2008
The Church on the Hill in Gregory
On the Lake Rosseau side of the fence there is an old Anglican Church – The Christ Church of Gregory.
Well its time to take a small Blog break. I have not had many chances to get up north this winter but will return for New Years. I’m headed to the Caribbean in search of sandy white beaches and mixed concoctions. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and all the other correct Seasonal Greetings. See you in 2009 – Cheers!
Click Image for Santa Claus Belly Size
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Scaled Down Santa
I saw Santa !
He was just outside the LCBO down in Niagara-on-the-Lake. No he didn’t have time to stop. Old Mr. Claus seemed his jolly self but there was something missing. There were only 5 reindeer powering the sled this year. Also, not an elf in sight. The recession has hit Santa hard however there are rumors of a bailout package coming soon.
Santa Clauss
Click Photo for Super Santa Size
In: uncategorized
2008
Sun Trees
In the middle of snow flurries everything stopped for a minute and the sun peaked through the clouds. I was hoping it would drop so I could shoot it between the trees but it disappeared and continued to snow again.
Click on the image for a larger 1280 pixel size
2008
Snow Horses
It was snowing pretty hard when I approached the fence and these two zeroed in on me with blank stares almost immediatley.
2008
Beware of Swamp Monster
Beware of Swamp Monster – found this sign on a trail in the woods up near Minett, Ontario. There was a small lake at the end with a private camp setup for wakeboard training . Click for biggie size
2008
The Tours Over
Stumbled upon this Bus parked in a wooded area. It appears the road tour may be over for a while. Not sure if anyone was living in it or not. Please click for a larger size.
Click on the image for a bus sized photo
2008
Conn Stafford Smythe R.I.P. in beautiful Muskoka
Toronto Maple Leaf fans are hoping for the turning over of a new leaf (no pun intended) with the signing of Brian Burke as the new President and GM announced recently. With this news I thought of Conn Stafford Smythe who rests peacefully across the road from my cottage overlooking Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Stafford was the son of the great Conn Smythe and only lived to the age of 50 while embroiled in controversy with control of the Leafs and Maple Leaf Gardens.
They have changed Stafford’s headstone in recent years as it used to read; “He was dearly loved by his wife, children, and many friends, he was persecuted to death by his enemies. Now he sleeps peacefully in the quiet north country that loved him for the person he was”
Please click on the photo for a larger image
2008
Henshaw Lake in Muskoka
I took over 100 new photos last weekend and my CF card crapped out on me. Thanks to the data recovery software I got them back.  Henshaw Lake on #118 towards Port Carling . Some of the smaller lakes are freezing over. You don’t dare walk on them yet though.
Click Image for Wooly Mammoth Size
2008
Winter Road
We have snow! There was not as much up north as I thought there would be. I noticed far more snow around the ski hills near Mount St. Louis, Moonstone area with many trees broken and bent over from the weight of the snow.
click on the image for large view
2008
When you come to a fork in the river – take it
I have not had a chance to get back up north and take some snow related photos as of yet. Hopefully this weekend. I guess that’s what happens when life gets in the way. Here is a shot up in Caledon, Ontario of the Forks of the Credit River.
2008
Fishing off the Parry Sound Wharf
It was an ominous day in Parry Sound (birthplace of Bobby Orr) where I spotted these kids fishing off the local wharf. I blasted off a few shots as they ignored me while they concentrated on baiting their hooks. Then without saying anything to them they turned and smiled.
Click Image for super size
2008
The Leaning Doors of Rosseau
I posted a similar shot of these doors I found up in Rosseau back in June. Many liked them so I thought I would show from the opposite angle.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
The Drive Thru on Muskoka Road #38
There are many roadside signs offering up “cheap smokes” as you cruise through Muskoka Road #38. This road starts in Bala and connects to Highway #400 passing through the Wahta Mohawk Reserve. It was raining and I was short on time but managed to snap this photo of a drive thru shop along the way. Click on the photo for biggie size
2008
Lest We Forget
Remembrance Day, also know as Poppy Day. We are so removed and insulated from what it was like for our dads, brothers, uncles, grandfathers and friends to go off to war and never arrive home again or return changed forever. We now take those sacrifices for granted. Please ponder it a moment…
Taken in Bala Ontario overlooking the Moon River
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
The JW Marriott in Muskoka
There is only one JW Marriott Hotel in all of Canada and its located at the Red Leaves resort near Minett in Muskoka. This is a massive resort built on 1400 acres and located on the shores of Lake Rosseau. There is a 700 acre nature trail, spa, restaurants, theater and more. It was still under construction when I strolled by but parts of it should be opening soon.
