2012
Tracking Cloudburst
Taking a drive around what I call the far side of Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka on Hwy #141 is always an interesting trip. These tracks are near Falkenburg Station now a ghost town located just outside of Bracebridge on Manitoba Street. Its great that Google has a lot of these Muskoka roads mapped out.
2012
Mouth of the Indian
Traveling from Lake Rosseau into the Indian River towards the locks in Port Carling. If you have ever made this trip you will probably remember seeing this nautical styled boathouse at the mouth. Please click on the image for a larger sized photo.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2012
125th Anniversary Flyby
In celebration of the Segwun Steamship’s 125th anniversary the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Snowbirds performed a flyby at the wharf in Gravenhurst on Friday June 29th, 2012. I found a cool 35 second video on Youtube below.
Note: the Segwun and Wenonah II along with a flotilla of over 100 antique and classic boats will be recreating the original 100 mile tour on the Muskoka Lakes Saturday August 18th, 2012. Apparently the last time this journey was made was in 1958 so there is plenty of interest in this years 125th anniversary celebration. The Segwun steamship is listed as sold out however you may be able to get on the Wenonah II. Details here.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2012
Cybernetic Vegetation
I was cruising on the east side of Lake Rosseau and noticed a lone tree jutting out of the landscape. I don’t recall ever seeing that tree before and it just seemed very odd to be towering 20 feet above all the others. It turns out to be 1 of 20 new communications towers that Bell has installed around the Muskoka district.
Many of you know I’m a techie and love to be connected to the world however there’s just something that doesn’t sit well with me on this. Sure its better than looking at a steel communications tower but knowing that its a fake amongst the natural beauty of a Muskoka landscape bothers me on some level. We have become colonized by technology and its near impossible to escape it. I think in the future we will see that man-machine-nature will eventually mesh to where its imperceptible but right now welcome to talking trees version 1.0
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2012
Bent River School House
I took the long way around Lake Rosseau on Hwy #141 recently and discovered a little village by the name of Bent River. This is their old school house now called the Historical Hall . When researching Bent River I discovered they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the old school house on June 30th, 2012. Info below.
100th Anniversary Celebration of Bent River School. The event is from 10am to 4pm Saturday June 30th 2012 at 1120 Rosseau Lake Rd 1, off Hwy 141 in Bent River. Bring any copies of family or school photos that you may have to share. Let anyone you know who attended or taught at the school of the festivities. For more information contact June at: 705-769-3515. Map Here
2012
High Falls Hike
I went for a little adventure up to High Falls near Bracebridge hoping the water would be rushing over like a mini Niagara. High Falls is fed by the north branch of the Muskoka River and is one of the steepest falls in Ontario. The area is actually a park with washrooms, picnic tables and BBQ’s setup. The gates were closed when I arrived so I had to perform some rudimentary ninja navigation techniques to get in, Shush! Here is a Map
FYI – There are quite a few other falls around Muskoka that I have been to including; Bala Falls, Rosseau Falls, Bracebridge Falls and the Wilson Falls. All worthy of a visit.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2012
I Wonder What’s Down This Road?
I’m constantly looking around for something to take photos of. I think its part of having a blog, the love of photography and being in a great place like Muskoka. Heck, we all drive by roads everyday and have no idea whats down them, right? I mean who has time for that? It appears I do, well at least when I’m in Muskoka searching out the next scene. I was cruising down Judd Haven Rd just as the sun was rising and I noticed a road called Bluff Rd. Little did I know there was a public access dock at the end with this beautiful vista of Lake Rosseau to take in.
2012
Going to the Chapel
Last year I noticed construction of a new chapel going up on the Wallace Marine property on Lake Rosseau. I immediately thought maybe it was going to be a non-denominational chapel in support of the many weddings booked at the Red Leaves Resort right next door. Nope, it turns out to be the new home of Abbey’s Bake House opening this season. Looking forward to checking out the gooey butter tarts.
2012
Muskoka Ice Out, T-Minus & Counting
It appears we are in the midst of experiencing a very early ice out. Some locals are saying the ice will disappear from the big lakes by the end of this week or at least before April 1st. You can see from this photo that the ice is deteriorating quickly. I took this shot on Saturday March 17th, 2012 at the Wallace Marine near Minett, Ontario right on Lake Rosseau.
