Throughout much of the better part of the day yesterday Roanoke received quite a soaking rain. Soon after it started, I could tell it wasn’t going to be one of those quick Spring/Summer storms. You know, the kind when the buildup of thunder and lightning beforehand actually lasts longer than the rainfall itself. Instead, this was just a steady pouring of rain that continued with no apparent end in sight.

But, there was a break around the middle of the afternoon and some rays of sunshine even managed to peek out from among the clouds.

So, during this break early yesterday evening I traveled over to the west part of Salem to pick up something to eat for dinner and, as I usually do, drove along Riverside Drive. This way in large part runs parallel to the truck route and Main Street, but offers less in the way of traffic and stoplights and more in the way of scenery.

On this particular evening, I should say the route offered more in the way of flying wildlife.

Along a section of Riverside Drive in Salem there are a couple spots right next to the Roanoke River which allow for cars to pull off the road. The one I stopped at also provides picnic tables, grills, and is a favorite location for fishermen and families alike.

This time when I stopped I was greeted by a small, slightly disorganized parade of friendly ducks.

Their little webbed feet marched around, and stopped only occasionally to straighten their feathers a little.

A couple of them took to the water and moved along like tiny tugboats against the current of the river.

For a few moments more I watched and marveled in their seemingly worry-free existence. Then, I went about my way.

After all, dinner was waiting and my stomach had already started rumbling.