2008
Muskoka through the Trees
Most of the leaves have dropped off now. A few are still hanging on as the bleakness of fall approaches.
click image for supersize
2008
Looking Back at Bala Falls
While taking a drive through the town of Bala in Muskoka its hard not to miss the Save the Bala Falls signs. Many locals and cottagers are very upset at the possible destruction of the natural beauty of these falls with a proposed hydroelectric plant being built. This photo was taken “looking back” at the road over the dam and railway bridge near Purks Place and the old stone church.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
On Frozen Pond
Last night the temperature went down to about -2C. When I awoke I noticed the pond out front was frozen and contained some unique patterns in the ice. I knew it was time to get the boats out for November is upon us.
click on image for biggie size
2008
The Sun Sets Over Clevelands House in Muskoka
The sun sets over Clevelands House to end another summer/fall season in Muskoka. I took this photo from a new trail that opened up along the shoreline from the Wallace Marina over to the New Red Leaves Resort. Of course Red Leaves now owns Clevelands and the entire shoreline around to the resort. It has to be close to 2 miles of shoreline on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka – do the math.
Click for bigger size
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
The Old Cranberry Truck in Bala, Ontario
Just before the Cranberry Festival hit the Town of Bala I made a trip over to Johnston’s Cranberry Farm. The leaves were almost peaking and the sun was warm at least compared to now. This old truck was or is used for the harvest of cranberries on the farm. It looks like it probably still works.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Sundown on the 5th hole in Muskoka
Sundown on the 5th hole at The Rock Golf Course in Muskoka. This place was totally deserted and even without the trees in foliage its a spectacular place to check out.
2008
October Sky in Muskoka
You can feel that the final days of fall are upon us. The brisk air and unsettling wind bring reminders that winter is just around the corner. Its time to take the boats out of the water and give-in to the change of seasons. It snowed last week and it won’t be long until it stays.
2008
Lock #45 Port Severn, Ontario
When you take highway # 400 north to cottage country you pass over the Severn River that empties into Georgian Bay. This is the township of Port Severn or Severn as its known today. Severn is part of the Trent Severn waterway that is 387 km’s long and consists of 44 locks, 39 swing bridges and 160 dams. This photo was taken near lock #45 the smallest of them all.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Pileted Woodpecker
I have tried a number of times unsuccessfully to photograph this Pileated Woodpecker? (Dryocopus pileatus) that I see around my cottage from time to time. They are very timid and do not stay in one place for more than a few seconds. I just happened to be standing outside with my camera in hand and this guy flew right beside me. They are a pretty large bird and the same one as Woody.
2008
Out in Muskoka’s Cranberry Patch
Cranberry Marsh in Muskoka Canada
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Muskoka Island Reflections in the Fall
I snapped this Muskoka island in the early morning light. The water was perfectly still and reflected the trees, boathouse and white puffy clouds above. There are numerous islands throughout the Muskoka Lakes and each and every one is unique in its own way. You have to be careful navigating your boat near them as there is often shallow water surrounding them.
Muskoka Island (Click on Image to Enlarge)
2008
Exploring the Ghost Town of Swords Ontario
Swords Rd. (click image for biggie size)
2008
A walk through the Muskoka Forest
The fall colors were at peak this past Thanksgiving weekend and you couldn’t ask for better weather. I was lucky enough to tag along on a nature hike with one of Canada’s foremost naturalists, Robin Tapley. The nature hike was courtesy of Red Leaves Muskoka Resort who have setup an impressive 700 acre nature preserve with trails for hiking, skiing and biking which will be open to the public to explore.
Another picture taken from one of the many trails deep into the Muskoka wild and marshland. I highly recommend anyone who spends time in Muskoka to take a walk through these trails. I noticed they are building a maple sugar camp in the bush which will be ready for the spring thaw.
