2011
Screened In Perch
A quick iPhone shot of the Screened in Perch adorning the wall in one of the guest rooms. This was a quirky piece I found in Port Carling by Toronto artist Kevin Roach.
I figure why buy the same old print as everyone else when you can get something original for the same cost or less.
Please click for Biggie Perch.
2011
Photo (Synthesis)
They sat in total silence.
Not a word was spoken.
Mesmerized by the blazing orange sun that slowly dipped below the tree line.
Total absorption in progress.
2011
Lake Rosseau Boathouse
With the recent extreme temps I have been spending quite a bit of time on the water. While driving up the eastern side of Rosseau I spotted this interesting boathouse on a magnificent point of land.
Each and every cottage and boathouse in Muskoka has a story behind it. The family history, the architecture, who has owned it, etc. I don’t know anything about this one other than it being unique. More Eye Candy on the Lakes.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Little Miss Muskoka
Serena is 4 years old and traveled across the country to visit Muskoka for her first time. She did boat rides, caught a few fish, kayaked, fine dined, and took in the real Muskoka experience. She will be back!
2011
Muskoka Antique and Classic Boat Show Video
A short video for those of you that didn’t make the annual Muskoka Antique and Classic Boat Show in Gravenhurst on July 9, 2011. As always, lots of interesting boats and things to see at the show. The boat show is put on each year by ACBS and it is a must visit for any boat enthusiast. This years feature boat was the Kittyhawk a 32-foot Gidley once owned by Orville Wright. Yup, the airplane guy who used to cottage on Georgian Bay. Thanks to CottageCountryNow.ca for the video.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
The Secret Lookout
This is a cool, private place on an Island in the Muskoka area that is no longer in use. Its part of Secret Muskoka where I am not allowed to reveal its location or a team of wild goats will drag me across the Torrence Barrens. There are not many abandoned places left on the big lakes. The waterfront real estate is so valuable and taxes so high that anyone owning property usually sells it or uses it for themselves.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, secret muskoka
2011
The Boat Guy
During the recent Doors Open Ontario event we had the opportunity to meet renowned Muskoka boat builder Stan Hunter, aka “BoatGuy”. Stan has been restoring and servicing some of the most prized antique and classic boats in the Muskoka area for decades. I have been told he is one of the best there is.
If you are ever interested in taking a classic Muskoka boat for a cruise, Stan also operates a business called Muskoka Launch Livery. He has a fleet of famous Muskoka built Duke Playmates each with their own unique history. You can rent these beauties at Stan’s location on Hwy #118 between Port Carling and Milford Bay right on Lake Muskoka. The photo is of an 18 ft Shepherd in for servicing. Please click on the image for a larger photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
49th Annual Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Muskoka’s oldest and largest outdoor art show is on starting Friday July 15th and running to Sunday the 17th. Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show is held at the Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge. (directions here with free parking and and a small donation to get in) It is a pretty large event that draws about 20,000 to 25,000 visitors over the 3 days.
I have been to this show a few times and its filled with over 200 very talented artisans offering all kinds of things from gourmet food, furniture, paintings, jewelry, clothing and photography to name a few. If you do visit make sure you drop by and check out my friend Andrew King and his amazing paintings.
2011
Where Fairies Sleep
Another photo from the recent Fairyland visit during Doors Open Ontario event. This is the bedroom located upstairs in the cottage. Looks like it may have been a little chilly in the winter months.
Please click for a large photo.
2011
Whimsical Sign & the Camera+ App
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka runs every Friday from 9am to 2pm up until Labour Day and its located at the park near the waters edge. There are about 80 vendors which makes for an interesting place to browse, listen to live music, shop and sample food. While visiting last Friday I noticed this cool sign made by Catie of Off The Beaten Path and couldn’t resist taking it home. Its made from an old cupboard door, a bunch of old bolts and rusted out tools.
FYI – I have started to play with the iPhone camera recently and took this shot with it. I then ran it through Lisa Bettany’s Camera+ App which has had an unbelievable 3 million downloads to date. Lisa is a fellow Canadian and photographer who you can find at MostlyLisa.com
2011
Fairyland
On June 25th I had the opportunity to tour some of the interesting properties in this years Doors Open Ontario for the Muskoka area. In 1929 twin sisters Marguerite Boyce and Violet Hobbs arrived in Bala, pitched a tent at what would become Jaspen Park on the Moon River near Bala and started to sell their paintings. A year later they put a $100 down payment on a nearby cottage called Hollyhock and started a love affair between themselves and Muskoka that would last for decades.
At first they sold their paintings, then expanded to a gift shop and eventually a tea room. One of the important features was the wishing well out front (still there) which was created at the beginning of WW II. Visitors were encouraged to throw coins in which helped send more than 1000 gift parcels to Canadian servicemen and prisoners-of-war during war time. They also developed children’s doll exhibits and several generations of kids regarded the Twins Studio as a very enchanting place. After Marguerite passed away in the 1950’s Violet renamed the studio Fairyland and would dress daily in organdy. Many children believed she was a real fairy.
While I was photographing the inside of the cottage two elderly ladies arrived and displayed gifts they had purchased as little girls. They were quite emotional as they described their Fairyland experiences and how magical it was for them to visit as children. It was the first time the doors of Fairyland had been open to the public since 1974.
For a more detailed story on Fairyland courtesy of Jack and Linda Hutton please Click Here
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Happy 144th Canada
Celebrating 144 years of Canadian awesomeness! Hope everyone has a happy Canada Day from the true north strong and free.
(snapped from a camera phone)
