D. Brent Miller

April 19, 2023

The Confluence of Rivers

With every river that runs through it, there is a river that runs to it—a merging of waters, a confluence of streams. Locally, there is a stream called Todd Fork that meets the Little Miami River in SW Ohio. Morrow, Ohio, to be exact.

On previous occasions, I have seen kids recreating at this spot along the shoreline. Kayaks and canoes are launched here also. During my brief stop, several vehicles slowed or stopped to check the quality and level of the rivers, as I did.

What is it about water—rivers or lakes—that brings us to the water’s edge? Is there something spiritual or soul refreshing? Perhaps there is something intuitive in the hymn, “Shall we gather at the river?” I think so.

See you on the highway … or next to the river.

Brent

March 30, 2023

Great Day for a Ride on the Guzzi

What a great day for a ride. Sunny and in the lower 50s, I suited up and rolled my 2020 Moto Guzzi V7iii Rough out of the garage. Kissed my wife and reassured her I would ride safe.

I rolled out of the neighborhood and turned east along familiar roads. I always wanted to stop at the bridge over Todd’s Fork, but always seemed to be going in the other direction. Not today. This stream has some good fishing, but parking is not so easy to find.

Further down the road, and on Ohio SR 350, I stopped for a photo at Fort Ancient. This Hopewell Mound Community is one of the sites in Ohio that is under application as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Further on SR 350, where the highway crosses the Little Miami River, a popular river access site enables canoers and kayakers to enter the river. Morgan’s Canoe, sits next to this state access site, and offers canoes and kayaks for rent giving you a lazy meander down the river.

Crossing the river and winding up to the top of the bluff, I headed home to get ready for the opening day for baseball, Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates. It has always been a big rivalry. Go Reds.

See you on the highway.

Brent

March 22, 2023

We Have an Eagle Hatch

Previously, I wrote about how mesmerizing it was to watch the eagles now that they are back in our area. And of course, a big thanks goes to the Little Miami Conservancy for the Eagle Cam.

The pair of eagles, named Baker and Bette, have been judiciously nesting a pair of eggs, and now, the first one has hatched. Of course, this happens on the first day of Spring. What could be a better sign of Spring than a new eagle chick. Small, still weak and uncoordinated, the chick depends upon the parents for food, and it comes quickly.

We are so fortunate to be able to watch the eagles. Yes, it is mesmerizing, and now everyone is waiting for chick #2. It is hard to see, but there appears to be a small crack in the egg from the inside out! Will we see #2 today? Tomorrow?

UPDATE: The second egg hatched today at 12:22 p.m. The screenshot is a little fuzzy, but here it is. The chick is climbing out of the egg just to the right of the first chick.

You can follow along at the Little Miami Conservancy Eagle Cam and watch for yourself.

A very big thank you goes to the Little Miami Conservancy for providing the eagle cam and sharing this remarkable event with all of us.

See you on the highway… or maybe as we gather ‘round the screen to watch a beautiful piece of nature.

Brent