2012
Cybernetic Vegetation
I was cruising on the east side of Lake Rosseau and noticed a lone tree jutting out of the landscape. I don’t recall ever seeing that tree before and it just seemed very odd to be towering 20 feet above all the others. It turns out to be 1 of 20 new communications towers that Bell has installed around the Muskoka district.
Many of you know I’m a techie and love to be connected to the world however there’s just something that doesn’t sit well with me on this. Sure its better than looking at a steel communications tower but knowing that its a fake amongst the natural beauty of a Muskoka landscape bothers me on some level. We have become colonized by technology and its near impossible to escape it. I think in the future we will see that man-machine-nature will eventually mesh to where its imperceptible but right now welcome to talking trees version 1.0
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2012
The Muskoka Mirror Grand Theft Photo Debacle
I recently discovered my photos showing up on a Facebook page promoting a local Muskoka magazine. How I ended up on that Facebook page is another story. They opted about 3500 people into their group without anyones knowledge or permission, very surreptitious. Anyhow, I am honored that people like my photos and share them with friends however in this case I noticed something rather peculiar. The watermarks I normally use to promote this blog were missing and replaced with someone else’s name. That’s odd I thought and started thinking maybe someone took a similar photo but as I continued to search I found additional photos of mine with someone else’s name.
As I dug into it I discovered many other peoples photos were being ripped off as well. What reputable magazine would operate like this I thought? Especially when the person posting and accepting comments as their own work claims they are a photographer and graphics artist. Well it continued and I ended up getting a lawyer to fire off a cease and desist order to stop this nonsense. They stopped, however the editor and owner of the Muskoka Mirror, Mr. Brian Seater didn’t have the gonads to step up and take action or apologize. We did hear reports he was “out of the country” however he continued to hit the like button, make comments and add people to his Muskoka Mirror Group on Facebook. His choice in managing this situation is to hide and hope it goes away, after all its only a bunch of photos, right? I wonder how Muskoka Mirror advertisers would feel about these deplorable tactics? Oh, I did receive several responses from the lady who’s name appears on the photos. She claims, “it was a innocent error with the photos being sent through our routine watermarking process”. Huh? I’m now responsible for ruining someones marriage, job and life turning me into the bad guy. I’m disheartened that no one took any action or responsibility in this matter.
** Innocent error = go to Blog, download photos, remove watermarks, add your name, re-post on-line, take compliments for your new work, bad mouth the original owner
2012
Pulchritudinous Reflections
I’m not particularly adept at identifying birds however I would hazard to guess that this little guy is some sort of Sparrow? (Update it is a Pine Siskin – thanks Ellen) He ( I’m assuming it’s a he) spent the entire weekend pecking, drooling, fluttering and doing the mambo in our windows proudly admiring his pulchritudinous reflection. After a few hours this little routine became annoying so what to do but shoot him .. with a camera that is.
2012
Chill Out
Right now the mornings are quite chilly freezing around the Muskoka area. A big shift from what we enjoyed a couple of weeks ago. I took this shot the other day about 9 in the morning and you can see the thin layer of ice on the water surface. In-spite of the temperatures I still see people out boating. Now that’s the spirit!
2012
My Photo on a Kindle Book
This is one of my photos that I took on Lake Joe a while back, sans birds, little boy and his pet baby moose, Mortimer – LOL. The photo was used for the Kindle book “Follow a Wild Heart” by Bobby Hutchinson who has published an amazing 55 books so far. Most are in the romance category and if you are into that genre please have a look at her Amazon page for digital deals.
2012
Longing for your Warm Embrace
I often pass by the farmers markets located in Holland Landing on north side of highway #9 just west of highway #400. Usually I am pretty focused on getting to the cottage however this time I stopped and snapped a few shots.
2012
I’m Thinking …
Do you visit Muskoka in the winter or are you a summer only visitor? I must admit most of my time is spent at the cottage in the spring, summer and fall. I don’t get the opportunity to visit as often in the winter but when I do I find it has a deep tranquility like no other. I would say its therapeutic. With the multitude of inputs and stresses in our daily lives we need to take the time to just stop and think. Muskoka is my refuge, a place where I can think.
2011
Everythings Grey
Yep, I know I have been very remiss in posting. It’s that time of year when everything’s grey and not very exciting photographically. In addition, I really have not been up to Muskoka as much as I would have liked to. The big push is on with deadlines, parties, year end commitments and such. Can you feel it?
2011
A Little Tour Around the Bay
On the way back from Muskoka I decided to take the long way home and explore around Georgian Bay. I drove through Victoria Harbour and Port McNicoll and I was immediately surprised at how quiet and depressed these towns seemed. At one time these port towns were alive and well mostly based on the shipping industry I would assume. Port McNichol did have a large development of high end cottage properties in progress however I heard its been slow to get off the ground.
