2010
The Mysterious Swamps of Muskoka
I love looking at swamps. It drives people crazy when they are with me because I like to stop and gaze into them. They are a protective barrier to what lives on the other side. Maybe there’s something mysterious going on in them? I’m sure there are creatures lurking over there. I need some kind of hovercraft type machine to go exploring.
If you really want to explore the swamp click HERE for a 2400 pixel sized photo
2010
Open Water
Now playing live on a Muskoka lake “Open Water” – directed by Mother Earth
Please click on the image for a big Easter Egg sized photo 🙂
2010
It Won’t Be Long
Looks like the Ice Out is going to be a little early this year. I was predicting April 13th but it sounds like it may be sooner. Leslie a Muskoka native says, “I predict that Muskoka will be out on Sunday” I wouldn’t be surprised. Does this mean boating by Easter?
Don’t forget the big Cottage Life Show is on starting Friday March 26 to Sunday March 28 at the International Center near Toronto’s Pearson Airport
Click Here for info.
Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel sized photo
2010
Tattered and Frayed
We have had some great weather in Muskoka for this time of year and people are predicting the ice will be out much sooner. The March wind howls and this old wind sock has seen better days. In like a Lamb and out like a …?
Please click for a large sized image
2010
Highway 69 Before the Meltdown
This was taken from the side of the road on Highway # 69 near Mactier, Ontario just before the meltdown.
And a real bargain on fuel at 70.9 cents per liter.
Please Click on the image for a large sized photo
2010
Google Maps out Muskoka
Google Street View is part of Google Maps and it appears they have now mapped out most of the main roads in the Muskoka district. Below you will find a search I started using the landmark wall in Port Carling. Isn’t technology great?
2010
Stop this is my land .. umm ok
I noticed this barn with an interesting sign on it on the way into Bracebridge on Highway #118. If you can’t see the sign on the barn it says, “Stop this is my land” and “Back Off Government” It appears to be from the Ontario Landowners Association. I have not had time to figure out what the skinny is as of yet. More if you dare: www.ruralrevolution.com
Please click on the image for a barn sized photo
2010
Hangover
it’s getting warmer
it’s controlling my mind
it’s coming closer
i’m biding my time
Not quite the same “Hangover” that Kim Mitchell of Max Webster was singing about but I digress …
Please click on the image for a super-sized hangover
2010
Sponsored by Nobody?
Over the past couple years or so I have had many people mention that I should offer prints of my photos. As much as I love blogging and taking photos of the Muskoka region it really is not my goal to try and capitalize on this type of thing. In spite of the decent traffic this site gets from people like you, I really have preferred it to be sponsored by nobody. I like to try and keep things pure and simple.
However, then I got to thinking that maybe there is a way to help people through the CottageBlog. Perhaps a few Ads, banners or affiliates wouldn’t hurt anyone and could help a kid go to camp or assist another charity? Its just an idea for now so we will see where it goes. I am blessed to have had a very successful career and one of the things you realize is that giving back is so important with the little time we have on the planet.
Now, having said that .. I have to mention a cool service I discovered where you upload your own photos and have them reproduced on canvas. I have used this service from canvaspop and have been extremely happy with the cost, quality and delivery time of prints big and small. You can see a couple of my Pics reproduced on canvas below.
If you are interested in having some of your own photos printed I would highly recommend these guys. And no, they did not pay me to say this however they did provide me with an affiliate link that would pay a small commission which is where the charity part would come in if people used it. Your feedback is appreciated.
2010
Looking Down the Muskoka River
I have to admit I have not had a chance to tour around in Muskoka for a couple of weeks. Busier then a one eyed cat watching nine mouse holes as they say. Here is a shot of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge. It never freezes up in this area due to the roaring falls just behind.
Please click on the image for a larger photo
2010
Hanging out in the Hotel Lobby
This is what you see as you walk through the front entrance of The Rosseau, part of the Red Leaves resort in Muskoka. The resort features the only JW Marriott Hotel in Canada and 1 of 37 in the world. It truly is a world class facility with good restaurants, Spa, nature trails, golf, and great water access. They have done a great job at capturing the spirit of Muskoka throughout the entire place from architecture down to the library filled with Canadian books. The most impressive aspect I have discovered in my many visits are the people that work here. Always friendly and accommodating with bright smiles. Someone has done a great job at hiring the right people, trained them and instilled a belief system that customers really matter.
