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
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
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
Kicking off the Season
Yes – the ice is out, finally! Its been taking a while for spring to arrive and there are still a few dusting’s of snow in the Muskoka area. This time last year I had my boat in the water so I would say the season is behind a tad. Nevertheless warmer weather is on the horizon. I suspect this Easter weekend will be the return for many people starting spring cleanups and opening their cottages. This is a photo of the Christ Church in Gregory which is between Port Sandfield and Minett, Ontario.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Beaumaris Dock
Beaumaris is a well known settlement located on Tondern Island within Lake Muskoka. You can reach it by traveling off Hwy #118 at Milford Bay. It was an important transit point in the steamboat era and once hosted the Beaumaris Hotel and a post office. Today there is a general store, marina, church, summer camp, yacht club and this cool government pier.
Please click on the image for a large size
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Winters Tranquility
I wanted to grab a hot beverage and walk down to the seats at the end of the dock and ponder life for a bit. It just didn’t seem right to mess it up. This is a dock at the north end of Lake Rosseau near the Village of Rosseau. In a few months it will be bustling with boats and people.
Please click on the photo for an extra large size
2011
Frozen Feat in Rosseau
I almost froze to death getting this shot. We were headed up Peninsula Rd. to the community of Rosseau to have dinner at Crossroads (I do recommend) and I pulled over and jumped out as the sun started to drop below the treeline. Oopps … I did not realize the ditch contained three feet of snow with a foot of ice water at the bottom. There were only a few people who stared as I fine dined in my wet socks.
Please click for a larger image.
2010
Flocking Off?
I am not sure what the Canadian Geese are doing hanging around the Bala Bay Park, everything else has vacated. I think I would have flocked off by now.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
A Bus in the Bush is Worth …
I am not sure what this bus was doing down an old pathway in the bush. Its getting a little chilly now and we have seen a few flurries around the area. It won’t be long until old man winter gives us a good blast.
2010
Happy Halloween Pumpkin Heads
Pumpkin head on top of a rock outside Port Carling
Please click on the image for a pumpkin sized photo
2010
Muskoka Emporium
The bursts of Muskoka color now lie on the ground, crumpled in scattered heaps. Seen near Bala in Muskoka
Please click for a larger sized photo
2010
Autumns Final Surge
To experience vivid foliage extraordinaire you need to time it just right. Unfortunately the Muskoka fall colors do not last very long. Part of the fun of fall is stretching it out as long as we can, repudiating the inevitable approaching winter. The cold temperatures, heavy rain and northern gales have hammered home a new reality. Time to recalibrate.
2010
Happy Trails
Muskoka has great trails available to everyone and for free. I have taken a number of people out on the various trails around the area and they are always blown away. The Muskoka Trails Council has a good website that features maps, distances, photos and degrees of difficulty. I found even the ones marked difficult were pretty easy so don’t be intimidated or think you need any special gear. Just get out and give them a shot and I promise that you won’t regret it.
For more information please visit
http://www.muskokatrailscouncil.com
2010
Cranberry Festival Time
Just a reminder this weekend, Friday to Sunday Oct 15-17, 2010 is the Cranberry Festival in Bala. If its anything like last year it will be very busy.
Click HERE for directions to Bala, Ontario
Last years crowd at the Cranberry Fest in Bala. Click for a biggie size.
2010
Leonard Lake
Contrary to what the media reports, the fall colours have not peaked in Muskoka so you still have time to take in one of the most spectacular times of year. Driving across highway #118 towards Bracebridge I found a road to Leonard Lake. At the end of the road is a public boat launch where I discovered this scene.
Please CLICK and enjoy a larger photo
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Where Did All The Cash Flow?
I tried to avoid the gridlock in the Huntsville area this past summer due to the G8 Summit . So now that the hoopla had blown over I was curious to see what is going on. It seems to have returned to its original self pretty much. I walked around the Deerhurst Resort where the worlds great leaders schmoozed however I didn’t really notice any difference from the year before. You would have thought they would have upgraded the carpets or painted the walls or something? Where did all the cash go?
Please click on the above photo for a larger sized – thanks
2010
Wenonah II at Port Carling Locks
I was passing through Port Carling the other day and noticed the Wenonah II moored at the Port Carling Locks. Apparently someone rented her out for a wedding party. I’m sure the steamships will be busy this fall as people visit to see the world famous Muskoka colors.
Please click for biggie sized
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Spinning into a New Season
Its getting a little cooler on the water and temperatures are dropping into the single digits at night. The fall fairs are a true reminder that the summer season is over. Click Here for a list of fall fairs across Ontario.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized shot – tks
2010
Water Wheelin
Lots to do and see around the town of Bracebridge, Ontario. This weekend is their annual fall fair. This water wheel is located near the waterfalls in the main part of town. Please click on the photo for a larger size.
