The Head of the Cove

Rain and fog over the Cove. The tide is out but it comes in fast, covers the upper beach, and makes walking the points a wet discomfort. Usually I just wait for the tide to change. Two main streams pour out onto the mud flats of the cove; one stream from Slide Lake, high up in a valley to the west; the other one from the valley to the south. The rounded hump of knoll is at the outlet of the lake. Between the Knoll and another hill beyond, the waters of Slide Lake pour downward, cutting a pathway through the meadows and a green belt of spruce. The meadows are the way up to the hills. Bear and deer follow along the sides of these muskeg areas. Large patches of open muskeg form a maze of shapes; and around this are thick barriers of Berrie brush. In time I have found the best ways through the meadow maze, which allows quick access to the interior as being able to get out when the weather turns bad or when day light is fading fast. And don't forget the tides! In the timber areas along the beach a number of deer trails also helps in moving towards the meadows, through the thick brush and in many directions. At low tide some deer will come down to the beach to feed. The deer trails are many and the deer move quietly, cautiously as they approach the opening onto the beach. However, I have learned their habits as well, and I too try to move silently, cautiously...