Unfortunately with overruns and the economic downturn it was forced into receivership. If you have a few hundred Mil you don’t know what to do with you may consider adding this baby to your portfolio.
2010
Dear Deer
Dear Deer,
I hope this note finds you well. I was so surprised to see you peeking in my bedroom window the other morning. You are such an early riser. When I ran to grab the camera you did not bolt away this time believing you saw the big bad wolf.
OK listen up Deer… we need to talk. I realize Cedar trees are like frozen chocolate cheese cake to you but don’t you think things have gotten a little out of hand? You and your friends have devoured everything in sight – even the burlap is gone. Its OK to stop now… please!
2010
And in my Mind I Still Need a Place to Go
How much has music played a part in your cottage or camping experiences? Or maybe its the road trips singing along with the stereo cranked.
Music has been a huge inspiration to me with so many powerful memories that connect. Old friends, new friends and the ones that left before their time. Sitting around the fire with friends or family groov’n to some cool tunes – does it get any better?
I must confess that I’m a huge Neil Young fan, yes a Rustie as we are referred to. I can hear Neils lonesome voice now around a blazing fire with a zillion stars in the sky and the Loons cry echoing through the night. What moves you?
There is a town in north Ontario,
With dream comfort memory to spare
And in my mind I still need a place to go
All my changes were there
Neil Young’s, Helpless
2010
Skating Away …
The sun was quickly descending and I was looking for something to shoot when I stumbled across this picturesque Canadian scene. The great hockey legends like Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe or Wayne Gretzky etc.. all grew up playing shinny on backyard rinks, frozen ponds and lakes like this. And it is interesting to note that many of the NHL’s stars have cottages only a few minutes from here. The rink is carved out of Lake Rosseau at the old Wallace Marina in Muskoka.
Please click on the image for a larger photo
2010
A Little Bleak
I’m not sure what the name of this island is. The fancy navigational aids (my charts) are long tucked away for the season. It could be called Bleak Island as that’s how things felt as I did a Lake Muskoka drive by recently. Nevertheless things change by the minute in Muskoka so please expect a blinding snowstorm or beaming sunshine at any given time. 🙂
Please click for a larger photo
2010
Wharfing Around
It can be a little desolate walking around the Muskoka Wharf in the winter time. The Muskoka Wharf project is part of the $170M rebirth of the 89 acre waterfront in Gravenhurst that features the famous Muskoka Steamships, Grace & Speed Museum, shops and restaurants and many great events such as the Muskoka antique and classic boat show.
2010
Getting Back into the Swing of Things
One day it was +30C on the beach and the very next it was -30C with the windchill factor. I arrived back in Muskoka and it appeared much the same as when I left before Christmas except a little more frozen. The small lakes are covered and there are a few brave crazy sled riders blazing across them. This photo was taken on Lake Muskoka and you can see the open water in the background. If you have not been to Muskoka and area in the winter I highly recommend you take it the breathtaking beauty of winter.
Please click on the image for a larger size.
2009
Hoppy Holidays and a Little Blog Break
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Yuletide Tidings
It’s time to turn it down a few notches and enjoy some time off. We are pointed due south and with some luck and a good breeze we should have the quintessential rum concoctions figured out and dancing in the green hues of the Grand Cayman sunset before the turkeys ready.
Wishing you all peace, love, health, happiness and success in 2010 – Ed
2009
Boy oh Buoy
Most of the small lakes are frozen over now and the shorelines of the large lakes have started to show coverage as well. Of course its way to early to walk or take the sled on them however you know someone will try. The amount of snow around the Muskoka area in unbelievable. The old timers say there has not been that much snow in December since the 1930’s
2009
Snowed Out
Well I must confess I missed the big blast of weather in Muskoka this past week. And you knew we were eventually going to pay for the fair weather autumn we enjoyed. Not one to normally shy away, I started on my way up north and then heard the road closure reports. Muskoka and area received a 100cm or a 3 foot plus dumping within a couple of days. Many roads were closed down so I decided to stay back. I guess I was snowed out. I monitored a few blogger friends like Jenn Jilks and her very informative MyMuskoka . Jenn was right on top of things providing pics, video footage and great commentary.
Here are a few more links to news articles about the Muskoka weather
Cottage Country Digs out from a Full Metre of Snow
