Plague Journal, Exploring
What better way to spend a Sunday morning than exploring. We set out for the North Aurora Dam on the Fox River. Fishing poles in hand we hoped to find fish close to the bank just above the dam. We did our best.
A feature of the morning was a session with a throw net. The net requires some skill to throw — just 
enough momentum so that it arcs outward and falls at the end of the tether onto the water surface as the circumference opens up… It is quite a balancing act, not unlike learning to ride a bicycle. one’s entire body
is used to execute a good throw. Mastering the throw-net will demand additional visits to the river. There was a “catch” to be reported though. The net captured a stout industrial cable from the river bed, which was pulled to the surface. The river has been in use here since the mid 1800s.
We enjoyed the North Aurora Riverfront Park which features a beautiful designed watercourse which meanders for some distance with pebbles in the creekbed, and quarried stones placed at intervals for the banks of the man made stream. The water feature uses reclaimed runoff water from the nearby North Aurora village hall roof. The water is filtered and cleaned for reuse in the stream. Wading, playing in the stream is a welcome relief on a hot summer day.
Stunning views are abundant along the Fox River. Looking downstream the river is framed by the stately arches of the overpass, water surface painted by a column of sunlight. As a side note, our youngest fisherman managed to fall into the river. I assured him that 
everyone falls into the river. Falling into the river is a rite of passage.
I wish that I could tell you that we caught fish. That tale will have to wait for a future visit to the river. We did observe a cormorant fishing just below the dam have success. The bird came up with a fish appearing to be the size of a hand in its beak. With patience and skill, after some effort, the bird managed ingest it’s meal. The sight alone, of the bird with the fish, made the trip to the river time well spent.
3 thoughts on “Plague Journal, Exploring”
Aren’t we all fishing for something? Compliments, peace of mind, kindness, intelligent leadership, a friend with whom to pass the time of day, great conversations, a bit of wisdom, a wonderful book, and/or perhaps a really good croissant? We are lucky when we catch any of these, just as you will find success in catching those elusive fish someday.
I agree. To be human is to be hungry for more than enough nourishment for our body. Yes, luck plays a role in discovery of what we need.
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