yesterday to see if there were any ducks around. There were a good number and a variety of species including the first Ruddy Ducks that I have ever seen in Maine. When I first graduated from college and worked at Brigantine National Wildlife refuge Ruddy ducks were not common but you saw them frequently enough that it was not a surprise. These were together almost in mid river confused I’m sure. I was with another guide who had never seen one. One of the best parts about my job is the unusual things that I see.
When I launched the boat with my usual hop from trailer to the float at the ramp. Jeff asked me how many times I had fallen in this year. I said none and immediately bent down to knock on the wooden deck. It did not inoculate me like I had hoped. When we returned from our boat ride I backed the trailer down in to the ramp and went to reverse the procedure from the start. I jumped onto the trailer but knew right away that I had lost my balance, I tried to correct but no luck. It was one of those slow motion events and everyone knew the outcome before they heard the splash including me.
If you were wondering; the water is warmer than I expected but still not warm enough for a swim. I drove home had a hot shower, put on dry clothes and was fine. Let’s hope that is enough to get my balance back for the next year or so.
