Far Mill River During a Nor'easter

During a snowstorm, I like to snowshoe down to Gristmill Trail along the Far Mill River in Shelton because I can get there on foot from my house. A few years ago, someone mysteriously built an impressive hut of sticks right on the bank of the river in the flood plain (which is regularly flooded with raging water). The fact that the hut still stands shows how well it was built.

View from the hut

The hut was built illegally. There were trees cut, a lot of rock moved, and some people were creeped out and called the police (you can't tell if anyone is inside while walking past, and there was smoke coming out at times). But it was so well done, no one had the heart to take it down. It has survived multiple floods.

Have a seat

Gristmill Trail follows the Far Mill River

Continuing on down Gristmill Trail, the heavy new snow was perfect for snowshoeing along the Far Mill River.

Far Mill River

Maple-Leaved Viburnum berries

There is food out there for the birds to eat, including these Maple-Leaved Viburnum berries, which is a native food source for many species of birds, including cardinals, robins, and blue birds. I also heard woodpeckers foraging in the storm for insects in rotting wood.

Witch Hazel seed pods - another source of food for wildlife

Gristmill Trail is short but scenic