2014
Happy Canada Day, Eh
Hey hosers, hope you had a great Canada Day. This flag once flew over the Parliament buildings in Ottawa and now we are proud to fly it at our cottage every year on Canada day. I think these beautiful flags adorn parliament for about a week and then offer them to the public. You can apply here to get one but I should warn you its currently a 42 year waiting list. We received ours through secret Ninja sources.
2014
Farewell Goldie and Kurt
Its no secret that the beloved Goldie Hawn and partner Kurt Russell have been long term poster celebs in Muskoka. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting them myself however I have talked to others that have and my impression is they are very cool people. For over a decade they have been seen in different communities shopping, dining, playing golf and generally enjoying the Muskoka life just like everyone else. Last week while scanning the real estate listings I noticed that their beautiful cottage on Lake Rosseau has come on the market. Farewell Goldie and Kurt.
Curious at what $6M gets you? Have a peek here. http://bit.ly/1iVlCVz
photo source: Reuters/ Phil McCarten
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2014
Gone Fishing
I passed by the Severn River on the way home from the cottage on Fathers Day and noticed these fishermen in the rapids. This is the area after the falls where it flows into Georgian Bay.
The central Ontario Severn River is 30 km or about 19 mi long. The river services many cottagers mostly only accessible by boat. The river sees many yachts and large cruisers traveling from Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe near Orillia to Georgian Bay, or vice-versa.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2014
Mary Lake
I don’t get a chance to travel up to the Huntsville or Lake of Bays area as often as I like. It is equally as beautiful as the areas around the big three lakes in Muskoka. I snapped this photo where the Muskoka River flows out of Mary Lake. There is a considerable amount of history on these lakes and they tend to be populated by quaint cottages instead of the ostentatious McMansions on the larger lakes. I highly recommend visits to the area.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
Ferndale Now & Then
I have posted about Ferndale in the past however I thought I would provide an update as I recently found some old photos that show the size and scale of the property in its previous life. Ferndale is a very large property that used to be a resort that could take in hundreds of people. Later it became the Canadian Keswick Conference Centre a Christian leadership camp. Today Ferndale is a very extravagant and private cottage owned by one of Canada’s most successful home developers.
The Canadian Keswick Conference Centre. I don’t have anyone to credit for the photo use as it was taken from a postcard posted on eBay. You can see from the view this is a sizable property and no doubt with sizable property taxes.
Another photo from a post card. It appears to be a very popular place in its day holding up to 650 guests.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
Dead
I don’t have any cat rescuing children videos or cutsie dog pics however I do have this little fellow who whacked his noggin on the cottage window. I have been told that its a adult male Black-Throated Green Warbler. The poor guy didn’t make it.
Speaking of dead…. I spent the long weekend at the cottage and noticed that many places were still closed. As I drove into Port Carling Friday afternoon I noticed shops with the winter boards still on their windows. On Saturday I thought it would be a good idea to book dinner at the new Medora restaurant (formerly Rebecca’s) – nope – closed. Later in the day I drove by Clevelands House – A huge resort, closed. (Apparently they had roof damage from the heavy snow loads this winter) The local bakery – Closed.
Ok so I went by a local marina thinking surely it would be bustling with people gassing up and getting their boats. Nope – not a soul around, deadsville! We are talking about the Victoria Day long weekend, the May-two-four, the weekend that kicks off the summer season in Canada. I suppose it is the late spring, cold weather and high water levels that killed everything? I try not to be influenced by these sort of things and keep rolling along but it is an interesting observation. Umm welcome back – kinda.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2014
145 Years and counting
You know you can’t kick off the Muskoka cottage season without the obligatory Clevelands House photo. Can you believe they are entering their 145th year in business? As a country Canada is only 2 years older. With the long brutally cold winter we just went through there is much anticipation in cherishing every summer moment before us.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
There are Signs
Looking out onto Lake Rosseau for the signs of spring. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus, Ontario.
2014
Snow Blanket on Lake Rosseau
The March lore – In like a lion and out like a lamb? Well we shall see. Lake Rosseau on a snowy day. Please click on the image for a biggie shot.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2014
The Chapel of Baked Goods
During the Muskoka summers I often visit Abbey’s Bake House to worship the most awesome bacon maple infused butter-tarts known to mankind. Abbey’s is a 19th century church brought in from Digby, Nova Scotia and repurposed as a seasonal bake house. I was walking across the ice on Lake Rosseau near Clevelands House recently when I dropped by for a pic.
THis is a 19th century repurpised church converted into a bakery
2014
Its all right now …in fact its a Gas
Driving around in Muskoka you can sure get a sense of how much snow has fallen this winter. Certainly more than I have seen in a few years. Lets hope that when the big melt down arrives this spring that the Ministry has it under control, unlike last year. Looking out from the Summer Water Sports dock, Wallace Bay, on Lake Rosseau towards Clevelands House on a very snowy day.
2014
Bubbling
I don’t know about you but in the back of my mind I’m always thinking about Muskoka. Well, after a refreshing trip south I finally got the opportunity to get back up to the cottage and check things out. I went for a little stroll out on the ice as it appeared to be fairly thick even though I didn’t see any fish huts. You can see the bubblers are working, keeping the ice off the boathouse cribs and docks. I setup my tripod and camera for some shots and ended up taking this one with my Android phone.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2013
Before the Big Freeze
Anticipation of high water levels in Muskoka if we get the 40-50mm of rain forecasted these next few days. And we thought we were done with high water after this past spring. A Muskoka boathouse before the big freeze.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2013
Boathouse Shutdown
Its eerie quiet around Muskoka as we prepare for what feels like an early winter. Not many boats out on the lake anymore and when you see one its usually a service boat from a local marina. For some reason all the visitors have disappeared. Boathouse shutdown has commenced.
2013
The Seasons Last Boat Ride
I enjoy being out on the lakes this time of year. Its extremely peaceful and somehow the raw beauty of it all gets amplified exponentially. I try to keep the boats in the water as long as I can and that’s usually until we get our first snowfall which has now happened. We made our way across Lake Rosseau and on up the Joe River into Lake Joseph. To keep warm we meandered slowly as the air was crisp and sharp making our eyes water. For a long duration no one spoke as our brains soaked it all in. A final goodbye to the Muskoka boating season.
2013
Searching for Emanating Color
Out on the water I had a difficult time finding fall colors since the shorelines are predominately lined in mature conifers. While passing through Port Sandfield I noticed this small bay dotted with boathouses with a semblance of color. Shooting with an ultra-wide angled Nikkor 14-24 lens produced this panoramic type shot. Please click for a larger 2048p sized photo.
2013
Falling for Fall Foliage
The colours (or colors for you Americans) are really starting to dazzle around the Muskoka area right now. The Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report states that Muskoka is near peak. I hope you get a chance to get out and experience it all. Take in one of the awesome trails if you can.
or
2013
Goodbye Summer
It was only a few weeks ago that we were frolicking in the lake and basking in the sun. Now suddenly the big switch has been pulled. I took this shot with an iPad and ran it through the camera+ app
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2013
Whats SUP?
Have you tried to SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding? I haven’t, but I think I may be good at it. Taken at the Touchstone Resort on Lake Muskoka in the early morning.
2013
Rockhaven Boathouse
As you tour around the Muskoka lakes by watercraft you get to witness some real spectacular scenery. It could be a simple rock formation, weathered pine trees, a kid with a fish on his line or taking in the beautiful architecture. This is one of my favorite properties on Lake Rosseau. It is the boathouse on Rockhaven Island. Have a safe and enjoyable Labour / Labor Day long weekend. Where did the summer go?
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
