Last October we had ice and snow on the second weekend of October, this year it was sunny and 70 degrees, perfect conditions for the Autumn Afternoon River Trip. A group of 13 paddlers, some long tie friends and others visiting for the first time headed downstream from Webster Bridge. The paddlers in the front were thrilled to watch 3 river otters playing on the bank and near their boats. They did not seem to be fearful of the human presence. They saw a blue heron and a female Teal duck. A Bald Eagle was perched in a tree near the end of the trip for all to see. A family of 6 swans were swimming out in the lake as we came in to the landing site. The colors were not as vibrant as in previous years, and we all speculated it was due to the stress on the trees from the tent caterpillars. The unusually warm fall may have had an effect as well but it remained a beautiful trip. We met at the Watershed Center for chili and cornbread and other treats. What a great way to spend an autumn afternoon!