2011
New Blog Design!
Welcome to the new MuskokaBlog.com Blog design. All of the original content remains with only the Blog layout and better social media connectivity added. The new “resources” page will feature numerous links to services and activities around Muskoka. Thanks to Nikola of Webexpedition18 for his great design skills.
Make your own Wordle like the one below.
2011
Hey Look Ma I’m on the Cover
The spring edition of Sideroads Magazine has hit the streets and I am happy they chose my Bala Falls spring run-off photo for the cover shot. They also wrote an article about my adventures around the Muskoka region and you can download the PDF File Right Here.
Thank you Cathy and Sarah of Metroland Media
2011
Looking out over Lake Rosseau
Yup – Sorry folks the lakes are still frozen in Muskoka. With the warmer temps arriving this weekend the meltdown should accelerate. With any luck we should see open water before Easter. This is a shot looking out at Lake Rosseau with Clevelands House Resort below. There is a little trail that will bring you up to this cliff. I believe its called Resort Lookout which gives you a great panoramic view of Red Leaves, Cleves and Lake Rosseau.
2011
Look, up in the sky, its Supermoon
By the time I got out to photograph last weekends Supermoon up in Muskoka the clouds had moved in and it was quickly sinking in the western sky. Nevertheless it was a spectacular site being the biggest and brightness moon we have seen in the past 18 years. (14 percent larger and 30% brighter) I took this shot around 6AM and I could hear a low growling noise emanating from the bushes around me which certainly kept me alert and hastened my departure.
By the way, for those of you in the Toronto area this weekend, Friday March 25th to Sunday March 27th is the annual Spring Cottage Life show at the International Centre near the Pearson International Airport. This is a fairly large show that contains everything from real estate, outdoor gear, building contractors, wildlife to numerous seminars. Its worth checking out.
2011
The Sled Factor
As I was cruising by the Bass Lake House restaurant on Hwy #169 last weekend I noticed the entire parking lot was crammed with snowmobiles. I have been passing by here for many years and have never seen it so busy. I believe its got to be some kind of indicator so I have devised a new economic benchmark called “The Sled Factor” – more sleds = better economy. The snowmobiles saw their shadows on groundhog day therefore its 10 weeks until ice-out 🙂
Please click on the photo for biggie size
2011
Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town
I was recently contacted by the people at Kobo who specialize in online eBooks. They asked if they could use one of my previously blogged photos, “Three Girls and a Dock” for the cover of the great Canadian writer and humorist Stephen Leacock’s novel, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. The novel was originally published in 1912 and is apparently based on his experiences around Orillia, Ontario. The novel is now part of Project Gutenberg along with many others and is in the public domain. You can download the book for free HERE.
2010
Blog Breakaroo
Thanks to everyone who visited and experienced a small slice of my Muskoka this past year. By the time this gets posted I should be on a Caribbean beach recharging for the new year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Yuletide Tidings and what ever else aligns with your world.
Peace, love, health, happiness and great success in 2011!
Ed
2010
Connected at the Cottage
This months Muskoka Magazine features an article by Norah Fountain on staying connected while at the cottage. The article discusses how many of us connect through social networks like Facebook, Twitter and personal Blogs while we enjoy our time in Muskoka. Thanks Norah for including some background on this blog.
2010
54-40 Rocks The Kee
The Kee to Bala was wrapping up its summer concerts this past Labour Day weekend with 54-40 (below) performing on Saturday night and Sloan on Sunday night. The photos are a little soft as you are not allowed to bring in a full sized camera so I used my trusty pocket cam that struggles with the light conditions.
www.thekee.com
Below is a shot of Neil Osborne of the band 54-40. They are in my opinion one of the most underrated Canadian rock bands with great tunage like; Baby Ran, I go Blind, One Day in Your Life, Baby Have Some Faith, Ocean Pearl, Lies to Me, etc. They are a Muskoka favorite.
Please click on the images for larger photos
2010
Random Acts of Patriotism
You can never see enough random acts of patriotism in this country. Have a safe and happy labor labour day.
2010
Welcome to the Machines
The machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin
And the hub caps all gleam
.. from Queen’s, I’m in love with may car
As seen on Peninsula Rd. in Muskoka. An old Jeep Wagoneer from the 1960’s I think. I never knew they had a front grill like a Rolls Royce. The other mean machine is an Audi R8, V10 Supercar.
Please click on the photo for a super-sized image
2010
Muskoka Road Signs
Who needs a GPS when you have well marked road signs like this? For those of you not familiar with Muskoka or any cottage country road, these are typical sightings as you navigate your way to crazy Uncle Charlies summer cabin in the woods. Notice the giant Bee Hive above the tree. Is it real?
Click on the above image for a large sized pic
2010
The Calm Before the G8 Storm
Around the town of Huntsville Ontario here are many smaller lakes that are very clean and peaceful. However the peace is about to be shattered as the G8 Summit steamrolls its way into Muskoka. The main meeting place for the G8 is at the Deerhurst Resort which is located directly on one of these small lakes. Peninsula Lake is also connected to Fairy, Mary and Vernon lakes. Look for Harper and Obama with their fishing poles.
Please click on the photo for a larger size – thanks
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2010
Took The Long Way Home
We decided to head back home a little earlier as it was a rainy and somewhat chilly day. (Although that usually does not matter) I spotted another road side distraction on Highway #11 south of Gravenhurst (probably more like Orillia) at The Lazy Farmers Antiques. I think its a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 but I could be out a year or two?
Please click on the image for Le Grande sized Mustang
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2010
Memories of Burn Barrels
Burn Barrels used to be quite common around the old Muskoka cottages. I think for the most part people have become a little more environmentally conscious. There is a fire ban in effect in the Muskoka District. No day time burning from April 1 to October 31. For more info please click here
PLease click on the image for a biggie sized burn barrel
2010
Forgotten
I noticed this old farm house on the way up to Muskoka and just had to stop and take a few shots. There is always so much character in these long forgotten farm homes. Its a shame they just wither and die like this.
Please click on the image for a large sized photograph
In: uncategorized
2010
The Mysterious Swamps of Muskoka
I love looking at swamps. It drives people crazy when they are with me because I like to stop and gaze into them. They are a protective barrier to what lives on the other side. Maybe there’s something mysterious going on in them? I’m sure there are creatures lurking over there. I need some kind of hovercraft type machine to go exploring.
If you really want to explore the swamp click HERE for a 2400 pixel sized photo
2010
It Won’t Be Long
Looks like the Ice Out is going to be a little early this year. I was predicting April 13th but it sounds like it may be sooner. Leslie a Muskoka native says, “I predict that Muskoka will be out on Sunday” I wouldn’t be surprised. Does this mean boating by Easter?
Don’t forget the big Cottage Life Show is on starting Friday March 26 to Sunday March 28 at the International Center near Toronto’s Pearson Airport
Click Here for info.
Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel sized photo
2010
Tattered and Frayed
We have had some great weather in Muskoka for this time of year and people are predicting the ice will be out much sooner. The March wind howls and this old wind sock has seen better days. In like a Lamb and out like a …?
Please click for a large sized image
