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.
2012
Back to Muskoka
Happy 2K+12! I have just returned from exploring the fabulous beaches in Grand Cayman. I love to escape the stresses of last minute shopping, crazy traffic, mall parking, pushy people, etc – you should try it. Now back to the beauty and reality of our Canadian winter.
We seem to be having one of those winters that hasn’t quite found a steady trajectory just yet. It’s been warm, it’s been cold, we’ve had snow, and gaps with no snow. One thing for sure the big lakes are not completely frozen yet, so be careful. I noticed a cool photo from our friends up at Gordon Bay Marineout boating on Lake Joe, Christmas day. Now that’s extending the season.
2011
Refuel
I want to personally thank you for visiting the Muskoka Blog. I have enjoyed our many interactions and the new friendships that developed while sharing our mutual passion for Muskoka over the 2011 period.
Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Yuletide Greetings, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Festivus, Happy Mall Parking and whatever else aligns with your world.
Refueling is in play and I’m southbound in search of sandy beaches, jumbled liquid concoctions and luminous sunsets. Wishing you all peace, love, health, happiness and great success in 2012 – Ed
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
November Dreariness
Its very quiet around the Muskoka area as everyone hunkers down for old man winter. Driving around you can see and smell the billowing smoke as it swirls out of homes and cottages with wood stoves and fireplaces. There has been a few snow squalls in the past week or so. Just consider them practice runs for whats coming.
Upon our arrival this weekend we were met with snow, grey skies and bleakness. What else to do but sit by the fire and sample the liquid assets.
2011
Muskoka Lakes 100 Mile Cruise
I was contacted by the folks crew at Woody Boater recently, a very cool website that is dedicated to classic boating and watercraft. I was honored that they asked if they could use some of my Muskoka Blog photos for a story they were working on.
On Saturday August 18th, 2012 departing from Gravenhurst the 100 Mile Cruise will be recreated on the RMS Segwun tracing the original route of the SS Sagamo steamship. There will be over 100 other wooden boats accompanying the 1887 built Segwun on her journey. The proceeds of this event are being donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
For additional details Click Here for the Woody Boater article.
Vintage 1950 brochure of the 100 Mile Cruise
2011
Vivienne II
Most of the boats are now put away for the season. Sometimes when you prolong the inevitable you get lucky and catch a nice day with the opportunity to squeeze in one last boat ride. I caught the Vivienne II out for what was probably her last cruise of the season. I was on the leeward side of Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau and noticed the 31ft Minett-Shields built in the 1920′s gracefully gliding towards us like a dream.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Steamship Makeovers
If you happen to pass through Port Carling you will notice the RMS Segwun Steamship is in for a pedicure and manicure. The locks have been drained creating a drydock while they perform the work. The Wenonah II is right behind her and will be taking her turn next.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Lions Lookout
The skies around Muskoka have been a little on the ominous side these past few weeks. We all know the inevitable is quickly approaching and a reminder to get the boats out and complete all that other jazz we cottagers do to prepare for the approaching winter. This is the view over Fairy Lake about 5 minutes from downtown Huntsville at the Lions Lookout. Click for biggie view.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Before the Drop
I still have some photos I took before the leaves began to drop. I am not sure what to do with them other than post them. Riverdale Island in Muskoka after sunrise. Please click for a larger sized photo.
2011
A Muskoka Transition – Cranberry Fest
The annual Muskoka Cranberry Festival in Bala is on this weekend and to me it’s a symbolic reminder that the season has transitioned. I don’t expect we will see the wondrous thermals that we enjoyed this past Thanksgiving weekend and a welcomed bonus if we do. After the Cranberry Fest has passed the Muskoka area gets very quiet and for many locals its a time when Muskoka is handed back to them, a temporary reprieve.
The photo was taken during a recent visit to the Artful Garden. Please click for a large image
2011
Hiking Huckleberry Rock
The weather was absolutely phenomenal this past Thanksgiving weekend so I decided to take advantage of it and hike up Huckleberry Rock. I was inspired to go back up the rock after I picked up a new book called The Hidden World of Huckleberry Rock, a collaboration between photographer Bev McMullen and writer Andrew Wagner-Chazalon. I had the pleasure of meeting both Bev and Andrew at their book launch last month. I highly recommend their book for the stunning pics and great stories on one of Muskoka’s best places to visit. If you have not made it up to Huckleberry Rock please put it on your Muskoka bucket list.