2011
Vivienne II
Most of the boats are now put away for the season. Sometimes when you prolong the inevitable you get lucky and catch a nice day with the opportunity to squeeze in one last boat ride. I caught the Vivienne II out for what was probably her last cruise of the season. I was on the leeward side of Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau and noticed the 31ft Minett-Shields built in the 1920’s gracefully gliding towards us like a dream.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
The Islands of Muskoka
Most islands on the Big 3 lakes in Muskoka have unique names such as Sunbeam, Monyca or Lookout and have long and interesting histories associated with them. And then there are these numerous small insignificant islands that are basically rocks jutting out of the lake. We like to make up our own names for them – LOL. Some are completely barren with few trees or they can be occupied by flocks of weird birds. You need to be careful navigating around these chunks of granite as they are usually located in shallow waters. Captain – red marker port side!
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Travelling Down the Joseph River
Another scene from a Jestski – I left Lake Joseph and found my way into the Joseph River headed towards Lake Rosseau with the sun sinking on my back. I did a little spin-o-rama to try and catch the sunset at the top end of the river. There is an interesting boathouse here and I think maybe I will return on another day to capture it in more detail.
I have always wondered if the Joe River is a real river? It seems to be a rock cut that connects Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau. I have heard Lady Eaton had the rocks blasted out many moons ago so she could have her steamship navigate through the rocks instead of traveling down to Port Sandfield. If you know the story please set me straight.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Riding Off Into the Setting Sun
I usually tour new cottage guests around Lake Rosseau for their first visit due to the proximity of all the unique landmarks. Lake Rosseau has Winderemere, Red Leaves, Clevelands House, the Church in Morinus, a Lighthouse and a bunch of other interesting and historical sites. I’m not discounting Lake Joseph or Lake Muskoka, by any means as both have their own unique sites to see.
It was a long day and we were on our way back to the cottage after touring the lake and stopping for a swim in a quiet bay. BBQ strip-loins and big bold Cabernets were on our minds as we zoomed back into the setting sun.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Fairview Island
The sun was descending quickly as I was running a group of visitors back to the cottage after one of my mini tours on Lake Rosseau. There is a passage way between a group of islands and the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club. This is the tip (no don’t run a boat through here) of Fairview Island which has a beautiful cottage that was built in the late 1800’s. Cottage Life Magazine did a story on it which you can see right here.
2011
Whimsical Sign & the Camera+ App
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka runs every Friday from 9am to 2pm up until Labour Day and its located at the park near the waters edge. There are about 80 vendors which makes for an interesting place to browse, listen to live music, shop and sample food. While visiting last Friday I noticed this cool sign made by Catie of Off The Beaten Path and couldn’t resist taking it home. Its made from an old cupboard door, a bunch of old bolts and rusted out tools.
FYI – I have started to play with the iPhone camera recently and took this shot with it. I then ran it through Lisa Bettany’s Camera+ App which has had an unbelievable 3 million downloads to date. Lisa is a fellow Canadian and photographer who you can find at MostlyLisa.com
2011
Brandy Lake in Muskoka
It is estimated that there are around 1600 lakes in the Muskoka district. The “big three” lakes (Muskoka, Joseph & Rosseau) get most of the attention however there are lots of smaller lakes worthy of adventure. This photo was taken near the town of Port Carling where you will find a small lake called Brandy Lake. Many of these lakes have public access ramps where you can drop your kayak, canoe, or Tom Sawyer raft in.
Please click on the photo for a large image.
2011
Little Red Boathouse
I talked with a local the other day and he said, “We are still making ice”. The nights have been below zero therefore things are not melting down yet. The open water around this dock is a result of bubblers being used. Its the time of year when the ice can rip apart your dock or boathouse. I noticed water levels are down about a foot on Joe, Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. The spring run off will top them up a bit more. The Saps been running and people are making Maple Syrup so the spring should happen any time now.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized Pic
2011
Winters Tranquility
I wanted to grab a hot beverage and walk down to the seats at the end of the dock and ponder life for a bit. It just didn’t seem right to mess it up. This is a dock at the north end of Lake Rosseau near the Village of Rosseau. In a few months it will be bustling with boats and people.
Please click on the photo for an extra large size
2010
Da Plane, Boss, Da Plane!
I snapped this shot as I was traveling up near Rosseau, Ontario and towards Parry Sound, just off old Hwy #69. For us Canadians it is our Thanksgiving weekend and Columbus Day for our American friends. Safe travels to all.
Please click on the photo for a larger size.
2010
Bestest Friends
Erika traveled from the prairies to Muskoka for her 16th birthday and brought her bestest friend in the world along for the journey. We picked a bay near the top end of Lake Rosseau to drift and swim in the August sunshine. Life is good!
Please click on the photo for a large sized pic.
