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. 

Belleville <= there we went!

 We've done this trip before: Belleville for lunch! <= 2019 It was an election year, as well! The Autumn colours were spectacular that year.

I drove there, JB drove back. We met Nat and her friend at The Boathouse! I don't have many friends, but Nat and I try to meet. She lives in Timmins, but travels to Belleville more or less annually to visit friends. 

We ate and the clouds rolled in. No matter. Last time a thunderstorm rolled in just as we finished our lunch. 

The trumpeter swans ambled by.

It is a pretty harbour, with the restaurant right on the shore.

These are fairly expensive homes, right near the water. Some modern designs, too. When we drove further out from the city harbour, the homes changed.

This one is typical!

The gardens are nearly past their peak!

This is an old building, with the old name taken off: "W. S. Cook & Son." They've put in new windows and I can't read the rest! I'll bet it is an interesting home.

It was election day!

Note the windshield wiper/cover.

It seems as if the LDD caterpillars haven't ruined Autumn for us! There are splashes of colour here and there.

From Belleville to Tweed.

This used to be a delightful art gallery "Studio 737" (ANOTHER BLOG-IN! 2015). They tried to sell it as a gallery, but no takers. I bought a couple of pieces from them, and attended a wine and cheese open house, back in the day. I have a small brass Siggy Puchta heron sculpture I bought there.

Whoever bought it has really trashed it.

Turtle mitigation barriers

All along highway #7 are rivers, swamps and beaver ponds. Prime areas for turtles. No one I know likes to run them over, so the fences are terrific. They have a little "U" at the end which the turtles cannot navigate around.

I love the rocks. 

Here you can see the prime turtle territory.

"Get the Vax!" was on several signs along our way.

 🐻SNUGGLE Bears

It was Nat's birthday, and we brought her some chocolates from our local shop. She is a fabulous knitter and also does crochet. Nat gifted me some new slippers and two delightful little handmade rabbits! They have featured twice with the bears. They were quite curious the first day, but got to know them the next.