Friday, May 30, 2014

Reflections on Bell's Lake

We managed another paddle last week, this time into Bell's Lake, a small piece of Canadian wilderness dropped down in rural southern Ontario, only 10 minutes from Markdale.  Bell's Lake is almost totally undeveloped (apart from two old boathouses), and you immediately feel like you're getting away from civilization into the northern wilderness!

It was a dark and threatening morning, but it never rained til we were finished.  It left the shoreline looking ominous in places though.

It appears that the water level has risen at some point in time, flooding inland along the shore, and killing a fair number of trees.  The result is lots of trees fallen along the edges, providing some interesting reflections.


We did see a beaver swimming into the shore at one point, and a few birds circling, but otherwise no wildlife.  And you can't land anywhere, as the shoreline is swamp; you'd be stepping out into water.
  
The lake is rather convoluted, with bays and narrow inlets where we were threading our way past the fallen dead trees.  I enjoy following the shoreline rather than cutting across the open lake.

I liked the bright green of this sedge just emerging along the shore.  Bell's Lake is almost entirely in public ownership, protected for conservation, so it's wonderful to think that this little bit of wilderness will always be there to explore in the future.

Linking to:
http://weekendreflection.blogspot.ca/

12 comments:

  1. Beautiful shots, particularly those reflections.

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  2. i just love being outdoors, this looks like a wonderful spot!! the stillness of the water offered up some amazing reflections and beautiful images!!

    have a wonderful weekend!!!

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  3. Looks so peaceful.... Love the photos, especially the first one --with those reflections. WOW!!!
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  4. Beautiful shots with the reflections. It certainly looks a great spot for a paddle

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  5. Wonderful to have a place like this to explore. We have virtually no wilderness left in the UK, though we have a lot of history instead - guess you can't have everything!

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  6. It is must be so magical, to visit this lovely river with a boat... Nice catch on those reflections !

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  7. Beautiful morning on the lake... The reflections are tremendous... Excellent job...

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  8. Looks like a wonderful lake to explore- not many of those around here.

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  9. Love the name of your blog and fantastic reflection shots ~ for WR ~

    artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

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  10. Beautiful! I love the old fallen trees.

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