2010
Welcome to the Machines
The machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin
And the hub caps all gleam
.. from Queen’s, I’m in love with may car
As seen on Peninsula Rd. in Muskoka. An old Jeep Wagoneer from the 1960’s I think. I never knew they had a front grill like a Rolls Royce. The other mean machine is an Audi R8, V10 Supercar.
Please click on the photo for a super-sized image
2010
Gentleman’s Racers of Muskoka
I dropped by the Antique Boat Show in Port Carling this past Saturday just as it was coming to an end. It was put on by the Muskoka Lakes Association better known as the MLA and this year they featured the Gentleman’s Racer. Many of the vintage boats were starting to make their way back home through the lock system and I hurriedly snapped a few shots. The locks in Port Carling straddle Lake Muskoka on one side and Lake Rosseau on the other. This is a very busy are and popular tourist destination. The hub of the lakes as its known.
If you are interested in the Gentleman’s Racer boats, check out Neil Honeymen’s book that documents many of the vintage boats of the area. And thanks Neil for including one of my photos of Dukes Marine
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Cruising up by Playfair Island
I found this cool looking old boathouse/barn and old cottage tucked into a little bay up on Lake Joseph just past Playfair Island. I have no idea of its history however I would hazard to guess this was probably a working farm at some point. You can see the location on Google Maps HERE
Please click on the photo for a much larger sized photo
2010
You Go First
If you take a close look or maybe click on this photo to enlarge you will see three young guys standing at the top of this 60 foot granite cliff in Burnegie Bay on Lake Joseph. I watched them scale the rock and then proceed carefully to the edge. For the next 15 minutes they negotiated back and forth as to who would have the guts to go first. Finally, the young dude on the far right stepped up and did a full gainer into the lake below followed by a loud yelp of joy.The other two jumped right after with similar cries of victory. Would you take a leap off this rock?
2010
Joseph River Marina, R.I.P.
It’s the end of an era in Muskoka. The Joseph River Marina held an estate type auction sale this past Saturday July 31, 2010. The Rosenthal family operated this popular marina on Peninsula Rd. near Minett, Ontario for over 35 years. I believe this marina was originally called the Waters Marina prior to Joerg Rosenthal’s purchase back in the early 1970’s. Joerg and his wife Marilyn have left us now and the family has decided to sell everything off and move on. They will be greatly missed.
please click on the photo for a larger shot
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario
2010
Juddhaven Barn
I found this old barn up off Judd Haven Rd. in Muskoka. The wood frame and beams would have been milled from the area and the granite stones harvested here too. The one side looked like it was ready to cave in at any time.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized pic.
2010
Passing By The Lady of the Lakes
The sky was overcast and it threatened rain all day however that did not stop the crowds from coming out to the lawn for the Windermere House concert on July 24, 2010. As I was passing by in my boat I could hear the distinct sounds of Canadian tenor Michael Burgess and the National Academy Orchestra emanating from the lawn. Just as I started to take some shots this work boat swooshed by from out of the shadows.
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In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
Take time to smell the Roses – … Echinacea Purpurea Maxima
Please click on the image for a biggie sized photo
2010
From The Mother In-Laws Seat
This photo was taken from the mother in-laws seat in a 1930″s Ditchburn launch on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Unfortunately we were not allowed to bring cameras on the Muskoka Heritage Foundations annual Summer Tour. I snuck this low quality shot in from my iPhone as we were being transported across the lake by beautiful vintage boats. The summer tour was well organized and we had the privilege to learn about 3 very distinct and fascinating summer homes, Grey Rock, Monyca Island and Llanfair.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
Everythings Just Ducky
A typical scene along the shorelines of Muskoka’s lakes and water ways. I believe this is a female Mallard duck with her chicks.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo
2010
They Say Its Your Birthday
Last fall I was cruising through Bala and noticed the Bala Bay Inn was deserted so I thought I would set up my trusty tripod and snap a few. This past weekend marked the 100th anniversary celebration of the famous and apparently haunted Muskoka Inn. After seeing my photo the management of the Bala Bay asked if they could use it in their newsletter which of course I obliged.
Also see The Ghosts of Muskoka.
2010
Grace and Speed
This is Grace and Speed located at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. It contains a great museum that features the history of Muskoka’s boat building, grand hotels and the steamship era. The boat slips contain many different antique wooden boats that were built in Muskoka. It is well worth a visit especially if you are planning on going out on one of the Steamships.
Please click on the image for a boathouse sized photo
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Hello Miss St. Félicien
This is a shot of Miss St. Félicien as seen at last weeks annual Antique and Classic Boat Show at the wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Miss St. Félicien is looking for a new owner to restore her back to her glory days.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo.
2010
Lake Joseph Cabin
I enjoy discovering humble little cabins on the big three lakes in Muskoka. Not everything has been ripped down and replaced with designer monster crème de la crème cottages (yet). I found this place in a very quiet bay while jet-skiing up on the north end of Lake Joe. Please click on the photo for a larger size
2010
Huckleberry Rock Panoramic
If you are interested in hiking some of the trails around the Muskoka region then you need to check out the Muskoka Trail Council’s new website. Taking the Muskoka Trail Passport Challenge would be a good way to learn about the area and get some exercise in at the same time. For those that complete the 6 trail challenge you will be rewarded with a certificate. I do not think these trails are overly difficult so even a novice should be OK.
Huckleberry Rock is on the trail challenge and this is a panoramic shot I took looking out at Lake Muskoka. Please click on the photo for a larger sized pic.
Click Here for a map of the Huckleberry Rock trail in PDF
2010
Trippin up Joe by Jetski
The scenes from a Jetski motif – As the sun was beginning to drop I took a quick voyage up the Joseph River and into Lake Joseph on a Jetski. Although a little tricky, I like to try and shoot from my jetski as you can get into areas that you can’t by boat. I found this quiet bay on Lake Joe that had an old log cabin buried amongst the trees. (pic coming later) I tried to imagine what it was like to stay at this cabin and to look out at this unobstructed view to the west. As the real estate agents like to say “beautiful vistas”
Please click on the photo for an extra large size
2010
Spooled Up
Peninsula Road up by Little Lake Joseph in Muskoka or more commonly referred to as Little Joe.
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2010
Canada Day Up Canada Way
Pure Maple Syrup runs through Stompin Tom Connors veins. He is a true Canadian legend and has wrote folk songs for just about every place in Canada. In his early days Stompin Tom hitch-hiked across Canada numerous times. I read his two autobiographies a few years back and find him to be quite a fascinating and great Canadian. So with it being Canada Day I thought I would feature Stompin Tom’s Canada Day Song.
2010
Cameron Island Boat House on Lake Joseph
This is a boat house on Cameron Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. It is about midway up the lake and is surrounded by all kinds of small islands with giant pines and large granite boulders. It is one of my favorite areas to explore. I recommend you keep a good look out for the rocks and shallow waters in this area. As I passed by I noticed a for sale sign on the boat house and upon further research discovered it is available for just short of $3M dollars. For your interest, click here for the listing.
2010
Muskoka Road Signs
Who needs a GPS when you have well marked road signs like this? For those of you not familiar with Muskoka or any cottage country road, these are typical sightings as you navigate your way to crazy Uncle Charlies summer cabin in the woods. Notice the giant Bee Hive above the tree. Is it real?
Click on the above image for a large sized pic
