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
2008
An Old Cabin on Lake Joseph, Muskoka
I discovered this old cabin on a small island while traveling towards the north end of Lake Joseph. It is still possible to find old cabins and cottages around the Muskoka Lakes that date back over 100 years. New development has not taken everything.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Boatworks of Port Carling, Muskoka
The Boatworks of Port Carling, Muskoka
The Port Carling, Ontario Boat Works was established in 1925. During the Depression, the company sold the most stock production inboard boats in Canada. Their famous SeaBird launches were built on site and at a branch plant at Honey Harbour.

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Six Waterskiers on Lake Rosseau
Zooming out of Clevelands House – the six waterskiers

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Dempster Cottage (Former Big B Camp) built in 1894 Muskoka, Canada
Doors Open Ontario presented an opportunity to look at some interesting places.
Dempster Cottage (Former Big B Camp) built in 1894, located on Lake Muskoka
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Cruising the Muskoka lakes
While cruising down Lake Joesph on Saturday I spotted the Segwun Steamship anchored at the Sherwood Inn

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Sun Sets on Muskoka’s Historic Marygrove
For those of you following the story about Marygrove formerly the Glen Home Hotel circa 1939 in Muskoka.
Well shes gone now. Hope The Sisters are happy.
See also: The Wrecking Ball Takes Down Another Historic Muskoka Landmark
and …
The Continuing Destruction of Muskoka Courtesy of your Muskoka Lakes Township Council
The Sun Sets on Marygrove

Twisted Sisters Stoves Waiting for the Scrap Man

And after a hard days work remember to drink Muskoka Dry

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Kee to Bala, A Muskoka Favorite
The Kee opened for business in the summer of 1942 and was originally named Dunn’s Pavilion.
It has been a favorite to many that have visited the Muskoka area.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, Big Bands like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong played here.
Since the 1960s, rockers like David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell, The Ramones, April Wine, Rush, Burton Cummings, The Tragically Hip, 54-40 and the late great Jeff Healey played at The Kee.
Check out this year’s lineup: www.thekee.com

In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Globe and Mail article on the Muskoka High Water Levels
Last week the Globe and Mail (Canada’s National Newspaper) contacted me and asked for permission to use some of the photos I took on the high water levels around Muskoka’s cottage country. They also interviewed me on what I had seen and were nice enough to make mention of this blog.
The Saturday print edition came out with the photo shown below and a story. The on-line version is sans photo and located here
I noticed quite a bit of traffic and a few new comments on the blog then all of a sudden our data center that hosts our websites went down due to a transformer exploding. Unfortunately we have been down for a couple of days but are happy to say we are back in the saddle again.

In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The Continuing Destruction of Muskoka, Courtesy of your Muskoka Lakes Township Council
The developers came with the worlds greatest plans and we wrote all down as the progress of man …
The previous post about Marygrove formerly the Glen Home Hotel circa 1939 seems to have created quite a stir. I received many e-mails and comments from people that are very furious with what has transpired here.
The Muskoka Lakes heritage committee and the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario had recommended that Marygrove be preserved due to its historical and architectural significance. The Muskoka Lakes township council ignored these request and decided to grant demolition permits and rezoning to allow for four new cottage lots to be developed instead. This hapless and cavalier decision resulted in the resignation of all seven Muskoka Lakes heritage committee members.
This photo was taken from the docks of the Lake Joe Club on Saturday May 24, 2008. It shows the last standing portion of Marygrove which is now reduced to rubble. The oblivious expressions of the boaters are rather fitting.

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









