2008
Not Everyone has a Million Dollar Place in Muskoka
While driving just outside of Minett, Ontario in the Muskoka district I noticed these decrepit old buildings along the roadside. I haven’t been around the area long enough to know their history. I am sure all of these old homesteads will vanish over the next few years especially with the new Red Leaves Resort going in around the corner.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
The Dog Days of a Muskoka Summer
I was kicking back taking an afternoon siesta when all of a sudden these two came cruising right by me. I ran and grabbed the camera and was able to get a couple of shots in. The Dog days of summer are upon us.

2008
Marty’s World Famous in Muskoka Releases their Secret Receipes
Marty’s World Famous is located in Bracebridge (Muskoka) Ontario. This place features BIG Ass apple pies, Butter Tarts to die for and the best bean salad you have ever had. Marty, (yes there is a guy named Marty) has recently revealed his secret recipes in his new cook book. A cool place to visit in the Muskoka area.

In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
A Boathouse near Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka
Muskoka is known for the many unique boat houses along its shoreline. This boathouse is up around Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau.

In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Muskoka’s Cormorant Bird Explosion
Here is a close up of the freaky cormorant birds that inhabit a small island up on Lake Joe in Muskoka. I have seen them on Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka as well. Apparently the double-crested cormorants were near extinction at one time due to the levels of toxic chemicals. The fact that they are coming back is a good thing even if they are creepy, eat lots of fish and destroy some vegetation. Some people think they came from another area however they are a native bird of Canada.
Information from Environment Canada Here

In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Invasion of the Cormorants in Muskoka
If you have ever traveled down Lake Joseph in Muskoka by boat you may have noticed a very strange looking island. It could be a scene right out of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. This small chunk of land is in fairly shallow water and seems to be the home of a large colony of Cormorants. Its very creepy.

In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
They call it Mellow Yellow
Not much of a flower type guy but thought I would stick one up to keep the ladies happy.

2008
The Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
This past weekend I visited the Muskoka Arts & Crafts “Summer Show” 2008. This annual event is held in Bracebridge, Ontario and features many excellent artisans from the area and beyond. One of my favorite artists, Andrew King is always busy with many people dropping by to check out his latest original work.

In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Year of the Frog
This frog was nice enough to pose for me while I took his photo in the pond beside my cottage. I discovered an interesting article by Canada’s David Suzuki entitled, The Year of the Frog while I was searching for some philosophical copy to accompany the photo. Apparently many different species of frogs are vanishing from the planet at an alarming rate. Scientist consider these amphibians the “Canaries of the Coalmine” as a benchmark for our planets health. Climate change, pollution and a silent killer called chytrid fungus are the main suspects in the mass disappearance.

In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Behind the doors of Muskoka
I am always intrigued by doors. Whats behind them? Who goes in them? Do they come back out of them? How did they get to look like this? What gnawed the hole through at the bottom and who put those latches on it? I was walking down the main street of Bracebridge in Muskoka, Ontario and saw this door in the alleyway of an old building. Now I have to go back to see what the building was for.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Scenes from a Jetski on Lake Joseph in Muskoka
Its a beautiful time to be on the Muskoka Lakes. They say that boat traffic is down because everyone prefers to golf. Not so sure about that. And others say its the price of gas. This photo was taken from a Jetski while exploring the many islands on Lake Joseph. Its a breathtaking experience that I can’t get enough of.

2008
The Muskoka Antique Boat Show in Gravenhurst Ontario
The Antique and Classic Boat Society, (ACBS) had their annual Muskoka boat show this past weekend at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. This show featured many of the classic boats from yesteryear including Ditchburns, Dukes, Minett-Shields, Greavettes, Peterboroughs, Dippy’s, Sea Birds, Hackers and more.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Tragedy hits us hard in Muskoka
I debated with myself on whether I should post this next picture or not. We all enjoy the great things about Muskoka and cottage country but sometimes along the road something happens to remind us how fragile life really is.
This terrible tragedy happened close to my cottage and had a very strong and disturbing impact on all of us in the area. All weekend long people streamed by in cars, boats, walking and on bikes to pay their respects to the three young men who lost their lives here on the eve of July 3, 2008. Unfortunately there are no words to make it better. Our deepest condolences go out to all family and friends.
2008
Tripping around the small towns of Muskoka Canada
Sometimes taking a little peek around the corner pays off. I discovered these cool old doors around the side of the building that sells antiques in the town of Rosseau, Ontario. The building was just crammed with memorabilia and assorted stuff that someone must want.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Antique hunting in the town of Rosseau, (Muskoka) Ontario, Canada
At the north end of Lake Rosseau you will find the Town of Rosseau which is situated on Hwy 141. There is a great general store and a few other shops and galleries including this interesting antique shop. Don’t forget to stop here for ice cream as its one of the best places in all of Muskoka. While I was taking some pictures an incognito gentleman walking his dog sauntered by. Good to see you Ed Grimley.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Webers, a Muskoka Tradition
Happy Canada Day!
If you have ever driven up Highway #11 to Muskoka you are sure to know about a Canadian tradition called Webers.

In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Classic Wooden Boats of Muskoka include the 1930 Ditchburn
Here is another shot of “On Behalf Of Sam” a 31 foot Ditchburn beauty built in 1930. Taken from the docks at Port Sandfield in Muskoka on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Sullivan Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka Canada
There are many islands within the Muskoka lakes district. This is Sunbeam Sullivan Island on Lake Joseph. (thanks Jamie for the correction on the name) I am not sure of its history but I am sure it has an interesting one with its wrap around veranda and big lake views or “vistas” as the real estate marketer extraordinaire’s call it. This baby can be picked up for a mere 1.99M

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Muskoka Lakes Boathouses are in Full Swing
Its surprising how many new boathouses you will notice after the ice thaws. Building boathouses during the winter time is easier and also provides for employment in a time of year where everything is usually dead quiet. Muskoka is world famous for its boathouses. Here is an example of a new one going up on Lake Joseph as you head north out of Port Sandfield.

In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Ditchburn and other Classic Boats of the Muskoka Lakes
On any given day on the Muskoka Lakes you can spot the beautifully crafted boats that were built in this region almost one century ago. “On Behalf Of Sam” a 31 foot Ditchburn built in 1930 was spotted on Lake Joe out for a Sunday cruise.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water







