2011
The Secret Lookout
This is a cool, private place on an Island in the Muskoka area that is no longer in use. Its part of Secret Muskoka where I am not allowed to reveal its location or a team of wild goats will drag me across the Torrence Barrens. There are not many abandoned places left on the big lakes. The waterfront real estate is so valuable and taxes so high that anyone owning property usually sells it or uses it for themselves.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, secret muskoka
2011
The Boat Guy
During the recent Doors Open Ontario event we had the opportunity to meet renowned Muskoka boat builder Stan Hunter, aka “BoatGuy”. Stan has been restoring and servicing some of the most prized antique and classic boats in the Muskoka area for decades. I have been told he is one of the best there is.
If you are ever interested in taking a classic Muskoka boat for a cruise, Stan also operates a business called Muskoka Launch Livery. He has a fleet of famous Muskoka built Duke Playmates each with their own unique history. You can rent these beauties at Stan’s location on Hwy #118 between Port Carling and Milford Bay right on Lake Muskoka. The photo is of an 18 ft Shepherd in for servicing. Please click on the image for a larger photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
49th Annual Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Muskoka’s oldest and largest outdoor art show is on starting Friday July 15th and running to Sunday the 17th. Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show is held at the Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge. (directions here with free parking and and a small donation to get in) It is a pretty large event that draws about 20,000 to 25,000 visitors over the 3 days.
I have been to this show a few times and its filled with over 200 very talented artisans offering all kinds of things from gourmet food, furniture, paintings, jewelry, clothing and photography to name a few. If you do visit make sure you drop by and check out my friend Andrew King and his amazing paintings.
2011
Where Fairies Sleep
Another photo from the recent Fairyland visit during Doors Open Ontario event. This is the bedroom located upstairs in the cottage. Looks like it may have been a little chilly in the winter months.
Please click for a large photo.
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
Fairyland
On June 25th I had the opportunity to tour some of the interesting properties in this years Doors Open Ontario for the Muskoka area. In 1929 twin sisters Marguerite Boyce and Violet Hobbs arrived in Bala, pitched a tent at what would become Jaspen Park on the Moon River near Bala and started to sell their paintings. A year later they put a $100 down payment on a nearby cottage called Hollyhock and started a love affair between themselves and Muskoka that would last for decades.
At first they sold their paintings, then expanded to a gift shop and eventually a tea room. One of the important features was the wishing well out front (still there) which was created at the beginning of WW II. Visitors were encouraged to throw coins in which helped send more than 1000 gift parcels to Canadian servicemen and prisoners-of-war during war time. They also developed children’s doll exhibits and several generations of kids regarded the Twins Studio as a very enchanting place. After Marguerite passed away in the 1950’s Violet renamed the studio Fairyland and would dress daily in organdy. Many children believed she was a real fairy.
While I was photographing the inside of the cottage two elderly ladies arrived and displayed gifts they had purchased as little girls. They were quite emotional as they described their Fairyland experiences and how magical it was for them to visit as children. It was the first time the doors of Fairyland had been open to the public since 1974.
For a more detailed story on Fairyland courtesy of Jack and Linda Hutton please Click Here
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Happy 144th Canada
Celebrating 144 years of Canadian awesomeness! Hope everyone has a happy Canada Day from the true north strong and free.
(snapped from a camera phone)
2011
Joe Islands
On occasion, I manage to perform a Cirque du Soleil balancing act by maneuvering my Jetski and taking photos at the same time. Driving towards the north end of Lake Joseph you will find scores of fabulous islands reminiscent of Group of Seven paintings.
2011
Diver Down
I was out for an early morning drive and discovered an early morning dive. Looks like they were giving a scuba diving course at the dam in Bala on the Lake Muskoka side.
Please click on the photo for a larger size
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Benched
I enjoy wandering around discovering places that you normally wouldn’t get to see when visiting the Muskoka area. I have been fortunate to meet a number of great people that have deep-rooted knowledge on the history of the area.
