2009
Muskoka Boathouses, Eye Candy on the Lakes
One of the key attributes of Muskoka are the numerous boathouses nestled in on the shorelines. I don’t believe there is anything else like this in the world. They can range from little one slip shacks to gigantic mansions with helicopter pads. Many of them offer a deep and interesting history. Whether its a summer home to a previous US President, Hollywood movie star, designs by a famous architects or a property that dates back to the 1800’s they are all interesting to see.
People are always asking to see more of these boathouses so I will make an attempt to include them as I travel throughout the lakes.
Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel size
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario
2009
Searching for a Hearth of Gold
I want to live …
I want to give …
I have been a miner for a heart hearth of gold
While driving down old highway #69 in Muskoka this time of year you can catch a glimpse of something through the trees. For years now I have been meaning to stop and wander through the bush to see what it is.
This fireplace is in remarkable shape considering there is no sign of any buildings being around. I assume there must have been a cabin here at one time but I’m not sure how they would have fastened the foundation as this is situated on a giant rock. Sometimes you never know what lurks only a few feet away.
Thanks Doctor C. for the tip
2009
Ice Out Milford Bay, Muskoka Lake
The sun was sinking fast and I wanted to try and get one more photo in before dark. I was driving across highway #118 towards Bracebridge and remembered Milford Bay. As I cruised down the side road I noticed this little creek draining into Lake Muskoka.
It won’t be long now until the ice has disappeared and us Canadians can don the obligatory, shorts, T’s and Sneaks.
Click Photo for a Glacier Sized Image
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2009
The Ghost Town of Swords, Ontario (Muskoka)
This is the general store and former post office in the ghost town of Swords, Ontario located in the district of Muskoka. It is abandoned uninhabited now and has been for quite a while. In 1894 a lumber company was established here and the town was called Maple Station with trains passing through up to 20 times per day. Later the towns name was changed to avoid confusion with another Maple Station. The Sword family operated the general store until 1930. The lumber ran out, the train station closed in 1946 and the post office shut down in 1966 with most residents moving away.
NOTE: Although many of these types of properties are abandoned or unoccupied please remember they are still private property. Please respect the rights of these owners and do not go crawling through them without obtaining prior permission. (Swords photos taken from the roadside)
Ontario Abandoned Places
For a General Store Sized Photo Click on the Image – 1280
Click Image for Biggie Size
Click Image for Super Sized 1280 version
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2009
Put up your Dukes in Muskoka Canada
Things looked a little quiet and bleak when I passed by Dukes in Port Carling recently. Dukes is a historic place in Muskoka with a long history of classic boat building. I had a chance to tour the facility last year and witnessed the restoration of some old Ditchburns and Minett-Shields classic woodies. They occasionally have an open house for the public and if you get the chance I highly recommend you take the opportunity to step back in time.
Click on the image for a large launch sized photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2009
The Rick Mercer Report visits Muskoka Canada
For a good laugh here is the Rick Mercer Report filmed in Muskoka last year.
2008
The Church on the Hill in Gregory
On the Lake Rosseau side of the fence there is an old Anglican Church – The Christ Church of Gregory.
Well its time to take a small Blog break. I have not had many chances to get up north this winter but will return for New Years. I’m headed to the Caribbean in search of sandy white beaches and mixed concoctions. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and all the other correct Seasonal Greetings. See you in 2009 – Cheers!
Click Image for Santa Claus Belly Size
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Conn Stafford Smythe R.I.P. in beautiful Muskoka
Toronto Maple Leaf fans are hoping for the turning over of a new leaf (no pun intended) with the signing of Brian Burke as the new President and GM announced recently. With this news I thought of Conn Stafford Smythe who rests peacefully across the road from my cottage overlooking Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Stafford was the son of the great Conn Smythe and only lived to the age of 50 while embroiled in controversy with control of the Leafs and Maple Leaf Gardens.
