2009
Hoppy Holidays and a Little Blog Break
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Yuletide Tidings
It’s time to turn it down a few notches and enjoy some time off. We are pointed due south and with some luck and a good breeze we should have the quintessential rum concoctions figured out and dancing in the green hues of the Grand Cayman sunset before the turkeys ready.
Wishing you all peace, love, health, happiness and success in 2010 – Ed
2009
Boy oh Buoy
Most of the small lakes are frozen over now and the shorelines of the large lakes have started to show coverage as well. Of course its way to early to walk or take the sled on them however you know someone will try. The amount of snow around the Muskoka area in unbelievable. The old timers say there has not been that much snow in December since the 1930′s
2009
Snowed Out
Well I must confess I missed the big blast of weather in Muskoka this past week. And you knew we were eventually going to pay for the fair weather autumn we enjoyed. Not one to normally shy away, I started on my way up north and then heard the road closure reports. Muskoka and area received a 100cm or a 3 foot plus dumping within a couple of days. Many roads were closed down so I decided to stay back. I guess I was snowed out. I monitored a few blogger friends like Jenn Jilks and her very informative MyMuskoka . Jenn was right on top of things providing pics, video footage and great commentary.
Here are a few more links to news articles about the Muskoka weather
Cottage Country Digs out from a Full Metre of Snow
2009
Baby, Its Cold Outside
Someone flipped the switch and we turned into Baffin Island.
Most cottagers have vanished now with only the retiree troopers and the local yokels left to hold down the fort.
The deer will soon be trotting across the lake looking for dessert. Yup cover up those cedar trees Mable.
The bubblers are in – let the season begin (and end soon)
2009
HDR Spotting
For those of you that enjoy High Dynamic Range Photography there is a new website that features HDR Photographers from all over the world. HDR Spotting was started by Trey Ratcliff one of my favorite HDR photographers. I have been fortunate to have a few of my photos featured on this cool site. 
In: uncategorized
2009
Highway #169 Revisited
This is a typical scene that you would see while driving around the Muskoka area.
Campbell’s Landing just off Hwy #169
Please click on the photo for a larger size
2009
The Ghosts of Muskoka
I decided I would take the long way home and drove through Bala early this morning. It was dead quiet and I noticed an empty Bala Bay Inn parking lot so I did a little u-turn and headed back for a few quick snaps.
The Bala Bay Inn was built in 1910 by Ephraim Browning Sutton from Leads in Yorkshire, England. Initially it was named The Swastika Hotel and due to the unpolitical correctness of the times it was renamed to the Sutton Manor in the early ’30s. In 1945 the name was changed to The Bala Bay Lodge, and in 1998 to The Bala Bay Inn.
E.B. Sutton died in room #319 of the hotel in 1917 and many of the staff and patrons say the Inn is haunted by him. There are Muskoka ghost tours and even seances that have been held here for you paranormal types.
Please click on the image for a 1280 pixel sized photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2009
Roadside Distractions Part II
The last photo featured an abandoned old farmhouse and a cool looking tree alongside highway 400. This is a wide angled shot that shows a barn on the property. I am uncertain if the barn is still in operation however it appears to be in decent condition. If you were looking out the window of the farmhouse you would have a direct view of the ski hill and lifts.
Please click on the image for a small mountain sized photo
2009
Roadside Distractions
I have been driving by this abandoned old farm house on highway #400 for years now. The traffic was light Sunday morning so I pulled over and took a few quick snaps, sans tripod. I don’t recall when it was last occupied. Most cottagers that travel on Hwy #400 which was once referred to as “the extension” would see this place neatly tucked in the field near Mt. St. Louis.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo
2009
Flashback Blues
Cloudy skies and dead fruit flies
Waving goodbye with tears in my eyes …
~ John Prine
This photo was taken about the peak of this years Muskoka autumn colours.
I am still holding onto the fall season however we all know whats coming soon.
Click for a larger, clearer shot of 1280 pixels
2009
Weird Waubaushene Walk Way
Many cottagers that take highway #400 will be familiar with a place just south of Port Severn called Waubaushene Ontario. You cannot see the town or village from the road as its nicely isolated from the highway. I did the obligatory main street drive and at the very end of the street found this walkway that reached out onto Georgian Bay.
