OUT LIKE A SWAN

We were out kayaking again, a week since we had to break our way through ice to reach open water. The Indian River is now open from the locks at Port Carling to where it merges with Lake Muskoka, which remains completely frozen over. Ice still exists on Mirror Lake however an open channel allows easy passage. While paddling we encountered a pair of trumpeter swans, a rarity for this area. They immediately took off, a beautiful sight and ending to this month.

COLD WATER KAYAKERS

A stretch of open water and the forecast of a nice day was enough for us to dig out our kayaks and launch them the following day. We were forced to break a path through a layer of clear ice formed overnight to reach open water, which exists from Mirror Lake to the locks at Port Carling, the extent of our first outing of the season.

LAST TIME

This afternoon I was canoeing for what may be my last time on the water this year, on a beautiful day with a full week of rain forecast ahead. As I paddled the usual sounds of boats and jetskis were now replaced by leaf blowers and chain saws however when I returned at dusk all was silent, with Mirror Lake reflecting the October scenery.
[Thank you to Nuwan Perera for allowing me the use of his canoe.]

HANNA'S LANDING

Along a stretch of the Indian River near Mirror Lake lies the dormant waterfront property of the former Glenwood Trailer Park. The site is now involved in a dispute with the proposed development of Hanna's Landing, a subdivision of 250 houses, that has divided residents and become one of the top concerns in the upcoming municipal election.

EASTER SUNDAY

Like a child scouring the yard for Easter eggs I searched the summit area of Lookout Mountain for interesting subjects to photograph. I was drawn by the colour to a lichen cluster of British Soldiers that I imagined could be people boating, their wooden vessel's bow lifted out of the water, and the leaf as the waves rearing up at the side.