A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Ottawa River and Mud Lake

A friend of mine organized a socially distant group outing to Mud Lake. Mud Lake, also known as the Britannia Conservation Area, is a wonderful place. Surrounded on three sides by city suburbs, and next to the Ottawa river, it is full of wildlife. It is also full of trails that are heavily used by nature enthusiasts and their families. Half a dozen of us attended. We arrived separately, and went whichever way we liked, photographing whatever interested us. At an agreed time, we then gathered at the Beachconers Microcreamery, near the lake for ice cream. This socializing over ice cream was the first time some of us had seen each other for several months. For my part, I spent part of my time exploring the section of the Ottawa river next to the park. I had visited this area in January 2020, and wanted to see it again without the covering of snow. From there, I followed the trail that encircles the lake, before rushing to meet the group for ice cream. It was a beautiful sunny day; not uncomfortably hot, but warm enough to appreciate the cold treat. Everyone was careful to maintain social distancing since COVID-19 is still a fact of life. Even so, it was so nice to talk with friends in person after being apart for so long.

A thin strip of land separates this part of the Ottawa River from the Deschenes Rapids. Somehow, these trees still cling to life.
A thin strip of land separates this part of the Ottawa River from the Deschenes Rapids. Somehow, these trees still cling to life.
A small detail found in the Ottawa River. I like the simplicity of this composition.
A small detail found in the Ottawa River. I like the simplicity of this composition.
A lone fisherman in the Ottawa River. The Peace Tower is just visible slightly left of centre.
A lone fisherman in the Ottawa River. The Peace Tower is just visible slightly left of centre.
Ruins of the former Alymer hydro dam, alongside the Deschenes rapids, as seen from the Ottawa side of the river.
Ruins of the former Alymer hydro dam, alongside the Deschenes rapids, as seen from the Ottawa side of the river.
This tree seemed to be hugging its collection of rocks.
This tree seemed to be hugging its collection of rocks.
Shapes and colours. Found while walking along the river bank.
Shapes and colours. Found while walking along the river bank.
I'm attracted by bold colours. To get this shot, I offered nourishment to the local mosquito population.
I'm attracted by bold colours. To get this shot, I offered nourishment to the local mosquito population.
The flower was in sunlight while the background was dark. I darkened the background a little more in post processing.
The flower was in sunlight while the background was dark. I darkened the background a little more in post processing.
Those that have been to Mud Lake will be familiar with this rock, found South-East of the lake.
Those that have been to Mud Lake will be familiar with this rock, found South-East of the lake.
Many people visit the lake and the wildlife are not afraid of our presence.
Many people visit the lake and the wildlife are not afraid of our presence.
Sharing the log. It was a nice day for sunbathing and everyone seemed to get along.
Sharing the log. It was a nice day for sunbathing and everyone seemed to get along.
A flash of colour in the sun. Framed to have the complementary colour in the background.
A flash of colour in the sun. Framed to have the complementary colour in the background.
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