Conversations with Critters
Walk with the animals. Talk with the animals. And a trip on the Tippecanoe River…
Today, Critters, we are pleased to present a guided trip on the Tippecanoe River with Nick as our Captain! But first! Before we embark on our journey, we must ask an existential question of epic proportions: what is in Nick’s wheelhouse? To find out the answer posed herein, we are joined in conversation with our Core Community Cats, Jasper Kitten and Chris. Even with their rather profound aversion to water, all feline paws are going to be on deck as we navigate the still waters, running deep deep. Please, welcome them in excellent nautical critter conversation.
Heidi: Hello, Everyone! Welcome welcome to what is bound to be an exciting outdoor adventure in living! Capt. Nick is at the helm of a paddleboat on the Tippecanoe River! So without further fanfare, take it away, Critters!
Jasper: Hello, Critters! As I’ve said repeatedly, many times, and over again, I may need to recuse myself from today’s topic due to the fact that the risk to my well being is quite high given the sensitive nature of the discussion which involves water and I could get wet. That is a non-starter for me. The end.
Chris: Hello, Dear Gentle Readers and Dear Gentle Critters! Jasper Kitten, please, let’s try to broach the subject. Nick has come a very long way to join us in conversation.
Jasper: Thank you. Chris. I. Will. Try. To. Do. My. Best.
Chris: Well said, Jasper. The Couch is so much safer than a paddleboat, so let’s talk to Nick before my next nap.
Jasper: Good idea. Nick, thank you for joining us in conversation today.
Nick: Thank you, it’s great to be here.
Jasper: Nick, it is my understanding that the Tippecanoe River has water. Full stop.
Chris: Nick, it is also my understanding that the Tippecanoe River has water. The end.
Nick: You are both correct. The Tippecanoe River has 182 miles of water.
Jasper: Thank you for the confirmation, Nick.
Chris: Ditto ditto.
Nick: You’re welcome!
Jasper: So, I would like to narrow our focus more specifically. Now that we have established that the Tippecanoe is what is known in the vernacular as a waterway, please share with us your knowledge of the geography of this incredible, gentle river.
Chris: Yes. Well said, Jasper. So, where exactly is it?
Nick: Thank you for the question, Jasper and Chris.
Jasper: Of course
Chris: Of course.
Nick: The Tippecanoe River is in Northern Indiana.
Jasper: Thank you for the clarification on the geography, Nick.
Nick: Anytime.
Chris: Thank you, Nick.
Nick: My pleasure.
Jasper: Being the Captain of the Paddleboat carries with it a great deal of leadership. How do you manage being so, shall we say, responsible?
Nick: You know, safety is paramount. I’m always scanning the horizon for any possible hazards. It’s important to think ahead of the paddleboat.
Chris: This is highly relatable, Nick. I think ahead of getting on the Couch which also requires me to think about my next nap. Would you consider your duties as a Captain to run along similar lines?
Nick: Gosh, Chris, I try to stay awake on the paddleboat.
Chris: I see. Given this level of awareness, let’s share a photo of Nick at the helm for the edification and enjoyment of our Readers:
Jasper: Nick, to your awareness, have you encountered wildlife along the course of the Tippecanoe?
Nick: I have, indeed, Jasper. There are fish in the water and birds in the air.
Chris: Incredible. Furthermore, we understand that one of your bird observations in the wild was of an Osprey.
Nick: Correct, Chris. In fact, we reached out to our friend and amazing naturalist
of to help us identify this incredible critter based on a Fieldwork Video:Jasper: This is quite incredible.
Nick: Thank you, Jasper. Thank you very much. It’s not always possible to be a videographer and navigate a paddleboat at the same time, but this encounter was exceptional. The end.
Chris: This is quite wild, Critters.
Jasper: Nick, we want to thank you for taking the time on the Tippecanoe to share your experiences with us here at CwC.
Chris: Yes, Nick. Thank you for your time and helping us learn new things. You see, Jasper, we didn’t even get wet.
Nick: Thank you, it’s been great to welcome you all aboard. The end.
Jasper: Critters, before we go! We have a special announcement!
Chris: Please, stay tuned for Chapter 8 of The Case of The Misplaced Priority Envelope! We’ll see you next Tuesday! Same Crittertime! Same Critterchannel! The J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency will be back!
Nick: The End.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Poetry with Pets
Fly out of the frame
Paddle the Tippecanoe
What’s in your wheelhouse?
By Jasper Kitten, Chris & Capt. Nick
Great post Heidi! Happy to be of help, hope to lend my eyes to some redtail videos next
Thanks for sharing this adventure, Heidi.
Speaking of Osprey, I used to have to take a ferry to where I worked called the Osprey. You'd love it! Osprey images were worked into everything. I'd look for details I'd over looked on my trip across Kootenay Lake.