One of my connections brought me to this old secluded and abandoned place in the forest. I promised the owners I would not disclose the location as it is deeply cherished and private. Yup, secret Muskoka. There appeared to be a tennis court here at one time which has long since been forgotten. This old bench is all that remains woven into the memories of Muskoka.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, secret muskoka
2011
Crane Island, Lake Joe
Last week (Weds June 9, 2011) we had quite a wicked storm roll through Muskoka. Many trees were uprooted and a few Lake Muskoka cottages and boathouses sustained severe damage. I talked with someone today who was without power for 3 days and another who couldn’t get out of their road for 2 days because of the amount of fallen trees. It’s a different world up here.
This is a shot I took just before sundown on Lake Joseph looking towards Crane Island. With the unseasonable weather there has not been many boats on the lakes or people around the towns. Its a bit quiet. Even the real estate market is much quieter compared to previous years. Its funny how the weather impacts our behavioral patterns.
2011
Jeepers
This old Jeep was pulled out of a shed in Muskoka. They were selling it at an estate sale. A young guy came by with a glint in his eye, a plan and a trailer.
Please click for a larger photo.
2011
Still Standing
I noticed this old barn while driving down Brackenrig Rd in Muskoka. You wonder how it survives the strong winds and heavy loads during winter. I guess its a testament to the way things used to be built. Please click on the image for a larger photo
2011
Sugarbush Bay from the Roadside
If you are a visitor and are driving around the Muskoka area its very difficult to see the cottages and boathouses (Eye Candy on the Lakes) that populate the shorelines. It’s much easier when you are out in a boat. Many of the grand ole Muskoka cottages are very private and you cannot see them from the road. However, there are some roads you can venture down and get a glimpse of things like this photo taken from Scarcliff Road off Hwy #118 between Port Carling and Milford Bay. This is Sugarbush Bay on Lake Muskoka. Google satellite map HERE
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
The Old Yellow Cabin
Hope everyone enjoyed the Victoria Day long weekend. Finally some decent weather apart from Sunday nights thunder boomers. I noticed plenty of boats out on the water and even one brave water skier. The streets were busy in Bracebridge and Port Carling when I was passing through. A good sign.
As many of you already know I like to stay off the beaten paths. You never know what you will discover down that side road you have been driving by for years or veering off the regular trail. A rougher ride but far more interesting. Please click on the image for a large sized photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
MuskokaBlog Channel
I have setup a new YouTube Channel and plan to add some Muskoka videos this year. The first video (only 2 mins) is a Muskoka promo that was produced for the G8 meetings held in Muskoka, June 2010. It features the well known and very talented Jack Hutton of Bala.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Blue, blue windows behind the stars …
Last night I had the privilege to see the great Neil Young in concert at Massey Hall in Toronto. Neil’s music has been such a huge inspiration over the years. I don’t know how many camp fires I have sat around listening to his haunting voice with the Loons echoing in the background.
I was fortunate to be sitting in the second row directly behind Neils family. (Hi Bob) Jonathan Demme was filming the performance for a future concert movie so I didn’t dare use a flash or distract anyone by taking too many shots. I have seen Neil numerous times over the years and in many incarnations including hippy, folkie, Nashville country, protest rocker, godfather of grunge and sonic slayer. This was one of the most remarkable performances I have seen from him.
In: uncategorized
2011
Red Air Boat
As a kid I used to watch a TV show called Gentle Ben, you know the one about the kid and the 650lb black bear. Well OK, um maybe I’m dating myself. Anyhow, they used to blast themselves around the Florida everglades in a cool fan powered boat just like this one. From what I understand these Air or Fan Boats are used in the off season around Muskoka and Georgian Bay so people can still make it out to their islands or remote properties. They are also good for search and rescue missions allowing access where a normal boat can’t go or when the ice is thin. I spotted this one up near the Windermere House.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
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
New Blog Design!
Welcome to the new MuskokaBlog.com Blog design. All of the original content remains with only the Blog layout and better social media connectivity added. The new “resources” page will feature numerous links to services and activities around Muskoka. Thanks to Nikola of Webexpedition18 for his great design skills.
Make your own Wordle like the one below.
