2008
The Sun Sets Over Clevelands House in Muskoka
The sun sets over Clevelands House to end another summer/fall season in Muskoka. I took this photo from a new trail that opened up along the shoreline from the Wallace Marina over to the New Red Leaves Resort. Of course Red Leaves now owns Clevelands and the entire shoreline around to the resort. It has to be close to 2 miles of shoreline on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka – do the math.
Click for bigger size
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Lock #45 Port Severn, Ontario
When you take highway # 400 north to cottage country you pass over the Severn River that empties into Georgian Bay. This is the township of Port Severn or Severn as its known today. Severn is part of the Trent Severn waterway that is 387 km’s long and consists of 44 locks, 39 swing bridges and 160 dams. This photo was taken near lock #45 the smallest of them all.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka Island Reflections in the Fall
I snapped this Muskoka island in the early morning light. The water was perfectly still and reflected the trees, boathouse and white puffy clouds above. There are numerous islands throughout the Muskoka Lakes and each and every one is unique in its own way. You have to be careful navigating your boat near them as there is often shallow water surrounding them.
Muskoka Island (Click on Image to Enlarge)
2008
Joseph River Muskoka Boathouse at Sundown
The fall colors have not quite peaked as of yet but should be vibrant this weekend coming which is Canada’s Thanksgiving. There is a little island that sits out in the Joe River that you can see from the road just south of Minett, Ontario. The sun had just set when I snapped this.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Purks Place in Bala another Muskoka landmark slated for teardown
Their motto is Boats and Bait since 1908. Purks Place is a Muskoka landmark located on Burgess Island at the Bala Falls in Bala, Ontario. It appears Purk’s will be no more. In the near future a hydro electric power plant is slated to be built in its place. Some of the locals have been in opposition to this and have setup a website savethebalafalls.com
Interesting article by local Bala author and musician Jack Hutton. Â Who Cares About Purks’s Place?
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Interesting Boathouses on the Muskoka Lakes
One of the most striking things you notice when visiting Muskoka are the many types of beautiful boathouses. They vary from rustic to charming to grandiose architectural styles. Many of these boathouses feature beautiful sitting rooms, bathrooms, exercise rooms and grand bedrooms. Sometimes driving past you can get a peak at the prized Muskoka antique boats like the Ditchburns, Minette-Shields, Dippys and Greavettes etc.
This photo is of a boathouse on a Lake Rosseau island. It appears someone really loves his sailboat.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Huckleberry Rock Trail overlooking Lake Muskoka
Huckleberry Rock is one of the most scenic views in all of Muskoka. You can find the trail just off the road that takes you to Milford Bay. These rocks are some of the oldest rocks in the world, well over a billion years old. I will return in late autumn to catch some of the vivid colors.
“Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun. But, Mama, that’s where the fun is.
“Blinded by the light” — Bruce Springsteen.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Muskoka boat season, excuse me I am not done yet
Ok so its only September, I mean there’s no reason to pack up and leave yet although most have done so. Boating season still has at least 2 months to go for me and the odd other nut bar I see around the lakes. We are Canadians and we have to stretch it out as long as we can even if it does mean blue fingers and toes.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka features the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In the town of Rosseau, Ontario every Friday morning in the summer you will find The Rosseau Farmers Market. This is a great place to come browse around at the many artisans booths, purchase fresh produce, and catch a different musical group each week. However, come labour day like most things in Muskoka the streets roll up. I highly recommend a visit here either by boat or car. On the last day I caught this interesting band called, Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Chessboard at Clevelands House in Muskoka
While driving back from the Rosseau farmers market the other morning I decided to take a little side trip into Clevelands House which is one of the last remaining 100 year old resorts still standing in Muskoka. I noticed this really cool giant chess set in the back area for guests to play. Most of the people were down at the water but I would imagine there have been a few interesting matches here in the evenings.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Church on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka Canada
When you travel north past Cleveland’s House in Minett and towards Royal Muskoka Island you will find this very distinctive church on the waters edge. This is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus, Ontario. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2002. I have often caught glimpses of brides arriving in old Muskoka woodies for their big day. There are some images you cannot capture with a lens however they do remain etched in my brain.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Lake Joseph, Muskoka Panorama
Traveling up to the north end of Lake Joseph you will notice that it is less inhabited compared with other parts of the Muskoka Lakes. There are a myriad of islands and hidden bays to discover. Its one of my favorite areas to travel as I feel like you step back in time. This shot was taken looking due south on a hazy early afternoon.
2008
Muskoka’s Port Carling, The Skyline from the Waters Edge
Cruising down the Indian River from Lake Rosseau you will eventually find the Town of Port Carling. This area is considered the hub of the Muskoka lakes. By navigating through the lock you are able to get into Lake Muskoka from here.
There are some very interesting buildings here especially the Port Carling Boat Works which was established in 1925. During the depression this company sold the most stock production of outboard motors in all of Canada. They built their beautiful Seabird launches from this location and a branch plant down in Honey Harbour, Ontario.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Inside Dukes Boatbuilders of Muskoka
I was lucky enough to get a tour of Dukes Marine Services in Port Carling, Ontario at the hub of the Muskoka Lakes. Dukes has been around for a very long time and used to build rowboats, launches and even produced minesweepers during the Second World War. Charles Duke moved his business to this particular site in 1924. Dukes beautifully crafted Playmate boats are still often spotted on the lakes in Muskoka. Today the shop refurbishes many of the classics from yesteryear including Greavettes, Minett-Shields and Ditchburns.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Take the Time Machine, Visit the Rosseau General Store Circa 1874
Located at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau at Hwys # 141 and # 632 you will find the famous Rosseau General Store.
Not only is it a tourist destination its also one of the best places for groceries, hardware and supplies in the area.
Built in 1874 the two-storey white frame building is much the same as it was 100 years ago.
The creaky wooden floors and interior displays are like taking time machine back to another era.
Rosseau General Store
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Captain Rob Cruises the Muskoka Lakes
My good friend Rob loves Muskoka. Like many of us, its in our blood. Just like me, he can spend hours cruising around the Muskoka Lakes such as Lake Joseph, Rosseau and Muskoka checking everything out. Its absolutely breathtaking and it just sucks you right in like a giant vortex. Its a deep rooted feeling you get from being up here and it may even be traceable in our DNA.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Interesting Boats Spotted on the Muskoka Lakes
What am I doing here? I noticed this Power Cat boat over in Gravenhurst at the annual boat show. Pretty funky looking design with twin Mercs on board. This baby was built in California probably in the 60’s. There was no one around at the time to give the run down on her but nevertheless it turned a few heads.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Navigating Through the Islands on Lake Rosseau Muskoka
One of my past times is to cruise around the different islands on the Muskoka Lakes by Jetski. I can get into places where you simply can’t by boat. No, I guess I am not that “green” even though I bought a kayak I have only been in it 2 times so far. My intentions were good but certainly not the best vessel to carry photographic equipment in. This island boathouse is on Lake Rosseau not far from the Muskoka Lakes Golf Club.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Muskoka Birds of a Feather
I am no bird expert and please correct me if I’m wrong but I believe this is a Common Merganser out for a cruise with her children. Taken on the Joseph River near Lake Rosseau in the heart of Muskoka Canada.
2008
The Dog Days of a Muskoka Summer
I was kicking back taking an afternoon siesta when all of a sudden these two came cruising right by me. I ran and grabbed the camera and was able to get a couple of shots in. The Dog days of summer are upon us.
