Black Hawk Flyby

The hike seemed so much farther when I was carrying so much gear. Once I got there and set up, the wind picked up and my canvas and easel were blown into the East Verde River. I jumped in after them without hesitating. I snatched both items before the river could carry them away, and then I realized that it was nice and cool in the river, despite the 100 degree Fahrenheit weather. So.... I stayed... in the river. The battle was not over yet, though. I was besieged by dozens of crawdads, including the largest I had ever seen; a monster of nearly a 6-inch length. They pinched my bare ankles, but after shaking them off, little fish would kiss it better. My hikes back were once blocked by free-ranged angus cattle, and a whip tail lizard warded me away with a snap of it's tail. Five times I hiked to this spot, battled river beasts, but it was all worth it. I was rewarded by a majestic fly-by by a mating pair of Common Black Hawks. I added them in, and so named the painting after them.