Chasing the Maple Raft

I trotted out through the garden gate and headed down the lane to the park's shallow stone fountain basin. Drifting along the rippling edge was a giant crimson maple leaf, floating like a little sturdy canoe! Naturally, I couldn't resist testing its seaworthiness. I hopped onto the smooth granite rim, reached out with one front paw, and tapped a tiny speckled acorn resting near the edge. It rolled forward and dropped with a soft *plip* right into the leaf's center! The red raft bobbed merrily under the tiny cargo, spinning in a gentle circle before gliding smoothly across the water. Have you ever launched your very own autumn ferryboat?