2011
Dwight Dock Diversion
On my recent trip to the Algonquin region I followed highway #60 to Dwight, Ontario. Passing through I noticed Dwight is the home of the famous Langford Canoe company. Dwight is located on the Lake of Bays and has a nicely groomed public beach right where I found this cool dock and lookout.
Happy Thanksgiving! – Yes us Canadians celebrate our turkey early and if you are in Muskoka you are enjoying speculator weather for this time of year.
2011
Roadside Palette
A typical scene from the roadside just north of Huntsville, Ontario. There were major hydro wires strung across this view so I had to jump down into the ditch to get the shot. Still lots of Fall Colors around for the Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend with warm weather in the forecast as well!
2011
A Trip Up the Dorset Fire Tower
I traveled up to the north end of Muskoka passing through Huntsville and into Algonquin territory. The autumn colours were definitely more vibrant as I continued to travel north. I have always wanted to climb the Dorset Fire Tower and it seemed like a good day to do it with hardly anyone around on a Friday. The man at the gate said he was expecting numerous bus loads of people arriving to take in the fall colours the very next day.
As I climbed my way to the top the winds were really howling and I noticed the structure would sway a little which accounts for a bit of fuzziness in the photo. The observation deck is caged in and about 100 feet up however the elevation over Lake of Bays is close to 500 feet up and offers spectacular panoramic views.
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
Foliage Alert!
OK – its time to get out and experience the vibrant spectrum of fall colours in and around Muskoka. I found this cool graphic on the Algonquin Park website. The site mentions that peak colour will be in late September to early October. Of course this can fluctuate a bit depending on weather conditions. Algonquin Park is a little bit north of the Muskoka district however it is a good benchmark. The Friends of Algonquin Park have a Facebook Page displaying numerous uploaded photos.
Its also a good time to hike or walk the many trails around Muskoka. Get out while you can before hibernation mode kicks in.
2011
Un-McMansion
A humble little abode tucked into a quiet bay on a Muskoka Island. Its perfect for a Hollywood actor, his actress wife and family who have a long history of enjoying the summers here. Not all Celebs in Muskoka are staying in McMansions. Many are very low key and down to earth people enjoying the lifestyle and the natural beauty of the area just like the rest of us.
On another note, the fall colours are starting to kick in. I would estimate that we are at about 30 to 40% of peak.
2011
The Islands of Muskoka
Most islands on the Big 3 lakes in Muskoka have unique names such as Sunbeam, Monyca or Lookout and have long and interesting histories associated with them. And then there are these numerous small insignificant islands that are basically rocks jutting out of the lake. We like to make up our own names for them – LOL. Some are completely barren with few trees or they can be occupied by flocks of weird birds. You need to be careful navigating around these chunks of granite as they are usually located in shallow waters. Captain – red marker port side!
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
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
Travelling Down the Joseph River
Another scene from a Jestski - I left Lake Joseph and found my way into the Joseph River headed towards Lake Rosseau with the sun sinking on my back. I did a little spin-o-rama to try and catch the sunset at the top end of the river. There is an interesting boathouse here and I think maybe I will return on another day to capture it in more detail.
I have always wondered if the Joe River is a real river? It seems to be a rock cut that connects Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau. I have heard Lady Eaton had the rocks blasted out many moons ago so she could have her steamship navigate through the rocks instead of traveling down to Port Sandfield. If you know the story please set me straight.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
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
Tuggies
I made a trip to Parry Sound last weekend to have lunch with a friend and we stumbled upon the Georgian Bay Tugfest. There were many a Tugboat on the main pier ranging from 6 feet to 130 feet in size. We were just in time for one of the main features – the tugboat race. This is a shot from the breakwater near the marina on Georgian Bay.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Sundowner on Lake Joe
Do you notice how the sun doesn’t seem to hang like it does in mid summer? I was visiting friends at the bottom end of Lake Joe and thought I better depart soon as the sun was dropping ever so quickly. So north bound I headed on my trusty jet-ski weaving through islands and little bays when I saw this little island with the sun veering through the trees. I stopped and snapped a few interesting scenes around the area and just made it back before dark. Please click for a large photo.
