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. 

A canoe ride marathon: 9 km!

Fragile shorelines

Since I cannot see the lake conditions, I try to go out early, before winds pick up or the summer residents get going on their boats, donuts, and jetskis. The fishermen are nice and quiet, and respect the tricky status of a canoe. As I finished my trek, yahoos in a speed boat were zooming around behind me. I HOPE they were teaching someone to drive the boat, but it was a bit unsettling.

I was a bit late, at 9:00 a.m., as it was a chilly morning (10 C./50 F.) and I wanted it to warm up. No sense having a sore butt AND being too cold!

As soon as I launched a woman approached me in a kayak. She was trying to find Jebbs Creek, which lead into the Tay River and into Perth. Fortuitously, I'd printed a map of this very spot, as that was my goal, to see what the area looked like. I led the group for a time, then I slowed to grab some photos.

Selfie!

Great way to travel!

Fishin'!

The water was calm, and it was a perfect morning. A middle-aged couple was sitting on their dock, with their Husky eagerly bopping around. The properties are interesting, with a variety of 2- and 4-season homes.

I was really surprised to see some very large homes, with manicured grass right at the edge of the fragile ecosystem. Nearby Westport's issues have hit the news: Blue-green algae in Upper Rideau Lake contain toxins, tests confirm.  Otty Lake has had some green algae. 

We've learned much about shallow lakes, algea and blue-green algae, thanks to the work of Environment Ontario, Watersheds Canada, and the Muskoka Watershed Council.

Watersheds Canada has a program to help lakefront homeowners convert their city-style lawns back to ecosystem-friendly waterfronts: The Natural Edge.
Such a shock coming around a bend and spotting manicured lawns.

Since the water is so shallow,
I guess this dock has to be jutting into the creek.

Someone has put new branches across the creek mouth

Before they knew better...
they built stone walls.

Manicured lawns

Otty Lake property owners have worked hard to create fish spawning habitats. The lake is very shallow, maximum 60', and zebra mussels abound. In the creek I spotted a lot of fish; sunfish, trout, and three long, skinny ones I think are carp or pike. There aren't many pike in this lake, they tell us.
hard to photograph the fish!!! I did see some on nests.

There was a beaver dam across the creek, at one point. I read somewhere about some issues with its removal in the not-so-distant past! (You aren't supposed to remove them in this time and age.)

Old beaver dam

You can see shiny Mica in the base of the old beaver dam

 Otty Lake fish habitat celebrates successful Phase II

October 7, 2014 by Lake 88 News Staff 

In all, 175 spawning beds, 335 sunken wood clusters and 58 cornerstones have been installed in both Phases one and two. The team will also submerge and anchor recycled Christmas trees on the bed of the lake to provide areas where fish can rest, find shelter and feed.

Screen captures from my GPS! Evidence of a good trip.

Despite the kayakers going ahead of me, happily chatting, I did spot a lot of critters.


Here are some more of my photos: