The Silver River

The Afon Llwyd, meaning silver or pewter river, is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the United Kingdom.  You would find very little satisfaction at this time of year in trying to play "Poo Sticks" from any of its bridges.  

The surface of the water dips, plunges, and breaks into back-flows, carrying stones and branches along in its wake.  Occasionally slow pools form behind huge rocks in the bank, previously planted to protect it on bends and curves from the forces of the rushing water.

Despite these precautions, the water exaggerates the river's curves, soil and stones from the bank being viciously washed downstream to be dumped en masse. Barriers are created, reducing the river's width.  In these narrow gullies the water scours the river bed, driving faster and deeper, increasing the potential danger for anyone tempted to wander out into the river's path on these stoney outcrops.

Trees lean into the river, clinging to the waterlogged banks.  The tangle of exposed roots reflect the branches above, until gravity and wind ensures the trees plunge into the icy water.