2008
Joseph River Muskoka Boathouse at Sundown
The fall colors have not quite peaked as of yet but should be vibrant this weekend coming which is Canada’s Thanksgiving. There is a little island that sits out in the Joe River that you can see from the road just south of Minett, Ontario. The sun had just set when I snapped this.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Purks Place in Bala another Muskoka landmark slated for teardown
Their motto is Boats and Bait since 1908. Purks Place is a Muskoka landmark located on Burgess Island at the Bala Falls in Bala, Ontario. It appears Purk’s will be no more. In the near future a hydro electric power plant is slated to be built in its place. Some of the locals have been in opposition to this and have setup a website savethebalafalls.com
Interesting article by local Bala author and musician Jack Hutton. Â Who Cares About Purks’s Place?
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka Roadside Mailbox Attractions with Dueling Banjo Soundtrack
While driving the back roads of Muskoka I discovered this wonderfully weird mailbox. Those are actually large boulders mounted on top that would weigh a ton. The driveway also had two poles with similar boulders adorning each side. I was curious what I would discover down at the end of this driveway, maybe a great artist or some other eccentric character? The dueling banjo’s went off in my head and I decided it was just a little too creepy to continue.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Bracebridge Fall Fair Revisited
Another photo from the recent Bracebridge fall fair. I noticed these two beauties, a Fairlane 500 and a 1931 Ford Model A with a rumble seat. My father used collect cars and had one like this. When I was a kid we would ride into town in one of those bumpy rumble seats -man we thought we were so cool waving to everyone while it put-putted away.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Interesting Boathouses on the Muskoka Lakes
One of the most striking things you notice when visiting Muskoka are the many types of beautiful boathouses. They vary from rustic to charming to grandiose architectural styles. Many of these boathouses feature beautiful sitting rooms, bathrooms, exercise rooms and grand bedrooms. Sometimes driving past you can get a peak at the prized Muskoka antique boats like the Ditchburns, Minette-Shields, Dippys and Greavettes etc.
This photo is of a boathouse on a Lake Rosseau island. It appears someone really loves his sailboat.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Huckleberry Rock Trail overlooking Lake Muskoka
Huckleberry Rock is one of the most scenic views in all of Muskoka. You can find the trail just off the road that takes you to Milford Bay. These rocks are some of the oldest rocks in the world, well over a billion years old. I will return in late autumn to catch some of the vivid colors.
“Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun. But, Mama, that’s where the fun is.
“Blinded by the light” — Bruce Springsteen.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
The Zipper Ride
When I was a kid we could hardly wait to go to the annual fall fair. We would usually sneak through a hole in the fence somewhere at the back so we could save the extra money for the midway. Well there was this amusement ride that all kids were really freaked out about called “The Zipper“. Of course we all wanted to ride it and brag about how we lived to survive it despite the rumors about people being launched out of the cages and crashing to a brutal death. (I later learned those weren’t rumors.)
After coming off with green faces we discovered that if we hung around the Zipper we could pick up the money that fell out of peoples pockets. This was a great way to make some extra cash until the nasty Carni man with the stick chased us away – but that’s another story. This past weekend while strolling around the Bracebridge fall fair I discovered my old friend the Zipper
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2008
Ride my Llama at the Bracebridge Fall Fair
I took a stroll through the Bracebridge Fall Fair last Saturday. The theme was heavy on the agricultural stuff with giant squash, momma’s best jams and cookies, horse pulling and even a midway with Ferris wheel and the ooooh scary Zipper. As I was wandering away from the hoopla I saw these strange creatures looking for some attention. I did not realize that Lama’s had chompers on them like killer beavers.
2008
Cruising Through the Backroads of Muskoka
I did not know exactly were I was when I found this old 1942 Dodge sitting in a farmers field. Sitting across the road there was a small monument that said, The Hamlet Bardsville, Est 1865. There was a for sale sign on the fence so if your looking for a new set of wheels …
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2008
Muskoka boat season, excuse me I am not done yet
Ok so its only September, I mean there’s no reason to pack up and leave yet although most have done so. Boating season still has at least 2 months to go for me and the odd other nut bar I see around the lakes. We are Canadians and we have to stretch it out as long as we can even if it does mean blue fingers and toes.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Signs that the Fall Season is here in Muskoka
There are some very distinctive signs that the fall season is upon us. The Cicadas are no longer buzzing, the Crickets have quieted down and of course the boat traffic is at a minimal level. Most importantly you can feel it in the air. There are many of us that feel this is the best time of year to be in Muskoka. This photo was taken down a side road on my way to Bracebridge.
