A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Bate Island and Ottawa River

At the very beginning of Spring, a friend and I got out to take some photographs before all the snow was gone. We decided to revisit a couple of favourite venues: Bate Island and the Mud Lake area. Bate Island is situated in the middle of the Ottawa River, with easy access via the Champlain Bridge. Mud Lake is further West, and we spent most of our time photographing along the nearby Ottawa River. The day started out chilly but very quickly warmed up under full sun. We began at Bate Island and were treated to an expanse of ice blocks on one side and mounds of snow covered ice on the other. Two completely different environments that bracketed this tiny island. On arriving at Mud Lake, we headed immediately to the stretch of Ottawa River nearby. This area never fails to disappoint, and didn't on this trip. We also circuited Mud Lake itself, but I spent more time socializing than photographing by this point. It was a great day to get out, especially with one Covid lockdown after another. Hopefully, social distancing precautions can be relaxed before long and outings can be more frequent.

A swath of broken ice was the most interesting feature on the Eastern side of Bate Island.
A swath of broken ice was the most interesting feature on the Eastern side of Bate Island.
These plates of broken ice must have been colliding and sliding up on each other at some point. At least that's my guess for how this block of ice ended up where it was.
These plates of broken ice must have been colliding and sliding up on each other at some point. At least that's my guess for how this block of ice ended up where it was.
Always pays to look where you're walking. I found these interesting shapes in the parking area.
Always pays to look where you're walking. I found these interesting shapes in the parking area.
Mounds of snow and ice were the dominant feature on the Western side of Bate Island.
Mounds of snow and ice were the dominant feature on the Western side of Bate Island.
Another shot from the Western side of Bate Island.
Another shot from the Western side of Bate Island.
The sheltered area of the Ottawa River near Mud Lake is home to a large population of ducks.
The sheltered area of the Ottawa River near Mud Lake is home to a large population of ducks.
The reflection is what caught my eye and I took several shots from different angles to try to capture it.
The reflection is what caught my eye and I took several shots from different angles to try to capture it.
Canada geese seemed to prefer more open areas, such as this group out for a stroll on the ice sheet.
Canada geese seemed to prefer more open areas, such as this group out for a stroll on the ice sheet.
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