The Mud Man of Chippawa Creek

I was out exploring the marshes North of the Chippawa Creek near the Industrial complex and the Niagara Falls Humane Society. I hadn’t been out to this area in years. Last I had it was a popular spot for ATV’s and dirt bikes. I thought I might encounter a dirt biker at most, but really I was hoping not to see anyone at all.

I wasn’t so lucky obviously. While making my way up a small hill on my way out of the area I was staring at my feet, watching where I was walking. At the top I raised my head and staring directly into my eyes was the mud man! The only portion of his body not covered with mud were his eyes, which made them stand out that much more. His eyes seemed so big and so focused it was like they were staring through me. My first thought was that I was about to be stabbed by a mad man.

He screamed in my face, “BE CAREFUL THERE ARE WASPS!” Not what I expected. At all. I thanked him for the tip and asked him if he was okay. He screamed in my face again, “SPEAK UP SON. I’VE GOT MUD IN MY EARS!”

I wanted to laugh, but I thought to myself I shouldn’t. Instead I asked if he was okay, and if he needed me to call someone to help him. He explained that he had stepped on a wasp nest accidentally and was running when he tripped and landed in a puddle. A four foot deep mud puddle. He had also lost his car keys while in the puddle somehow.

So while I was talking with him, he jumped back in to look for his keys. Thats when I snapped this photo with my Blackberry.

At least the creek wasn’t far to go wash up in.

This is one of 53 posts written by Chris Ennest for GON.

Aside from being an angler and an avid outdoorsman, Chris is also GON's webmaster. You can find other projects Chris is working on by visiting him at chrisennest.org