April 7th -

It's spring again - or at least Mother Nature is attempting some version of spring.  There are some increasing signs and one of the most welcome of them is the melting cover over the Muskoka River. Out for a walk today along Wilson Falls Road, I heard the compelling voice of the river rushing by again after an overly-long winter silence.  There is significant tree damage - large limbs down on almost every second property and hundreds of smaller twigs have fallen everywhere. Even a series of road posts are uprooted.

Yet, right along the edge of the river, at a windy section near the rapids, there is a lone milkweed plant stubbornly holding on to still-perfectly-formed pods.  Amazing.  And, an almost-horizontal pussy willow which has taken a terrible winter beating is bravely, amazingly,  showing silvery grey catkins.

Wild Turkeys Visiting - April 5th - Bracebridge, ON

..

Spring. Flowers. Finally!

I hate to 'dis' winter...
but all this colour is just so much more wonderful
to look at while I work than snow! 

April 26th, 2013 - One Week After the Flood...

“  Those of you following the flooding in Muskoka may be happy to hear that the water is receding along River Road.  I was relieved  this morning at 5 a.m. to be able to walk along 2/3 of the road before hitting what remains of the flood area.  The stretch that is still under water was badly hit.  The homes there are set far back but the water came in about 200 feet - up to the front steps.  As a result there were ducks swimming about on the front of one lawn in the southern section of River Road early this morning. Vehicles are still locked in or out by the remaining flood waters there.  The areas where the water has receded are now covered in mud - the river waves leaving enormous, muddy sandbars.  The Muskoka floated a huge log unto the middle of the road leaving it  stranded and the watery journey of somebody's screen window has been impeded on its way to the Falls by a willow tree leaning far out over the river.  It's good news for most folks along River Road today;  there is unfortunately some waiting still left to do for others. “