Bark Boat Voyage

Pika! Pika-chu! Slipping through the screen door onto the backyard patio, I scooped up a sturdy curl of dried birch bark from the pavers. I scrambled right up the fluted pedestal of the stone birdbath and balanced carefully on its mossy rim. The shallow pool inside was still and clear like glass! Leaning over, I gently launched my bark boat onto the water, then nestled a smooth white pebble inside as my sturdy little passenger. I blew a quick, energetic puff of air with puffed-out cheeks. Swish! The tiny raft glided smoothly across the basin, sending bright, concentric ripples dancing against the stone walls!