2018
The Last Breath of a Muskoka Autumn
The last days of fall were upon us when this shot was taken. And now the winter has approached just like that.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2018
Thinking About Spiders on my Dock
I’m fascinated by the design of spider webs. The strength of the silk and the overall design of the web itself are key factors in its resiliency. They are designed to sacrifice some failure points in order to preserve the overall integrity of the web. Even after facing extreme winds and torrential downpours they still survive. How spider webs achieve their strength.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2018
Nobody Loves Me Anymore
I posted this photo of a run down boathouse over on my Instagram account. It got quite a few comments from you Muskoka people who are out there and know whats going on. I have been watching this Lake Rosseau boathouse slowly deteriorate over the years. I would imagine with the cost of lake front property, taxes and low inventory that this property will be transformed into something new someday. You rarely see any old relics that are falling apart on the lake any more. Even the boathouse up on Fairy Island is gone now however the cottage still stands among the trees.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2018
Sullivan Island, Lake Joe
I was cruising back home via Seadoo after visiting a friend at the bottom end of Lake Joe. I headed due north passing by Caniff Island and then by Sullivan Island. I looked over at Sullivan Island and it looked perfect with the backdrop of clouds. I have not been traveling as much with my big Nikon camera so I whipped out my trustee iPhone X and got this shot.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2018
Blasting By
There was still some light as I headed back to the cottage at the end of a long run up the lake. Even though we are at peek summer this is the only boat I happened to see blasting by on the north end of Lake Joseph. And I’m OK with that.
2018
The Protest to Stop Waterfront Subdivisions in Muskoka
Here is a short video I made while participating in the Sound the Alarm Boat Rally in Muskoka August 25th, 2018. This is in protest of developers turning existing waterfront resorts into subdivisions. The environmental impact of high density housing on shorelines is the main driver. The protest was held in front of the old Lakeside Lodge which was torn down and will have 43 new cottages built on 470 ft of shoreline. Normally 1 or 2 cottages would be built on a lot this size not 43. This all has to do with the new official plan and a developer friendly Mayor and a few Councilors. I assure you this is more than a NIMBY situation. I copied from the Save Muskoka website below.
Official plans set the rules of land use and development for a municipality. This new plan would allow any of Muskoka’s 80-plus waterfront resorts to be redeveloped into high-density residential enclaves – thanks to a developer-friendly redefinition of what constitutes a “Resort”. The District of Muskoka’s planners, in a misguided attempt to prop up the ailing resort industry, are proposing that 50% of all new units may be sold and operated as fully residential units, without the requirement to rent. The other 50% can be sold with minimal (and unenforceable) rental obligations. It is, simply, residential densification under the guise of being a “Resort”. Ironically the real effect maybe doing away with resorts entirely.
http://savemuskoka.ca
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2018
Sunset Cruise
What a great summer this has been. Maybe the best in a decade especially if you are spending time on the water. I’ve been using my trusty Seadoo more than my boat these days especially when traveling solo. I love to do a final run on the water as the sun drops to conclude the day.
2018
Feet In Cold Water
There was this awesome Canadian band from the 1970’s called A Foot in Cold Water. Maybe you’ve heard of them? They had a hit song called; Make Me Do Anything You Want. I seem to recall they had an album cover with some dangling feet in cold water. I took this photo with my trusty iPhone off my dock thinking about them. There’s nothing like dangling your feet off the dock on a warm day.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2018
onecallaway
ONECALLAWAY – is the name of the cottage. Years ago when we were thinking of purchasing this cottage we weren’t sure what to do. Should we or shouldn’t we? Our friend Rob was visiting the office and gave us a little push. He said “do it, it will be a great lifestyle choice” Rob continued “You never know about life, it could be over tomorrow. We could be One Call Away from the Doctor telling us so”. Over the years Rob has visited and also referred to our cottage as onecallaway and it stuck.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2018
Dog Days of Summer Solstice
Today is the longest day of sunlight in 2018. Of course that is only true if you live north of the equator. The summer solstice is upon us.
These two skimmed by my cottage a few years back. I didn’t know what else to do with the photo so I’m posting it here. 🙂 Don’t forget to visit my Instagram where I post at least one photo per day. Mostly Muskoka related but sometimes my travels get in the way.
http://instagram.com/edboutilier
2018
Show Ski Canada – Off the Docks at Clevelands
I was enjoying lunch and a brew at Pie Wood Fired Pizza on the upper deck at Cleveland’s House recently and noticed Show Ski Canada practicing. The SWS Muskoka people with the marina next door are very involved with some of their people on the team and their Mastercraft boat powering up the talented skiers. It’s SWS that runs the amazing water ski shows around Muskoka. If you haven’t seen a show I highly recommend you check one out. Schedule here. This year the Deerhurst in Huntsville Ontario is hosting the World Water Ski Show Tournament September 7-9, 2018.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2018
New Season – Same Old Sign
Hello – are you still out there? It has been some time since I have updated this Blog. I will continue to do so over the cottage season months as there is still plenty of traffic coming here looking for Muskoka related content. I think in general most blog traffic on the web has dropped off due to the growth of social media. As I mentioned in a previous post I put up one photo per day on Instagram. Usually lots of Muskoka related photos and some of my travels and other areas of interest. You can follow me here if you like. instagram.com/edboutilier
The sign in the photo below was carved by my brother Tim and I when we were up on Otter Lake in the 1990’s. Tim was taken by the Great Spirit at 36 years old so it has special meaning to me. I always smile when I see it overlooking the patio. It is a constant reminder of the good times we had hanging out at night around the fire listening to great tunes, fixing up the cottage and of course out in the boat all day.
2018
Happy 2018
May the New Year bring you cherished memories, good health and an abundance of love and laughter.
