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
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
The Old White Cross
I was driving around the Minett area recently hoping to get an updated photo of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus. I knew I could get a good view of Lake Rosseau from here and see the ice conditions at the same time. I’ve photographed this cool church a number of times mostly from the boat. Just down the road from the Church I noticed this interesting cemetery and stopped by for a visit.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2014
The Essence of Nature
When you stand amongst the forest you can feel a transformation approaching. There is a certain softness, a stillness and a freshness permeating the air. It’s not obvious nor distinct but I sense it deeply embodied in my soul.
2014
A Change is Gonna Come
I don’t know about you but I’m ready for spring. I can’t wait for the lakes to open up, the birds to chirp and early morning coffee on the dock. This winter seems like a long, cold, torturous bad dream that just won’t go away. OK, maybe I’m whining a little but we are all ready for a shift in gears.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2013
Precipitous Manifestations
Winter has arrived with a vengeance and has transformed the region into postcard pretty. Some of the smaller lakes have begun to freeze over which seems early compared to other years. Its a beautiful time to get out and experience the arctic fresh air. I wonder what the Farmers Almanac predicts for the kind of winter ahead, that is if you believe in that kind of thing.
2013
On the Road to Big Chute
While driving back from the cottage last week I was trying to explain the marine railway system at Big Chute to some guests. If you haven’t checked it out I highly recommend you stop by. Especially if you are one of those curious techno-geeks like me and besides who wouldn’t want to travel to a cool place called Big Chute? I got a little sidetracked with some roadside distractions along the way but we were lucky enough to see the giant apparatus in operation. Oh and looks like awesome weather for a happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
2013
Touristy Santa
I recommended this dude slip into the obligatory t-shirt and sneaks but he would have no part of it. Strolling around the wharf in Gravenhurst.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2013
The Lady of the Lakes
The summer in Muskoka would not be complete without a visit to Windermere House. I truly enjoy the food choices here from the Sushi Bar to the Oliver & Bonacini fine dining room and pub. Sitting up on the veranda soaking in the spectacular view with a fine beverage is the way to go.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
Muskoka Time Lapse Video
A beautiful time lapse video of Muskoka. I recommend you go full screen and set it to the highest quality of 720p. There are a number of videos on the MiLapse page showing how they made this type of video.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, secret muskoka, tripin around towns
2013
Tom Cochrane & Red Rider Rocks the Kee
Hope your Canada Day weekend was awesome. A large group of us hit the Kee to Bala to catch the performance of Canadian musician Tom Cochrane and his band Red Rider. Tom has been popular on the Canadian airwaves for over 30 years cranking out hit after hit. He would have been a global superstar if he broke the US and International markets however he remains a Canadian gem. He is also a tireless humanitarian supporting many worthy causes globally. Check out some of his songs through these links. Life is a Highway, No Regrets, Sinking like a sunset, Boy inside the man, Lunatic fringe, Human Race, and Big League to name a few.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
Walking the Rails
Walking the rails at Bracebridge Falls bridge. Take that Nik Wallenda. Happy Canada Day to all!
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2013
Muskoka’s New Water Park
Walking Wading through Jaspen Park on the Moon River near Bala during the incredible spring runoff and floods of 2013.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
A Very Full Moon
You can get a clear sense of how high the water levels are on the Moon River from this photo looking out towards the Bala Falls. Apparently water levels are on the way down on Lake Muskoka followed by Lake Rosseau and Joseph. Check out the handy little graph below with the water levels plotted over the past year.
This is a graph of the water levels on the Moon River from May 01, 2012 to May 01, 2013. Note the huge increase this year compared to last year. You can create your own graph and analyze the data by clicking here. For additional resources on the Muskoka River water management including the operating procedures for maintaining water levels, click here
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
Come Hell or High Water
Here are a few phone camera pics of the high water levels around Muskoka. The first photo is from my friend Cheryl who received it from her friend Lynn. It is taken down stream on the Moon River in Bala where reports of the water levels have hit up to 9 feet high. Check out the boat port roof in the photo – insane!
The other two photos were taken in Bracebridge recently where the water is so powerful it cascades over-top of the damn. Lake Muskoka docks and boathouses are flooded out as well as Lake Joe and Lake Rosseau. Some of the smaller lakes have had high water levels but seem to be recovering faster than the big lakes.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
Dangerous Spring Runoffs in Muskoka
The recent rain combined with the melting snow and ice has caused extreme flooding especially around rivers such as the north and south branches of the Muskoka river. The water is now exceeding the capacity of the dams in the Huntsville area. Many road closures and evacuations are taking place. Water levels are up very high on the big three lakes so you may want to have someone check on your cottage and docks. Here is a video taken around Bracebridge that shows the massive volumes of water. thanks to districtmediadesign.
More information here: http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
Spring Expectations
I took this shot a few weeks ago when it seemed like the spring meltdown was imminent. I think its safe to say going into Easter weekend that the obstinate winter weather is behind us.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2013
The Last Blast?
Mother nature is not quite finished with us yet. Another blast of winter has arrived keeping the snowmobile trails and ski hills in the area in fine form. Here is a shot looking out onto the ice from the park in Rosseau. In like a Shetland Pony and out like an Orangutang.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2013
Welcome to Sled City
During the Gravenhurst winter carnival it seemed like all the commotion was happening a bit to the north at Muskoka Bay Park. I ventured out onto the ice where hundreds of snowmobilers were involved in the high speed radar runs.
Please click on the photo for a larger shot.
2013
They Run a Tight Ship
I traveled through the town of Gravenhurst this past weekend stumbling upon their annual Winter Carnival festivities. There wasn’t much happening around the Steamships so I decided to take a walk and snap a few pics around the area.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
