Ragged. Falls, and Moose.

 Dave and Brian went for a drive to check out our cousin's driveway in Dwight -- which fell victim to the torrential rain that fell today and produced some amazing erosion. There is a creek that runs beside the property, and the culvert was not able to handle the run off, diverting itself straight down the path of least resistance. It made Brian feel better about the minor washouts we experienced...





It also got them thinking about erosion, and the force of water, and that got them off on a side trip to one of the smallest of our Provincial Parks, Ragged Falls.  It is a gem. Only 1 km. in off Hwy 60, this glacial plunge pool is a beautiful sight at any time of year. In Spring melt, with the water booming down the rocks and the ice still gripping the edges, it is impressive indeed.  Dave, scoping out the amount of ice and snow left on the rocks along the riverside, declined the chance to scramble down for a closer photo today.


But the Falls weren't the only item that was photo worthy.

They had not arrived at the Park -- the green sign is just visible in the background -- when they met this moose. Unperturbed by the rain and wet weather, the moose was quite happy to be out by the road, enjoying some of the salty grass to be found adjacent to a winter-maintained road after a long long winter of nibbling on boring twigs and buds.

April and May are the best time of year to see moose in Algonquin Park. Or sooner, as you drive up Hwy 60.

In winter, they will be congregated back in the forest, in deep tree cover where the snow pack is lighter on the ground and there is browse to be eaten.

In summer they will also retreat back into the forest to seek relief from biting insects.

In fall, they are on the move, with the mating season.

But in spring, they are out at the edges of the highway taking advantage of some much needed brackish salty water and shrubs.  It is worth the drive to go Moose Watching.  Like this one, they will be in various stages of shedding out their heavy winter coats, so often look ragged. Like the falls.

Calves are arriving at this time of year as well, so there is a good chance that you will get to see the delightful gangly legged youngsters as well as their huge parents.