2011
Best Buns!
Have you ever tried the Cinnamon Buns from Silver Stream Farms located in the Port Sandfield General Store? They are to die for! I recommend you get there early because they sell out fast.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Bala Falls Power Struggle
This is a shot from the south side of the Bala Falls on Lake Muskoka. There is a lot of controversy with regards to turning the falls into a new hydro electric dam site. Swift River Energy, a power company has been fighting to develop this site and many of the long term cottagers and locals are not too happy about it. Its been a war.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Windermere Buzz
I had dinner over at Windermere House just recently. No, not in the pub or on the patio but in the main dining room. Yup, they let me in, I couldn’t believe it either – LOL.
The food services are now managed by Oliver & Bonacini this season and I have to say the food quality, ambiance and service was just superb. I don’t normally go plugging places on here but I do have to say after experiencing every resort and restaurant around Muskoka and area I have yet to find something that compares. It will be interesting to see how the off-season goes though.
I was at Windermere on a Friday night and the entire resort was just buzzing with everyone in such a great mood. The veranda area was jam packed with a gentle breeze drifting off the lake. A small band was performing with just the right jazzy rhythms. I closed my eyes and imagined what it must have been like back in the day. It felt like we were there. I’m going to have to swing by Windermere again just to see if I can capture that same feeling.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Muskoka Gal
Another shot from the Jump for Ooch ski show. I think it works well in B&W.
Please click on the photo for a larger shot.
2011
Barefoot Blaster
The annual Jump for Ooch ski show held last Saturday August 13, 2011 at the Lake Joe Club. This guy came blasting by the docks, barefooting. Lots of great entertainment and a very worthy cause. All proceeds went to Camp Oochigeas which is a privately funded, (No Gov. $$) volunteer based organization that sends kids with cancer to camp.
www.ooch.org
2011
Riding Off Into the Setting Sun
I usually tour new cottage guests around Lake Rosseau for their first visit due to the proximity of all the unique landmarks. Lake Rosseau has Winderemere, Red Leaves, Clevelands House, the Church in Morinus, a Lighthouse and a bunch of other interesting and historical sites. I’m not discounting Lake Joseph or Lake Muskoka, by any means as both have their own unique sites to see.
It was a long day and we were on our way back to the cottage after touring the lake and stopping for a swim in a quiet bay. BBQ strip-loins and big bold Cabernets were on our minds as we zoomed back into the setting sun.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
Inside Purks Place
I was given a tour of Purks Place in Bala by the owner. It is quite a historical place and many of you that travel the Bala area will most definitely be familiar with Purks. Their motto “Boats and Bait since 1908.“ I took this shot from the upstairs area looking down into the retail store. Please click on the photo for a much larger shot.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
The Old Shed in the Forest
I’m always curious at what you might find at the end of an old trail that leads into the forest. I continued walking deeper into the forest and all of a sudden I came to a small clearing with this weathered old shed in the middle. Yes, I did have a peek inside and no I didn’t find any skeletons or precious artifacts. Its amazing how well some of these structures have stood up to the elements after being abandoned for decades.
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
Fairview Island
The sun was descending quickly as I was running a group of visitors back to the cottage after one of my mini tours on Lake Rosseau. There is a passage way between a group of islands and the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club. This is the tip (no don’t run a boat through here) of Fairview Island which has a beautiful cottage that was built in the late 1800′s. Cottage Life Magazine did a story on it which you can see right here.
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
Photo (Synthesis)
They sat in total silence.
Not a word was spoken.
Mesmerized by the blazing orange sun that slowly dipped below the tree line.
Total absorption in progress.
2011
Lake Rosseau Boathouse
With the recent extreme temps I have been spending quite a bit of time on the water. While driving up the eastern side of Rosseau I spotted this interesting boathouse on a magnificent point of land.
