Our Attempt to See Fish

Yesterday after school we went with some friends to the Turners Falls Fish Ladder. We were on the hunt to see fish, but seeing the water conditions going over the damn, we would have settled for an eel. Unfortunately, it has rained hard the last couple of days and the river is flowing fast and dirty. The man working yesterday described what we were seeing in various shades of coffee; that's how dark the water was. Needless to say, we didn't see anything. If you've never been to a fish ladder, it's pretty cool on a day when you can actually see through the water. Fish ladders are built so that fish that need to go up the river to lay eggs can get past the damn by using a man made water way that allows them to swim their way up past the damn. It's really very interesting if you can see through the water. 

Evan, Braeden and Dylan

After the fish ladder bust, we walked over to the Great Falls Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is free to the public and has displays of the Connecticut River Waterway and the wildlife of our area. The kids love to go though and push the buttons to make the various animals and habitats light up in the exhibits. 

A huge topographical map of the Connecticut River and surrounding area

Posing with the moose

 Silly faces with the moose

 The babies entertained themselves with keys

When the boys were through with the animals and buttons, we headed back outside to the bike path so we could walk down and have a picnic by the river. It was a beautiful day and we found a nice area with shady trees and plenty of room for the kids to run around after they ate. 

Picnicking

We had a really great time despite the murky water. The kids all loved being outside and watching debris flow by on the river. I love that we got to be outside, the boys got to explore, and we were able to spend time with friends, all for free! That's my kind of afternoon.