My stomach was making funny noises so I headed towards Midland where I knew I could get something to eat. Midland is a much larger town with what appears to be a sound economy by the look of the many shops and groups of tourist at the waterfront waiting for boat rides. Wawa, Ontario has its Canada Goose, however Midland is proud to display their Trumpeter Swan. (with a bonus Seagull on its head)
After lunch I continued following the road into Penetanguishene or Penetang for short, a historical and bilingual town of about 8000 people. After this I got a little bit confused and ended up in Balm Beach. I had been to this little beach community many years ago in my youth and it looked exactly as I remembered it. As you drive the roads around Georgian Bay you see all kinds of interesting cottages along the white sandy shore-lines. Some are old rustic places and others are beautiful new four season homes. What struck me the most was how close they were to each other. Most places appear to be on fifty foot lots and some with multiple buildings jammed in. Everyone wants to get in on the beautiful beach action.
The final destination was the largest fresh water beach in the world, Wasaga Beach. The beach looked beautifully groomed with lots of white sand and rolling waves crashing onto the shore. The season is over and there were only a few people walking around. The town itself has grown much larger in size with many retirees settling in here. I highly recommend you take a tour to some of these places just to change it up.
Note – I have just returned from the Algonquin region and will post some of the Autumn colors very soon. As I left Muskoka this morning I don’t think the fall colours have quite peaked yet so there’s still time to get out and see them.
2011
Sun Flower Power
The fall weather has kicked in and its officially become “the off-season” in Muskoka. There are still many beautiful sunny days left so get out and enjoy them while you can. I love these ten foot high sunflowers that reach out and touch the sky. Please click for a biggie.
2011
About The About
Over the years many people have made comments or have asked “how do you make your photos look like that?” Well its not magic and my Photoshop skills are basically non-existent. I decided I should update the ‘About Page” and explain a little bit about whats going on.
2011
Parry Sound Air Show
If you are interested in vintage aircraft, taking a helicopter ride or hanging out with airplane people, check out the Parry Sound Airport annual Fly-in and Drive-in this Saturday September 10, 2011. There is also a bunch of other things like face painting, antique & classic cars, art work and a BBQ or you may want to put on your dancing shoes and sway to the rhythms of the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra. This is a photo I took at last years event of a DC-3 aka Gooney Bird.
Directions Here
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2011
The Artful Gardens
If you have a green thumb (or even if you don’t) I highly recommend you check out the The Artful Garden near Bracebridge. In the summer The Artful Garden features the work of 40 or more artists each with their outdoor and garden inspired work. Jon & Suzann Partridge have created a very unique place and are very cool about people coming in for a stroll. While Suzann tends to the numerous and mind blowing gardens, Jon is busy working as a gifted potter.
Please click on the photo for a cavalcade of colours and a plethora of pixels!
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2011
Peeping Mantis
Say hello to my little friend. This Praying Mantis spent about 48 hours on a window looking in at us. They are predatory eating other insects and are known to engage in the occasional act of cannibalism. I wish I had a macro lens so I could really look into his eyes.
2011
Absolutely on the Cover
One of my old Segwun Steamboat shots appears on the cover of the Summer and Fall (Huh, Fall?- that’s a bad word right now) edition of Absolutely the Best – the ultimate shoppers guide to Muskoka. They were also nice enough to include a full page about the MuskokaBlog in the rear section. You can browse the shopping guide Here or click on it for a large sized original photo of the Segwun on Lake Joseph.
2011
Screened In Perch
A quick iPhone shot of the Screened in Perch adorning the wall in one of the guest rooms. This was a quirky piece I found in Port Carling by Toronto artist Kevin Roach.
I figure why buy the same old print as everyone else when you can get something original for the same cost or less.
Please click for Biggie Perch.
2011
Little Miss Muskoka
Serena is 4 years old and traveled across the country to visit Muskoka for her first time. She did boat rides, caught a few fish, kayaked, fine dined, and took in the real Muskoka experience. She will be back!
2011
Happy 144th Canada
Celebrating 144 years of Canadian awesomeness! Hope everyone has a happy Canada Day from the true north strong and free.
(snapped from a camera phone)
2011
Jeepers
This old Jeep was pulled out of a shed in Muskoka. They were selling it at an estate sale. A young guy came by with a glint in his eye, a plan and a trailer.
Please click for a larger photo.
2011
Blue, blue windows behind the stars …
Last night I had the privilege to see the great Neil Young in concert at Massey Hall in Toronto. Neil’s music has been such a huge inspiration over the years. I don’t know how many camp fires I have sat around listening to his haunting voice with the Loons echoing in the background.
I was fortunate to be sitting in the second row directly behind Neils family. (Hi Bob) Jonathan Demme was filming the performance for a future concert movie so I didn’t dare use a flash or distract anyone by taking too many shots. I have seen Neil numerous times over the years and in many incarnations including hippy, folkie, Nashville country, protest rocker, godfather of grunge and sonic slayer. This was one of the most remarkable performances I have seen from him.
In: uncategorized
