Constance Creek - an early spring ritual

For the past 20 years or so, I'm always itchy to get out on the water when the snow finally decides to leave us. The first navigable water close to home is the Constance Creek in Dunrobin. The creek flows through broad wetlands from Constance Lake to the Ottawa River. In previous years, I would launch at the Thomas Dolan Parkway (TDP) bridge and go up-the-creek towards the lake. Some years, when the water level was high enough, I could reach the frozen lake. Over the last few years, the vegetation (e.g. cattails) has grown so much that it's become unnavigable. Also, things are similarly blocked trying to go down-the-creek from TDP. The creek's wetlands are changing -- not sure why.

So this year, for my first paddle of 2015 (April 19), I headed over to the bridge on Vances Side Road. I first went up-the-creek to see how far I would get before being blocked by cattails - not far, maybe 1/2 km. Then, as I was heading back down-the-creek, I met a group of canoeists who had paddled down to the Ottawa River and back. They informed me that the creek was quite navigable except for a few beaver dams.

Wood Duck 12

I had a leisurely paddle down-the-creek in my Wood Duck kayak. I have usually done the spring paddle in my canoe, but the small WD12 kayak is the right choice. It easily maneuvered the narrow spots in the creek, and with the cold spring water, I felt pretty warm and secure in the cockpit with the skirt on.

I did not have time to make it to the Ottawa River and turned around past the Eagle Creek golf club. I did have to jump a couple of small beaver dams. The creek was pretty quiet, with the occasional pair of Canada Geese and a few nervous ducks. The blue heron rookery of 10 years ago near the golf club is all gone now. There were no Great Blue Herons to be seen. 

Another great Constance Creek paddle; spring has indeed arrived!

Below are some wildlife pics from previous spring paddles on Constance Creek.

A pair of Canada geese

Beaver

Muskrat

Redwing blackbird