It’s “break-up” here in Alaska, that time of year when the ice and snow that has covered our lakes, rivers, and trails all winter breaks up and begins to melt away. I complain about muddy trails, but I am willing to endure wet feet in order to watch — and listen to — my favorite streams and rivers coming to life. I am reminded of a quote by Henry David Thoreau: “Who hears the rippling of rivers will not utterly despair of anything.” more