I wasn't the only fool out there. These were the first skaters to try out the new rinks and the skating oval on Mud Lake.

I found this open hole on Mud Lake where fresh water enters the lake from the river. To my surprise I found fish crowded into this small space.

The next day that fishing hole would look like this.

This unusual sight is a chunk of bread stuck on a twig for birds to feed on, courtesy of the local Bird Lovers. I found it on the trail back.

Eh? What? January is almost over? Already??? Oh well, so ends the coldest month of this winter. Thanks for coming along. See youse next month.

Och, it's February and the cold is beginning to moderate. I decided to explore Graham Creek which is unknown to most Ottawans. This section runs along (...)

More odd ice formations courtesy of Graham Creek.

It was quite frosty that morning so I was able to walk o top of the frozen snow but I was leery of getting too close to the edge. As I descended the a (...)

Speaking of wild and crazy ice ... a close up of the making of an icy fantasy.

This creek is well frequented by the local wildlife. There are tracks everywhere, each a record of the mysterious goings-on of these elusive critters.

Graham Creek always has one section that doesn't freeze over even in the coldest weather. The winter ducks take advantage of this here and on other cr (...)

Sometimes the ice doesn't cooperate and grows in wild and crazy ways.

The Sun's rays finally touched the surface of Graham Creek and splashing gold about with reckless abandon.

The Light! The Light! It's all about the Light! It's a delight!

The creek twists and bends in leisurely fashion beneath Man's linear constructs.

The creek shows its teeth to those unwary enough to approach too close to the edge.

While cars race madly overhead the creek has time to play with the ice.

Welcome to Winterlude! Sorry about the eye-sore construction - just look on the other side of the street and ignore the noise. It was quite the frosty (...)

Back to the traditional view of Winterlude and the world's longest skating rink.

A pack of ice rats having fun. Meanwhile, adult skaters were just poseurs on skates, wearing matching outfits and skating in tandem. "Look at me! I'm (...)