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
Nail it!
I like to hire local companies and people when at the cottage. It may be trades, food or buying a new boat. I think its important to try and support the smaller local economies instead of bringing everything in from a large city. Lately there seems to be a growing trend of cottage owners who bring their resources in from out of town because they feel they are being ripped off or not serviced properly. This should be a warning sign for locals to step it up and service the people to a higher standard. Many do an excellent job however it takes a bit of weeding out to find the good ones.
Tip for the day.
Never trust your roofer when they say we swept your driveway for nails.
2014
Black Fly Song
It’s that time of the year and I hope you don’t have to endure these nasty little pests. I’m fortunate, in my location I rarely see them but as I get out to other parts of Muskoka I sometimes get swarmed to the point of near insanity. This little animated film is from the National Film Board and it is written and sung by Canadian folk singer Wade Hemsworth, with back-up vocals by the McGarrigle sisters.
Happy Victoria Day long weekend and please be mindful of the water, its still very cold.
2014
Snow on the Ground, Ice Out & Cottage Life Show
Lots of talk as to when the ice will be out and concerns of flooding. One thing very noticeable on the Big 3 lakes is how low the water levels have dropped in anticipation of the spring run off. I don’t think I have ever seen it this low. With this years record snowfall I’m sure the pressure is on the Ministry to manage the levels very carefully. Here is an interesting chart published by Algonquin Park showing the accumulation of snow on the ground 2013 vs. 2014.
Don’t forget the Cottage Life show this weekend March 28 -30, 2014 in Toronto.
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
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
2014
Washaway
One of my New Years resolution top 10 – more time spent in Muskoka. How about you?
2013
Blog Break and Happy Everything!
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit the Muskoka Blog this past year. I enjoy the many connections we have made over the years. Its time to take a little blog break, abandoning ship so to speak. I’m aimed due south and off to explore sandy beaches, splendiferous sunsets and just perhaps, the sampling of cool liquid amalgamations.
I wish you and your loved ones peace, love, health, happiness, prosperity and look forward to connecting in 2014.
2013
My Mom Would Have Been Proud
I’m lacking some new Muskoka photos so I decided to include a little unbridled self promotion for content. Thank you Georgian College for including me in your recent selection of 10 entrepreneurial alumni. It is a real honor!
I have also included another article below titled, Nature vs. Nurture from a few years back. For the new article in PDF version please click HERE.
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
Return to Huckleberry Rock
I don’t know about you but I’m real crazy about views. Have you hiked up Huckleberry Rock? The trail is a relatively easy walk from the parking lot. When you get to the top the views are breathtaking. I recommend the end of the day to capture some of the most amazing sunsets in Muskoka. Information is here and a Map
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, uncategorized
2013
Is Muskoka the Hamptons of the north?
I recently gave permission to a website called Classic Driver to use some of my photos for an article they published about Muskoka. The article goes on to suggest that Muskoka is the Hamptons of the north. I guess in some ways people see Muskoka in this capacity with the extravagant lake houses and boathouses on the big three lakes. Having a few celebs, sports stars and wealthy business people is only a tiny part of Muskoka. They are here amongst the many thousands of others because they enjoy the natural beauty and all it has to offer. I certainly don’t see people hunting for celebrities with cameras in hand and hope I never do.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2013
Pure Loonacy
I started making my way back to the cottage thinking I should avoid the approaching rain storm. The ominous skies produced no lightning so I hung around watching a young Loon hunt for dinner. Even though I received a severe drenching I try and not let the weather dissuade me from getting out on these amazing little adventures. Photo near Cedar and Oak Islands on Lake Rosseau.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2013
Chasing Sunsets
I love to get out on my Jetski and explore the lakes. Sometimes I get caught quite far from home base and need to scurry back before the darkness sets in.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2013
Derek Roy’s Muskoka Shack
Lots of people like to know who’s who around Muskoka. I guess It’s natural human curiosity. I don’t like to “out” the celebs or people of distinction who enjoy their privacy and anonymity here. In this case hockey player Derek Roy’s story is in the public domain. He seems like a very cool guy having built a beautiful cottage for his friends and family to enjoy.
Part #2 – love the goalie in the tube with full gear – LOL
2012
Greetings of the Season
This time of year is always a reminder that it’s time to reflect on the journey and recalibrate the mind and soul in preparation for the New Year. I sincerely thank you for visiting the MuskokaBlog over the years. I have enjoyed the many comments and connections with you.
