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| Bowers Lake island |
I had been to this area before to explore Park Lake and some of Woods Lake. But, on this early spring trip (April 11), I was looking to paddle into Bowers Lake and explore Woods Lake more fully.
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| My April 11, 2021 track (10km) |
The launch point for all three lakes (Park, Woods, and Bowers) is at the bridge on Ranger Camp Road (via Umphersons Mill and S. Lavant Roads). After launching, I headed for Bowers Lake by paddling through the culvert under Ranger Camp Road. You paddle an upstream channel from the culvert for about 1km before reaching Bowers Lake. Even though it wasn't a solid sunny day, the Painted Turtles were already out and getting some early spring rays!
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| Painted Turtles in the Bowers Lake channel |
I had a great paddle following the shore all around Bowers Lake. The lake isn't developed very much since it is partly crown-land. One small island is at the north end of the lake (Cliff's lunch spot). I didn't stop there, but I went ashore at the campsite just to the island's north. The campsite would also make a great lunch (and swim) stop.
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| Bowers Lake campsite (north end) |
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| Common Loon |
After returning to Ranger Camp Road, I continued my paddle towards Woods Lake. As I approached the lake, my first nature sighting was a Common Loon (a sure sign of spring in Ontario). Again, I took my time and paddled along the shore, exploring little bays, channels, and wetlands. The highlight of the trip was the discovery of a small fen/bog in the SW bay of the lake. The fen has a few Black Spruces – rare in Lanark County.
Other nature sightings from this trip can be seen on my iNaturalist account. Click Here.
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| Black Spruce (Woods Lake) |
