2008
Muskoka Roadside Mailbox Attractions with Dueling Banjo Soundtrack
While driving the back roads of Muskoka I discovered this wonderfully weird mailbox. Those are actually large boulders mounted on top that would weigh a ton. The driveway also had two poles with similar boulders adorning each side. I was curious what I would discover down at the end of this driveway, maybe a great artist or some other eccentric character? The dueling banjo’s went off in my head and I decided it was just a little too creepy to continue.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
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
2008
The Zipper Ride
When I was a kid we could hardly wait to go to the annual fall fair. We would usually sneak through a hole in the fence somewhere at the back so we could save the extra money for the midway. Well there was this amusement ride that all kids were really freaked out about called “The Zipper“. Of course we all wanted to ride it and brag about how we lived to survive it despite the rumors about people being launched out of the cages and crashing to a brutal death. (I later learned those weren’t rumors.)
After coming off with green faces we discovered that if we hung around the Zipper we could pick up the money that fell out of peoples pockets. This was a great way to make some extra cash until the nasty Carni man with the stick chased us away – but that’s another story. This past weekend while strolling around the Bracebridge fall fair I discovered my old friend the Zipper
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Ride my Llama at the Bracebridge Fall Fair
I took a stroll through the Bracebridge Fall Fair last Saturday. The theme was heavy on the agricultural stuff with giant squash, momma’s best jams and cookies, horse pulling and even a midway with Ferris wheel and the ooooh scary Zipper. As I was wandering away from the hoopla I saw these strange creatures looking for some attention. I did not realize that Lama’s had chompers on them like killer beavers.
2008
Cruising Through the Backroads of Muskoka
I did not know exactly were I was when I found this old 1942 Dodge sitting in a farmers field. Sitting across the road there was a small monument that said, The Hamlet Bardsville, Est 1865. There was a for sale sign on the fence so if your looking for a new set of wheels …
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka boat season, excuse me I am not done yet
Ok so its only September, I mean there’s no reason to pack up and leave yet although most have done so. Boating season still has at least 2 months to go for me and the odd other nut bar I see around the lakes. We are Canadians and we have to stretch it out as long as we can even if it does mean blue fingers and toes.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Signs that the Fall Season is here in Muskoka
There are some very distinctive signs that the fall season is upon us. The Cicadas are no longer buzzing, the Crickets have quieted down and of course the boat traffic is at a minimal level. Most importantly you can feel it in the air. There are many of us that feel this is the best time of year to be in Muskoka. This photo was taken down a side road on my way to Bracebridge.
It started to rain hard and I did not get to spend as much time here as I would have liked. There are some interesting things down some of these Muskoka side roads.
2008
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka features the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In the town of Rosseau, Ontario every Friday morning in the summer you will find The Rosseau Farmers Market. This is a great place to come browse around at the many artisans booths, purchase fresh produce, and catch a different musical group each week. However, come labour day like most things in Muskoka the streets roll up. I highly recommend a visit here either by boat or car. On the last day I caught this interesting band called, Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Chessboard at Clevelands House in Muskoka
While driving back from the Rosseau farmers market the other morning I decided to take a little side trip into Clevelands House which is one of the last remaining 100 year old resorts still standing in Muskoka. I noticed this really cool giant chess set in the back area for guests to play. Most of the people were down at the water but I would imagine there have been a few interesting matches here in the evenings.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Church on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka Canada
When you travel north past Cleveland’s House in Minett and towards Royal Muskoka Island you will find this very distinctive church on the waters edge. This is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus, Ontario. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2002. I have often caught glimpses of brides arriving in old Muskoka woodies for their big day. There are some images you cannot capture with a lens however they do remain etched in my brain.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Lake Joseph, Muskoka Panorama
Traveling up to the north end of Lake Joseph you will notice that it is less inhabited compared with other parts of the Muskoka Lakes. There are a myriad of islands and hidden bays to discover. Its one of my favorite areas to travel as I feel like you step back in time. This shot was taken looking due south on a hazy early afternoon.
2008
Muskoka’s Port Carling, The Skyline from the Waters Edge
Cruising down the Indian River from Lake Rosseau you will eventually find the Town of Port Carling. This area is considered the hub of the Muskoka lakes. By navigating through the lock you are able to get into Lake Muskoka from here.
There are some very interesting buildings here especially the Port Carling Boat Works which was established in 1925. During the depression this company sold the most stock production of outboard motors in all of Canada. They built their beautiful Seabird launches from this location and a branch plant down in Honey Harbour, Ontario.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Inside Dukes Boatbuilders of Muskoka
I was lucky enough to get a tour of Dukes Marine Services in Port Carling, Ontario at the hub of the Muskoka Lakes. Dukes has been around for a very long time and used to build rowboats, launches and even produced minesweepers during the Second World War. Charles Duke moved his business to this particular site in 1924. Dukes beautifully crafted Playmate boats are still often spotted on the lakes in Muskoka. Today the shop refurbishes many of the classics from yesteryear including Greavettes, Minett-Shields and Ditchburns.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Take the Time Machine, Visit the Rosseau General Store Circa 1874
Located at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau at Hwys # 141 and # 632 you will find the famous Rosseau General Store.
Not only is it a tourist destination its also one of the best places for groceries, hardware and supplies in the area.
Built in 1874 the two-storey white frame building is much the same as it was 100 years ago.
The creaky wooden floors and interior displays are like taking time machine back to another era.
Rosseau General Store
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Captain Rob Cruises the Muskoka Lakes
My good friend Rob loves Muskoka. Like many of us, its in our blood. Just like me, he can spend hours cruising around the Muskoka Lakes such as Lake Joseph, Rosseau and Muskoka checking everything out. Its absolutely breathtaking and it just sucks you right in like a giant vortex. Its a deep rooted feeling you get from being up here and it may even be traceable in our DNA.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Interesting Boats Spotted on the Muskoka Lakes
What am I doing here? I noticed this Power Cat boat over in Gravenhurst at the annual boat show. Pretty funky looking design with twin Mercs on board. This baby was built in California probably in the 60’s. There was no one around at the time to give the run down on her but nevertheless it turned a few heads.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Navigating Through the Islands on Lake Rosseau Muskoka
One of my past times is to cruise around the different islands on the Muskoka Lakes by Jetski. I can get into places where you simply can’t by boat. No, I guess I am not that “green” even though I bought a kayak I have only been in it 2 times so far. My intentions were good but certainly not the best vessel to carry photographic equipment in. This island boathouse is on Lake Rosseau not far from the Muskoka Lakes Golf Club.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Muskoka Birds of a Feather
I am no bird expert and please correct me if I’m wrong but I believe this is a Common Merganser out for a cruise with her children. Taken on the Joseph River near Lake Rosseau in the heart of Muskoka Canada.