I’m taking a small blog break and off in pursuit of resplendent sunsets, sandy beaches and cool liquid concoctions, returning in January 2013. I wish you and your loved ones peace, love, health, happiness and prosperity.
Ed
2012
Solitas Aloneness
I must admit I have not made it up to the cottage as much as I had planned this fall. It puts a little damper on the posting of current Muskoka related photos. I hope you don’t mind me filling in the gaps from within the perimeter of my stomping grounds.
I was driving up on the Niagara Escarpment yesterday afternoon and noticed this lone tree in a field. It was accompanied by an interesting stone wall about a metre in height that seemed to run forever. Although I didn’t have perfect light, I jumped the fence and setup my tripod on top of the stone wall.
2012
Pride, Prejudice and the Turning Leaves
I just returned back to Muskoka from Euro-land and was happy to see a feast of fall colors still hanging on however it is an unfortunate marker that its time to pull the boats out. So I jetted across the lake today to a local marina that I have been doing business with for many years to take my two jetski’s out. I walked into the office to pay the fee, greeting the people with a frozen smile but I sensed something was wrong. I was promptly told by Mr. big attitude man, “you can’t remove your boats here, we don’t allow that anymore” Well I have been using this marina for 6 or 7 years, buying gas, using storage, launching boats – removing them, getting service, recommending them, etc. I pleaded my case which they couldn’t care less to hear so I left. I then instructed my friend waiting in the parking lot with the truck and trailer that we are out of luck.
What to do? I remembered seeing the old Wallace Marine had started up again when I visited Abbeys awesome bakery this summer. A quick call and I was greeted by a guy named Dave who remarked, “come on over“. Upon arrival the people were just fantastic and out of frustration I explained the story of what just happened. They acknowledged they have heard the story a few times before. I love it when people and companies understand that its all about the customer. When customers have bad experiences they usually tell on average about 10 people however for these guys I thought I would tell a few more. Thanks Pride Marine for turning me away and forcing me to discover the awesome Summer Water Sports who get it.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2012
Muskoka Kangaroo Crossing
A couple of weeks ago we had some friends from the city over for the weekend. After they settled in we became immersed in conversation while enjoying a few cocktails on the dock. Then came the question, “what’s with the kangaroos?” Kangaroos – I said with a chuckle, what do you mean? They explained that they noticed a kangaroo sign just down the road. No, no that’s a deer sign, they are all over the place I told them. Nope! – we saw a kangaroo sign! The next day as we are traveling together sure enough they point out this kangaroo sign on the side of the road. When we arrived back at the cottage the following week it had disappeared.
2012
On Board the Historic 100 Mile Cruise
This past weekend I had the privilege to board the RMS Segwun steamship and take part in the 100 Mile Cruise. This historic event was the highlight of the summer in Muskoka and will provide enduring memories for many years. Here are a few pics of the journey which departed Gravenhurst at 8:30am and returned 12 hours later. Please click on each photo to get a 1600 pixel shot.
There was a very large crowd waiting for us as we entered the Port Carling locks. The Wenonah II steamship was following closely behind us.
Looking out from the Port Carling locks to the Lake Rosseau side.
There were many cottages and boathouses crammed with people cheering us on as we passed the shorelines.
Arriving in Port Sandfield at the swing bridge was astounding with more large crowds greeting us and taking photos. As we passed through the channel you could see an amazing flotilla of wooden boats waiting to join us.
This is the Wenonah II passing through Port Sandfield with other boats starting to tag along for the journey.
A large number of the most beautiful vintage boats toured alongside of us. It was breathtaking to see just how many there were. Unfortunately I was not able to recreate the scale of it through photos from one ship. When the aerial photos come out you will see how grand the entire event was.
Take me to your Captain. I had the opportunity to go up on the bridge and visit the Captain and navigator. Very cool people with nerves of steel.
The final destination was up on Little Lake Joseph. I was surprised the route we took as I have often taken my own boat through here and you need to be very careful of the shallow water. I had heard the Captain had spent the day before testing depths for this journey. At the end of the Bay in Little Joe is a large cliff once called the Natural Park where the steamship would stop and let people out for a walk. Today it is private property. At this point the entire flotilla of boats jockeyed around the two steamships while helicopters zoomed bove taking aerial footage of this remarkable event.
The Wenonah II coming back from the top of Lake Joe heading towards Port Sandfield
I shot this photo off the bow of the Segwun as we passed through Port Sandfield heading back towards Port Carling in the late afternoon. We were just about to be called to the dining room for a great dinner.
The RMS Segwun returning home after a very long day. I’m just glad I didn’t have to shovel the coal.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
