In terms of phenological changes, Salmon Hole looks quite different from the last time I visited. Water levels are substantially lower and ripples present in the sand are indicators of this fact. I was able to locate more wildlife this time and gray squirrels as well as crows were part of my experience this past trip. I was able to locate potential fox and deer tracks on the small beach as well as imprints from a large bird. Furthermore, the water in general had a significantly higher turbidity than past visits, evidence of the snow runoff which has been occuring as temperatures in Vermont decrease; there is significantly more debris washed ashore and strewn about, evidence of the strong winds that have been becoming more common this time of year. Different from my last visit, there is evidence of some oil spillage in the water which has caused slight discoloration in the lake and significantly more sand has washed up on the exposed bedrock. The leaves on almost all of the trees in the area have completely fallen off with the exception of some beech and maple leaves.

Salmon Hole is a natural sanctuary amidst the bustle of Burlington and Winooski life however this fact means that the rural space is not completely separate from human impact. There are several factories bordering Salmon Hole whose pollutants often cannot be helped from impacting the scenic space. Significant amounts of debris are evidence of close by industry as seen in steel beams and bricks, carried by wind and water and washed up on the rocks.

Knowing a good amount about the history of Salmon Hole definitely has an effect in terms of how connected I feel to the location. Evidence suggests glacial activity, which was once predominant in the northeast. Ingrained in the bedrock are ripples: evidence of strong currents which once consistently flowed over the exposed bedrock here. These ripples are probably the work of either Glacial Lake Vermont or the Champlain Sea: two water bodies which dissipated from northern Vermont over time. Regardless, knowing about the history here is a key part of why I feel so connected to this location. In the future I am positive that children and adults alike will use the spot recreationally for its beauty and convenience.