Santa Clara River Access - Part 1

We had a gorgeous, sunny autumn day and I didn't want to do any work, so I drove the dogs south into the Adirondack Park and stopped at the St. Regis River Access at Santa Clara, New York:

We parked near the boat launch and piers, where I stood and quietly scanned the beautiful river:

The dogs, however, were certainly not quiet, running around the piers, up and down the hill and seemingly everywhere:

I knew they were anxious, so we all set off for the trail along the river:

It begins in the woods, where I'd hoped to see some blue Gentians in bloom. Alas, I was much too late. Nothing was in bloom any more:

There was a lot of beauty though, as with these mosses and Reindeer Lichens:

Lowbush Blueberries were common, sporting their finest autumn red leaves:

We hadn't gone far when we saw a trail down to the river. Of course we took it:

Seamus was the first dog in the water, though he didn't go in any deeper than this:

We walked along the water's edge and I was grateful the dogs didn't notice this dead Bullhead:

Then we walked back the other direction. Well, I walked, but the dogs ran full speed:

Daphne went into the water. We were having a wonderful morning, but we'd just gotten started. I'll post Part 2 tomorrow: