2010
The Russians are Coming … The Russians are Coming
Paignton House Road leads to the Red Leaves Resort near the village of Minett in Muskoka Canada. As part of the G8 Summit expenditures this small piece of road cost the taxpayers a mere $410,000.00 to pave and beautify. The resort is located about 75 km’s from where the G8 is in the town of Huntsville, Ontario. According to the Honourable Tony Clement the Member of Parliament for Muskoka-Parry Sound,“ The Paignton House Road will be an important route taken by VIPs attending the 2010 G8 Summit, as they travel between The Rosseau resort and the summit site each day,” More from Tony baby here
Rumor has it the Russians are staying here this weekend. I wonder how the Vodka inventory is?
2010
National Post Interview, “Its Not All Cappuccinos On The Dock”
Last week I was interviewed by National Post reporter Vanessa Farquharson who was trying to get a sense of how Muskoka has evolved over the years, both aesthetically and socially. Those of you that live or frequent the Muskoka region know how misunderstood it really is. As you are probably aware Muskoka is constantly in the news these days with the G-8 Summit arriving this week. The dates are June 25-26, 2010 in Huntsville, Ontario.
For the complete National Post article please click here
2010
Mellow Yellow
Continuing with the “Eye Candy on the Lakes” motif. Over the past few years I have noticed ample cottages and boathouses going with yellow as the main color. Its very cheery and sure beats the doldrums of brown. Up on the north west side of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka as you head into one of the bays you will find this beautiful cottage and boathouse.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
Pipe Dreams
Pipe Dreams as seen on the streets of Waubaushene, Ontario just off Hwy #400
lLease click on the image for biggie size
2010
The Calm Before the G8 Storm
Around the town of Huntsville Ontario here are many smaller lakes that are very clean and peaceful. However the peace is about to be shattered as the G8 Summit steamrolls its way into Muskoka. The main meeting place for the G8 is at the Deerhurst Resort which is located directly on one of these small lakes. Peninsula Lake is also connected to Fairy, Mary and Vernon lakes. Look for Harper and Obama with their fishing poles.
Please click on the photo for a larger size – thanks
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2010
Took The Long Way Home
We decided to head back home a little earlier as it was a rainy and somewhat chilly day. (Although that usually does not matter) I spotted another road side distraction on Highway #11 south of Gravenhurst (probably more like Orillia) at The Lazy Farmers Antiques. I think its a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 but I could be out a year or two?
Please click on the image for Le Grande sized Mustang
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2010
Flat Stanley Visits Muskoka
Flat Stanley is one cool dude who traveled all the way from Viking, Alberta to check out Muskoka. The Flat Stanley Project was started by a London, Ontario school teacher Dale Hubert to facilitate letter writing for children. Flat Stanley is usually mailed out to friends or relatives who are asked to treat him like a visiting guest. Flat Stanley is eventually returned to his creator and his travels are then documented in a journal.
The Flat Stanley Project: flatstanleyproject.com
Flat Stan also dropped by Clevelands House
2010
The Magnificent Ferndale
Further eye candy on the lakes …
This is the majestic Ferndale on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. The site of the original Ferndale House as mentioned previously. I watched this place being built over the past two or three years. It attracts quite the boat traffic as it is one of the most grand of all Muskoka cottages on the big three lakes.
Please click on the image for a grandiose sized photo
2010
Ferndale House in Muskoka
This is the point of land on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka where the Ferndale House once rested. It was later called the Canadian Keswick Conference Centre and it burned down in 1946. There is now a very large mansion and boathouse on this property. (Photo coming soon) Check the cool little gazebo up on the point overlooking the lake. Click to see a large photo.
Please click on the photo for a 1280 pixel size
2010
The Old Farm in Rest Harbour Muskoka
This is all that remains of a farm in Rest Harbour on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka with the exception of the old boathouse across the road. The land, “owned free and clear to the waters edge” was originally deeded to the Wrenshall family dating back to 1884. It was amongst the first 20 free grants issued for Medora township. The Judd family purchased the property from the Wrenshall family around 1886.
Up until the 1940’s this property was only accessible by water. The steam ships would come into the docks and bring supplies. Of course in the winter everything was carted across the ice. The farm and a resort called Rest Harbour operated until the late 1960’s. Many of these historic places are disappearing from Muskoka.
I want to thank the numerous and knowledgeable people out in Blog land that have left comments, forwarded information, land surveys and photos to me. Thank you Deborah!
2010
Exploring Georgian Bays 30,000 Islands
The 30,000 island region of Georgian Bay is absolutely breathtaking. I would highly recommend The Island Queen cruise which you can pickup from the docks in the town of Parry Sound, Ontario. The region is filled with glacier sculpted granite islands and windswept trees that look like Group of Seven paintings. The United Nations (UNESCO) has designated this area of Georgian Bay as a Biosphere Reserve being the worlds largest freshwater archipelago covering 347,000 hectares.
Website for the Island Queen Cruise
www.island-queen.com
Please click on the photo for a large size
2010
Preparing for the May Two-Four Weekend
Port Sandfield in Muskoka is a cool place to hangout and watch the boats cruise through from Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau and vice-versa. Its been a little chilly on the water lately however it looks like we are in for some warmer weather this coming weekend. You will start to see more activity on the water now as everyone prepares to get ready for the big May “Two-Four” weekend.
For our American and International friends May 24th is a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday commonly known as Victoria Day, a Canadian statutory holiday – Yup a long weekend and the official kick-off of summer for us.
Please click for a larger sized photo
2010
What door will it be Monty?
For those of us that are located on the big 3 lakes in Muskoka we sometimes take for granted the beautiful and eclectic boathouses that populate our shorelines. It really is one of the defining characteristics of Muskoka. This is a 6-slip boathouse located on Lake Rosseau. Most boathouses are 2 or 3 slips in size. I have never seen whats hiding behind those doors but could imagine there are a few beauties moored within.
Many of you have contacted me requesting more “Eye Candy on the Lakes” so I plan to continue featuring as many as I can.
2010
Tractive Force
I don’t recall exactly where I discovered this old Tractor. I was driving around in circles for a while that day. It was someones lawn ornament in front of their home around the Milford Bay area of Muskoka – me thinks. You never know what you will find meandering through the back roads sometimes.
Please click on the photo for a tractor sized 1280 pixel shot
2010
The Old Boathouse in Harbour Bay, Lake Rosseau
This property came on the market recently and I was curious about it so I did a drive by. The old boathouse is approximately 100 years old and is located in Rest Harbour on 275 feet of Lake Rosseau shoreline. There is a newer single story boathouse beside it and directly across the road is what appears to be an old farm (46 acres in all) with the barn still barely standing. There is a newer house and some older out buildings as well. I’m not sure of the history of this place however I bet it will be bulldozed at some point for something new. It looks to be too far gone although you never know. All this can be yours for a mere $985,000
Click for Chestnut Park Listing
Please click on the photo for a large sized image of the old boathouse
2010
Kerplunk!
The water is still a little on the chilly side for my liking however there are a few brave souls nut-bars out there that are game.
Off the dock and into a frigid Lake Joesph in Muskoka. Brrrrr!
Please click on the image for a large splash shot 🙂
2010
Off the Cleveland House Dock
In about another month this dock will be filled with people lying in the sun, swimming, boats pulling up etc. This is at the world famous Clevelands House family resort located on about 3000 feet of prime Lake Rosseau frontage in Muskoka. Its a great place to explore, drop by for drinks, have dinner or people watch.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
The Quiet Hills of Mount St. Louis
I was surprised to see that there was still some snow on the ski hills of Mount St. Louis. For those of you that travel up the highway #400 route to cottage country this will be a familiar view compared to the road side distractions of highway #11. As they say – there are only two seasons in Canada. Winter Summer and Hockey.
2010
Love Mother Earth
I don’t really have a photo that represents Earth Day so when I received my daily email from Hugh MacLeod I thought I would pass it on. Hugh MacLeod is an artist I have been following for many years. I just finished reading Hugh’s book “Ignore Everybody” and I find Hugh’s work very inspiring and find that he always cuts clean through the erratic noise. You can check Hugh’s website and blog by clicking HERE.
Hughes Comments:
A Tribute To Earth Day.
Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions, She may not be happy right now, but she’s all we’ve got.
Let’s take care of her.
2010
Memories of Burn Barrels
Burn Barrels used to be quite common around the old Muskoka cottages. I think for the most part people have become a little more environmentally conscious. There is a fire ban in effect in the Muskoka District. No day time burning from April 1 to October 31. For more info please click here
PLease click on the image for a biggie sized burn barrel
