Sunday 26 March 2023

We went looking for otters! Part I

 We were on a mission Friday, March 24, to reprise the trip where we spotted the river otters. We visited them in 2013,  River, Otter and Canada Geese photos] It was the day we saw the Skootamata River - bridge and roadside memorial near Tweed. Then, again, Friday, March 11th: a quest (2016), as we tried to find the spot again. Back in those days, I didn't take photos of the GPS to ensure we could find our way back to a great location. That said, we had a plan. Friday morning did not bode well. It was a pretty sunrise, with nice colours. Fortunately, it cleared up.


We passed Ian Millar's property, we are neighbours of sorts. You can see the snow cover is slowly melting. The Millar's have had a tough time, as Ian's son, Jonathon, had a horrific fall in Florida while competing March 12th. He has been in an induced coma since. They are doing a fundraiser, as there are medical costs. We have been involved with them in the gun range issue, since the proposed gun range is near this field. As if the family needs any more issues. We are hoping for an end to that shortly. 

UPDATE: "Currently, Jonathon is off of all sedation, breathing on his own and in stable condition. He is showing promising signs communicating with facial expression and hand signals. Each day getting stronger and stronger. "


I noticed a crew working on the posts. It has to be a big project. There are lots of posts missing along the highway. 

I liked this little spot, an island in the river. 

This seems to be a renovation, as the basement looks like older brick.

This was a bit of a mystery. They spray brine in anticipation of freezing rain. We've had enough of that.


You may laugh, but seeing the rocks is amazing. 



This rock, in the middle of the pond, show how high the water can get. We'll see what the spring freshet brings.

The large beaver ponds are still frozen on top (above), but the rivers and streams are moving.
Notice the turtle fences↓!

There are lots of beaver dams and muskrat pushups. I've a better one from another season. Someone likes a joke. 

Notice the tornado damage. More on that another day. I feel badly for the people in Mississippi with the huge impact of those tornadoes, loss of life and property.

We passed by this spot coming and going. The first drive-by photo wasn't great, but gives you an idea! It really made me smile. 

We were headed to the Skootamata River. This place, Black River Trading Company, is unique. More later!


I'll stop here. Hubby always likes to see my photos to remember where we've been! Saturday we had snow, ice rain, rain and more snow. It has since melted, although we've still snow cover. Sunday, today, more snowy rain. Lots of people without power due to the winds. 


18 comments:

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i am showing up on William's blog as Anonymous?? i don't get it?? so weird. i am signed into my google account. twilight zone music is playing. i don't understand. fun pics. ( ;

Anvilcloud said...

TG, we didn’t lose power, and there wasn’t much accumulation because it was pretty well melting as it fell.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
I do so enjoy your drive-by photos... shame about that weather though. YAM xx

Tom said...

...thanks for the tour, let's do it again.

RedPat said...

You two really get out and about a lot.

Barbara Rogers said...

What a fun jaunt about! We've been spared the hard rains, but have sure had wind galore.

Karen said...

We drove Hwy 41->7 not long after that big blow. The devistation was mind blowing. My cousins used to cottage near Mazinaw. It was sad to see that place all but wiped out. The situation in Mississippi is dire.

Elephant's Child said...

I would LOVE to be able to see otters.

Divers and Sundry said...

We have river otters here, but I've never seen them. I should make more of an effort...

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

I love watching otters, but it is usually on the TV or in a zoo rather than in the wild.

Cloudia said...

We enjoy your beautiful area and your wonderful curiosity. Glad to hear Jonathan is doing well. We will continue to pray

Cloudia said...

Oh yes! When I lived in Marin, California for four years recently, we could hear the river otters out in the lagoon at night splashing around

William Kendall said...

It's been a long time since I've been at that river.

The first time I ever saw otters was on the Oxtongue River in Algonquin.

Red said...

Looking for otters gives you many great photo opportunities.

Patio Postcards said...

What a fun drive out for you, so much to see & notice. My horse group have been keeping us all updated on Johnathan's condition; it's a reminder how dangerous riding horses can be, even for the professionals & experts. I wonder who waded out to the beaver den to place the flag & satellite dish (col).

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Surely River Otters, otters of any ilk for that matter, are among the most elegant creatures in all of nature. It's been a few years since I have seen one, but the memory is fresh and precious.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I've never seen an otter, but I enjoyed your "Drive by shots."

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Forgot to mention, that brine they put on highways will KILL the paint on your car if you don't get it off soon.