It started to rain hard and I did not get to spend as much time here as I would have liked. There are some interesting things down some of these Muskoka side roads.
2008
The Rosseau Market in Muskoka features the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In the town of Rosseau, Ontario every Friday morning in the summer you will find The Rosseau Farmers Market. This is a great place to come browse around at the many artisans booths, purchase fresh produce, and catch a different musical group each week. However, come labour day like most things in Muskoka the streets roll up. I highly recommend a visit here either by boat or car. On the last day I caught this interesting band called, Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Chessboard at Clevelands House in Muskoka
While driving back from the Rosseau farmers market the other morning I decided to take a little side trip into Clevelands House which is one of the last remaining 100 year old resorts still standing in Muskoka. I noticed this really cool giant chess set in the back area for guests to play. Most of the people were down at the water but I would imagine there have been a few interesting matches here in the evenings.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
The Church on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka Canada
When you travel north past Cleveland’s House in Minett and towards Royal Muskoka Island you will find this very distinctive church on the waters edge. This is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus, Ontario. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2002. I have often caught glimpses of brides arriving in old Muskoka woodies for their big day. There are some images you cannot capture with a lens however they do remain etched in my brain.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Lake Joseph, Muskoka Panorama
Traveling up to the north end of Lake Joseph you will notice that it is less inhabited compared with other parts of the Muskoka Lakes. There are a myriad of islands and hidden bays to discover. Its one of my favorite areas to travel as I feel like you step back in time. This shot was taken looking due south on a hazy early afternoon.
2008
Muskoka’s Port Carling, The Skyline from the Waters Edge
Cruising down the Indian River from Lake Rosseau you will eventually find the Town of Port Carling. This area is considered the hub of the Muskoka lakes. By navigating through the lock you are able to get into Lake Muskoka from here.
There are some very interesting buildings here especially the Port Carling Boat Works which was established in 1925. During the depression this company sold the most stock production of outboard motors in all of Canada. They built their beautiful Seabird launches from this location and a branch plant down in Honey Harbour, Ontario.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Inside Dukes Boatbuilders of Muskoka
I was lucky enough to get a tour of Dukes Marine Services in Port Carling, Ontario at the hub of the Muskoka Lakes. Dukes has been around for a very long time and used to build rowboats, launches and even produced minesweepers during the Second World War. Charles Duke moved his business to this particular site in 1924. Dukes beautifully crafted Playmate boats are still often spotted on the lakes in Muskoka. Today the shop refurbishes many of the classics from yesteryear including Greavettes, Minett-Shields and Ditchburns.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Take the Time Machine, Visit the Rosseau General Store Circa 1874
Located at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau at Hwys # 141 and # 632 you will find the famous Rosseau General Store.
Not only is it a tourist destination its also one of the best places for groceries, hardware and supplies in the area.
Built in 1874 the two-storey white frame building is much the same as it was 100 years ago.
The creaky wooden floors and interior displays are like taking time machine back to another era.
Rosseau General Store
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2008
Captain Rob Cruises the Muskoka Lakes
My good friend Rob loves Muskoka. Like many of us, its in our blood. Just like me, he can spend hours cruising around the Muskoka Lakes such as Lake Joseph, Rosseau and Muskoka checking everything out. Its absolutely breathtaking and it just sucks you right in like a giant vortex. Its a deep rooted feeling you get from being up here and it may even be traceable in our DNA.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Interesting Boats Spotted on the Muskoka Lakes
What am I doing here? I noticed this Power Cat boat over in Gravenhurst at the annual boat show. Pretty funky looking design with twin Mercs on board. This baby was built in California probably in the 60′s. There was no one around at the time to give the run down on her but nevertheless it turned a few heads.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2008
Navigating Through the Islands on Lake Rosseau Muskoka
One of my past times is to cruise around the different islands on the Muskoka Lakes by Jetski. I can get into places where you simply can’t by boat. No, I guess I am not that “green” even though I bought a kayak I have only been in it 2 times so far. My intentions were good but certainly not the best vessel to carry photographic equipment in. This island boathouse is on Lake Rosseau not far from the Muskoka Lakes Golf Club.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
Muskoka Birds of a Feather
I am no bird expert and please correct me if I’m wrong but I believe this is a Common Merganser out for a cruise with her children. Taken on the Joseph River near Lake Rosseau in the heart of Muskoka Canada.
