Here, with luck, the salmon will live for two to six years before making their first journey down the river to the ocean. If all goes well, they will one day return to the Sheepscot to lay their eggs. Salmon possess the rare ability to dwell in both salt and fresh water. Students take turns crouching on a rock beside the bucket, scooping the fry up with a small blue net and releasing them into the clear, running water. Those who are done scooping discover frogs, toads, a shrimplike creature, and a variety of bugs.
Several adventurers slip and get muddy bottoms, others get wet feet.
Most get mosquito bites. It is a most satisfying break from the classroom. On the ride back to Wiscasset, singing prevails. Much like the young fish who are now in the Sheepscot, these human fry are already onto their next adventure. But in a direct albeit small way they have just brushed against one of nature's most mysterious life cycles.