On the River: Sycamore carving, root and stone

This piece of Sycamore root I found on the Susquehanna River, just upriver from Sidney, NY, where a
fallen Sycamore tree left its roots exposed. I balanced on the front tip of my
canoe and brushed away thick spider webs to saw off the root pieces that had
stone in them.  The shape of the wood seemed representative of the place where I found it.  The paddlers are at ease, enjoying the tranquility that the river provides.  At the same time, this piece represents the dangers of the river.  Particularly when the river is high or when traveling an unfamiliar route, you have to keep your eye out ahead.  Downed trees have been known to bend a canoe or knock its riders out of it.