They have changed Stafford’s headstone in recent years as it used to read; “He was dearly loved by his wife, children, and many friends, he was persecuted to death by his enemies. Now he sleeps peacefully in the quiet north country that loved him for the person he was”
Please click on the photo for a larger image
2008
The Leaning Doors of Rosseau
I posted a similar shot of these doors I found up in Rosseau back in June. Many liked them so I thought I would show from the opposite angle.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Looking Back at Bala Falls
While taking a drive through the town of Bala in Muskoka its hard not to miss the Save the Bala Falls signs. Many locals and cottagers are very upset at the possible destruction of the natural beauty of these falls with a proposed hydroelectric plant being built. This photo was taken “looking back” at the road over the dam and railway bridge near Purks Place and the old stone church.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Sun Sets Over Clevelands House in Muskoka
The sun sets over Clevelands House to end another summer/fall season in Muskoka. I took this photo from a new trail that opened up along the shoreline from the Wallace Marina over to the New Red Leaves Resort. Of course Red Leaves now owns Clevelands and the entire shoreline around to the resort. It has to be close to 2 miles of shoreline on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka – do the math.
Click for bigger size
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
The Old Cranberry Truck in Bala, Ontario
Just before the Cranberry Festival hit the Town of Bala I made a trip over to Johnston’s Cranberry Farm. The leaves were almost peaking and the sun was warm at least compared to now. This old truck was or is used for the harvest of cranberries on the farm. It looks like it probably still works.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Lock #45 Port Severn, Ontario
When you take highway # 400 north to cottage country you pass over the Severn River that empties into Georgian Bay. This is the township of Port Severn or Severn as its known today. Severn is part of the Trent Severn waterway that is 387 km’s long and consists of 44 locks, 39 swing bridges and 160 dams. This photo was taken near lock #45 the smallest of them all.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Out in Muskoka’s Cranberry Patch
Cranberry Marsh in Muskoka Canada
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Exploring the Ghost Town of Swords Ontario
Swords Rd. (click image for biggie size)
2008
A walk through the Muskoka Forest
The fall colors were at peak this past Thanksgiving weekend and you couldn’t ask for better weather. I was lucky enough to tag along on a nature hike with one of Canada’s foremost naturalists, Robin Tapley. The nature hike was courtesy of Red Leaves Muskoka Resort who have setup an impressive 700 acre nature preserve with trails for hiking, skiing and biking which will be open to the public to explore.
Another picture taken from one of the many trails deep into the Muskoka wild and marshland. I highly recommend anyone who spends time in Muskoka to take a walk through these trails. I noticed they are building a maple sugar camp in the bush which will be ready for the spring thaw.
2008
Purks Place in Bala another Muskoka landmark slated for teardown
Their motto is Boats and Bait since 1908. Purks Place is a Muskoka landmark located on Burgess Island at the Bala Falls in Bala, Ontario. It appears Purk’s will be no more. In the near future a hydro electric power plant is slated to be built in its place. Some of the locals have been in opposition to this and have setup a website savethebalafalls.com
Interesting article by local Bala author and musician Jack Hutton. Â Who Cares About Purks’s Place?
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Bracebridge Fall Fair Revisited
Another photo from the recent Bracebridge fall fair. I noticed these two beauties, a Fairlane 500 and a 1931 Ford Model A with a rumble seat. My father used collect cars and had one like this. When I was a kid we would ride into town in one of those bumpy rumble seats -man we thought we were so cool waving to everyone while it put-putted away.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Interesting Boathouses on the Muskoka Lakes
One of the most striking things you notice when visiting Muskoka are the many types of beautiful boathouses. They vary from rustic to charming to grandiose architectural styles. Many of these boathouses feature beautiful sitting rooms, bathrooms, exercise rooms and grand bedrooms. Sometimes driving past you can get a peak at the prized Muskoka antique boats like the Ditchburns, Minette-Shields, Dippys and Greavettes etc.
This photo is of a boathouse on a Lake Rosseau island. It appears someone really loves his sailboat.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Huckleberry Rock Trail overlooking Lake Muskoka
Huckleberry Rock is one of the most scenic views in all of Muskoka. You can find the trail just off the road that takes you to Milford Bay. These rocks are some of the oldest rocks in the world, well over a billion years old. I will return in late autumn to catch some of the vivid colors.
“Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun. But, Mama, that’s where the fun is.
“Blinded by the light” — Bruce Springsteen.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
