Wildcat Creek empties into a Cross River Cove next to the old Little Ponderosa campground. It crosses under Route 27 on its way from the Zak preserve area next to Liberty Farm. To me, it’s one of the most interesting and active special spots in the region.

We drive by Wildcat Creek every trip off the peninsula — well, almost every trip. I stop there frequently.

But be careful; vehicles really roll along that stretch of 27 and there is not much room along the edge of the road and the berm. I've had some close calls actually. Most drivers are not looking for people in the puckerbrush there. Cars and trucks and their occupants are wanting to get somewhere when they pass the creek. So be careful if you decide to stop. There is parking at the land trust property nearby.

The cove water out toward Cross River builds good ice, due in part, I think, to the introduction of fresh water from the creek. You can see the bigger chunks of ice that have pushed up against the shore as the tide comes and goes.

It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle that gets taken apart and reassembled, sometimes staying completely intact as one big floating mass rises and falls.

All seasons contribute interesting looks in this stretch of woods, fields and water — a real gem of nature and another lovely area to watch and walk.