Off to Narrows Lock Part 1

Sept. 22nd 

Joe Brian decided I ought to get out of the house. He's been into town for groceries and errands. I'd worked hard on the pond, and bringing in fishies. Time for a drive. Off we went. The plan was to get to Narrows Locks, look for birds, and then have lunch in Newboro.

First job, to fill the gas tank. 

Rideau Ferry is very quiet.

It was windy. I could see Langmuir Streak or Circulation (wiki)on the Rideau River. You can see them when the wind pushes particles and the froth looks like white streaks:

A new build! 

Our goal was to go to Narrows Lock, and look for birds. We approached the traffic circle, the bane of Joe's driving existence, and realized we'd need a plan B.

Turns out they were working on the hydro poles along the road, and the road was closed. 

On to Part 2 of our trip: Newboro. Lunch at The Stagecoach Inn. It is a lovely spot, in an old building with beautiful beams and decor. A good panini lunch!

It is a pretty town. 

I walked into Kilborn's store while Joe Brian had his sorbet outside. There was a small dog who ran at me. It launched itself at me, straining at the leash barking. It scared everyone who was shopping. I had a moment, after yelling out in shock! There was a baby in a carrier who was startled, too. Everyone was shocked. I began shopping and realized I was going to have an anxiety attack if I didn't leave. Shopping over.

These trumpet flowers were magnificent.

It is a region filled with bodies of water. The Newboro Marina was fairly quiet. 

From there we drove around a bit. Through Westport! More to come.

Beware of bugs

Here we are: hooray for May!
The black flies are now out in hordes.
Here is a photo of one in the house, with a flash, and another on the screen.
There is the odd mosquito, but not many. It is too cold! We have been a bit colder, usually our temperature is 5 degrees below that of Toronto. Our night time temps have been -2 in open areas sometimes. Yesterday was frigid with the wind. One needs to bundle up.

The bugs have begun. I have not found them too bad at the lake, where wind blows the bugs and Langmuir Streaks across the lake. These are the little frothy bubbles that dance in a line across the lake, in the direction of the wind. (See the video below for a demonstration!)

For more information on Muskoka bugs, see this post from June, 2008. Currently, we await the hatching of the black flies. They like the cooler weather. Next, come the mosquitoes.




We have seasons for bugs: June and July, brings various critters out.

The tourists are nuts. They were out fishin', too! Drivers in a hurry. Roadside memorials do not dissuade them. Last night, while trying to get the rebel cats in, I could hear the tourists shooting off fireworks.









We have had dry weather; there is no daytime burning. Yet, there are flooded spots in Gravenhurst.
















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For the curious...