Each and every cottage and boathouse in Muskoka has a story behind it. The family history, the architecture, who has owned it, etc. I don’t know anything about this one other than it being unique. More Eye Candy on the Lakes.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
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
Muskoka Antique and Classic Boat Show Video
A short video for those of you that didn’t make the annual Muskoka Antique and Classic Boat Show in Gravenhurst on July 9, 2011. As always, lots of interesting boats and things to see at the show. The boat show is put on each year by ACBS and it is a must visit for any boat enthusiast. This years feature boat was the Kittyhawk a 32-foot Gidley once owned by Orville Wright. Yup, the airplane guy who used to cottage on Georgian Bay. Thanks to CottageCountryNow.ca for the video.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
The Secret Lookout
This is a cool, private place on an Island in the Muskoka area that is no longer in use. Its part of Secret Muskoka where I am not allowed to reveal its location or a team of wild goats will drag me across the Torrence Barrens. There are not many abandoned places left on the big lakes. The waterfront real estate is so valuable and taxes so high that anyone owning property usually sells it or uses it for themselves.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, secret muskoka
2011
The Boat Guy
During the recent Doors Open Ontario event we had the opportunity to meet renowned Muskoka boat builder Stan Hunter, aka “BoatGuy”. Stan has been restoring and servicing some of the most prized antique and classic boats in the Muskoka area for decades. I have been told he is one of the best there is.
If you are ever interested in taking a classic Muskoka boat for a cruise, Stan also operates a business called Muskoka Launch Livery. He has a fleet of famous Muskoka built Duke Playmates each with their own unique history. You can rent these beauties at Stan’s location on Hwy #118 between Port Carling and Milford Bay right on Lake Muskoka. The photo is of an 18 ft Shepherd in for servicing. Please click on the image for a larger photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
49th Annual Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Muskoka’s oldest and largest outdoor art show is on starting Friday July 15th and running to Sunday the 17th. Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show is held at the Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge. (directions here with free parking and and a small donation to get in) It is a pretty large event that draws about 20,000 to 25,000 visitors over the 3 days.
I have been to this show a few times and its filled with over 200 very talented artisans offering all kinds of things from gourmet food, furniture, paintings, jewelry, clothing and photography to name a few. If you do visit make sure you drop by and check out my friend Andrew King and his amazing paintings.
2011
Where Fairies Sleep
Another photo from the recent Fairyland visit during Doors Open Ontario event. This is the bedroom located upstairs in the cottage. Looks like it may have been a little chilly in the winter months.
Please click for a large photo.
2011
Whimsical Sign & the Camera+ App
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka runs every Friday from 9am to 2pm up until Labour Day and its located at the park near the waters edge. There are about 80 vendors which makes for an interesting place to browse, listen to live music, shop and sample food. While visiting last Friday I noticed this cool sign made by Catie of Off The Beaten Path and couldn’t resist taking it home. Its made from an old cupboard door, a bunch of old bolts and rusted out tools.
FYI – I have started to play with the iPhone camera recently and took this shot with it. I then ran it through Lisa Bettany’s Camera+ App which has had an unbelievable 3 million downloads to date. Lisa is a fellow Canadian and photographer who you can find at MostlyLisa.com
2011
Fairyland
On June 25th I had the opportunity to tour some of the interesting properties in this years Doors Open Ontario for the Muskoka area. In 1929 twin sisters Marguerite Boyce and Violet Hobbs arrived in Bala, pitched a tent at what would become Jaspen Park on the Moon River near Bala and started to sell their paintings. A year later they put a $100 down payment on a nearby cottage called Hollyhock and started a love affair between themselves and Muskoka that would last for decades.
At first they sold their paintings, then expanded to a gift shop and eventually a tea room. One of the important features was the wishing well out front (still there) which was created at the beginning of WW II. Visitors were encouraged to throw coins in which helped send more than 1000 gift parcels to Canadian servicemen and prisoners-of-war during war time. They also developed children’s doll exhibits and several generations of kids regarded the Twins Studio as a very enchanting place. After Marguerite passed away in the 1950′s Violet renamed the studio Fairyland and would dress daily in organdy. Many children believed she was a real fairy.
While I was photographing the inside of the cottage two elderly ladies arrived and displayed gifts they had purchased as little girls. They were quite emotional as they described their Fairyland experiences and how magical it was for them to visit as children. It was the first time the doors of Fairyland had been open to the public since 1974.
For a more detailed story on Fairyland courtesy of Jack and Linda Hutton please Click Here
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
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
Joe Islands
On occasion, I manage to perform a Cirque du Soleil balancing act by maneuvering my Jetski and taking photos at the same time. Driving towards the north end of Lake Joseph you will find scores of fabulous islands reminiscent of Group of Seven paintings.
