Renfrew County is home to large herds of deer – most of which seem to be moving into my backyard again this year. Food is scarce. There are simply too many deer for the area to support. So they come mooching, looking for treats and handouts. Last year we had 28 deer in our field. They are just starting to congregate there again this year. Each day brings one or two more, it seems.

While they are pretty to look at, they can be incredibly destructive. They have totally destroyed our cedar hedge and all of the ornamental shrubs and cedar trees we have around our property. The cedar trees try to make a come-back in the summer, usually only to be chewed to pieces again the next year.

This old boathouse looks so peaceful in it’s winter riparian repose. Don’t be fooled! Every spring when the waters rise it threatens to abandon camp and take a ride on the wild side in the rushing spring runoff of the mighty Bonnechere River. A stalwart tree has taken matters in hand by firmly planting itself atop the roof after losing it’s battle with a determined beaver.

Be sure to mark you calendar for the February 28/March 1 2009 Bonnechere Cup Races in Eganville, Ontario.

Check this great photo gallery of the 2008 Bonnechere Cup races. Kudos to Jamie Johnston for some excellent photos!

We’ve had our fair share of snow this winter. While it makes for a lot of work in the shoveling department, there is nothing prettier than an early morning sunrise after a heavy snowfall.

Winter is one of my favorite seasons here in Renfrew County. Our house has a southern exposure so we get lots of sunshine and warmth from the sun. Since we live in the country, the snow stays sparkling clean for most of the winter.

You can participate in many winter sports and activities here in the Ottawa Valley. If snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, skating or curling is on your list of fun things to do, you’ll find lots of information on the OttawaValley.org website.