locust tree toppled

locust tree toppled

across the creek, thorny bridge

for little feet

In its meanderings Pilgrim Creek carves a sinuous path through the woods, piling sand, mud and debris on one side, undercutting the earth on the opposite side. The roots of trees on the edge of the bank find themselves dangling in the air. Eventually they lose their hold and the tree topples across the creek. Small woodland creatures often use the trunks as natural bridges, but I do not think any of them will venture across the double trunk of this honey locust, bristling with long sharp spikes. During last spring's flooding, the tree speared leaves and twigs on its thorns, camouflaging but not completely concealing the danger. 
          People who canoe call a tree that has fallen across or into the water a "strainer," something to be avoided. It's dangerous because the force of water flowing through the colander of branches will hold a canoe or a person against the tree. The best thing to do if this happens is to get out of the boat and pull yourself over the strainer or get on top of it and sit there. You'll be easier to find sitting on top rather than floating down the stream. Pilgrim Creek is too small for paddling, but you certainly wouldn't want to get caught on a strainer like this, since climbing or sitting on a thorn tree would be extremely uncomfortable!