2014
Ferndale Now & Then
I have posted about Ferndale in the past however I thought I would provide an update as I recently found some old photos that show the size and scale of the property in its previous life. Ferndale is a very large property that used to be a resort that could take in hundreds of people. Later it became the Canadian Keswick Conference Centre a Christian leadership camp. Today Ferndale is a very extravagant and private cottage owned by one of Canada’s most successful home developers.
The Canadian Keswick Conference Centre. I don’t have anyone to credit for the photo use as it was taken from a postcard posted on eBay. You can see from the view this is a sizable property and no doubt with sizable property taxes.
Another photo from a post card. It appears to be a very popular place in its day holding up to 650 guests.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
Dead
I don’t have any cat rescuing children videos or cutsie dog pics however I do have this little fellow who whacked his noggin on the cottage window. I have been told that its a adult male Black-Throated Green Warbler. The poor guy didn’t make it.
Speaking of dead…. I spent the long weekend at the cottage and noticed that many places were still closed. As I drove into Port Carling Friday afternoon I noticed shops with the winter boards still on their windows. On Saturday I thought it would be a good idea to book dinner at the new Medora restaurant (formerly Rebecca’s) – nope – closed. Later in the day I drove by Clevelands House – A huge resort, closed. (Apparently they had roof damage from the heavy snow loads this winter) The local bakery – Closed.
Ok so I went by a local marina thinking surely it would be bustling with people gassing up and getting their boats. Nope – not a soul around, deadsville! We are talking about the Victoria Day long weekend, the May-two-four, the weekend that kicks off the summer season in Canada. I suppose it is the late spring, cold weather and high water levels that killed everything? I try not to be influenced by these sort of things and keep rolling along but it is an interesting observation. Umm welcome back – kinda.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2014
Black Fly Song
It’s that time of the year and I hope you don’t have to endure these nasty little pests. I’m fortunate, in my location I rarely see them but as I get out to other parts of Muskoka I sometimes get swarmed to the point of near insanity. This little animated film is from the National Film Board and it is written and sung by Canadian folk singer Wade Hemsworth, with back-up vocals by the McGarrigle sisters.
Happy Victoria Day long weekend and please be mindful of the water, its still very cold.
2014
145 Years and counting
You know you can’t kick off the Muskoka cottage season without the obligatory Clevelands House photo. Can you believe they are entering their 145th year in business? As a country Canada is only 2 years older. With the long brutally cold winter we just went through there is much anticipation in cherishing every summer moment before us.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
