Our adventure began with clouds and a sprinkle, but an osprey circling overhead was a portent of better things to come. And despite a short-lasting squall with heavier rain and strong winds, the sun finally broke through.

In addition to the usual assortment of ducks and herons, we spotted three river otters near Cochiti Canyon, just before our lunch break. They were on the riverbank, and dived into the water when seeing our kayaks.

Otters had been extinct in New Mexico for half a century, but a reintroduction in 2008 spearheaded by Amigos Bravos, BLM, and a few other organizations has been very successful. Ten were released near Taos, with an additional six the following year, and the otters made their way downriver fairly quickly.

But it had been about six years since we last spotted any. What a joyous treat!