How a creek is judged

It began as a joke between four people and a group chat. It is no longer a joke. Each week a panel of six reads the submissions, argues briefly, and marks one creek on six axes. A creek may be nominated more than once but honoured only once.

Rivers are ineligible. So are canals, drainage ditches, and anything with a gift shop. A creek that has been landscaped may still win, but it starts a point down.

Clarity

Can you count the stones at knee depth? That is the whole test.

Sound

Volume matters less than variety. A creek with one note scores low.

Stone

Bed and bank. Slate, granite and worn limestone outrank silt and concrete.

Shade

Canopy over water. Full sun is a stream in a field, not a creek.

Solitude

Cars audible from the water lose points. So do signs.

Swimmability

One pool deep enough to submerge in is enough. Two is generous.