2009
North End of Lake Rosseau
Up on the north end of Lake Rosseau there is a cool looking boathouse and old house or cottage up on the rock.
It appears they have been rebuilding the house/cottage for the past few years. Not sure of the history.
Just a quick snap while passing by.
Please click on the photo for a large shot
2009
A Pinball Wizard, There’s got to be a Twist
Ever since I was a young boy
I’ve played the silver ball
From Huntsville down to Barrie
I must have played them all …
Just a few doors down from The Kee I could not resist a little peek inside the Balacade. It was like a journey back in time (gee now I’m dating myself) with vintage pinball machines and games crammed into the small room. Balacade is an arcade shop that was started in Bala Ontario over 50 years ago and is still run by the original owner Paul Arney and his wife Patricia. Please click on the pic or HERE for a biggie 1280 pixel photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2009
Off the Bridge
It was early morning and the sun was just starting to creep up when I walked onto the Joesph River Bridge looking due west.
It was cool and crisp with a nice fog coming off the water. The lake has given up her warmth.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo
2009
The History of the Old Stone Crypt
Driving around the back roads of Muskoka I recently found this old stone crypt near Torrance, Ontario.
I discovered this is the final resting place for William Odell Darling Pine Whiting and family. (Boy, they had long names back then) W.O. Whiting was from England and fell in love with Muskoka in 1885 when he was returning to Toronto while serving with the Northwest Grenadiers after the Riel rebellion.
He later returned in 1892 and bought a large piece of beachfront stretching from Sandy Point to Coulter’s Narrows on Lake Muskoka. William built a 210 room, 4-story hotel called the Brighton Beach Hotel which was a replica of a hotel back in Brighton Beach England. Unfortunately the hotel burned down before it ever opened. Later, William and his wife Clara Cronkhite built a second smaller hotel named the Brighton Beach II which operated for a short while until it burned down in 1917.
Here is a good article about the Whiting family called; Ninety-Three Muskoka Summers
Please click for a large photo
2009
Rocky Roads
Its quite common to see rock cuts through the granite outcroppings around Muskoka or Northern Ontario. In order to make roads you have to blast them out. This is Peninsula Road near Minett, Ontario. Most of the trees have started to shed however there are still some vibrant colors hanging on.
Please click here or on the image for a giant sized photo
2009
I’ve got a Trike and you can Ride it if you Like
Going Green – another photo from the Cranberry Fest.
I noticed this dude in his electric tricycle thingy cruising down the road in the CranFest traffic.
2009
The Organ Grinder
The Organ Grinder Klaus seen at the Bala Cranberry Festival this past weekend
Click on the image for a large sized 1280 pixel photo
2009
Crowds with no Clouds at the 25th Annual Cranberry Festival
The 25th annual Cranberry festival was on in Bala, Ontario this past weekend. I don’t recall seeing crowds like this at the Cranfest before. Usually its cold and rainy so I think the sunshine brought many people out to Muskoka this year.
More photos to follow soon.
Please click on the image for biggie sized photo
2009
Blazing a Kodachrome Trail
I got a Nikon camera …
I love to take a photograph
so mama don’t take my Kodachrome away
(Paul Simon)
There are explosions of colour everywhere you turn in Muskoka but not for long. Natures final emancipation preparing for winter.
The photos on this blog are 72 dpi and contain relatively small files in order for the blog to load quickly. Unfortunately that diminishes the quality of the photo substantially. I wish I could show you some of the high resolution shots like this one which is about 15mb in size. The colors and details are truly mind blowing on a large sized high res monitor.
Don’t forget Muskoka’s Cranberry Festival is on this weekend in Bala Oct 16, 17, 18 – if you spot me in the beer tent I’ll buy you a beer
Please Click on the Image for a Biggie 1280 pixel size
2009
Gazing Down the Line
The trees were utterly vibrant and near peak this past weekend in the Muskoka area. The trails and back roads were very busy with many out of town visitors sucking in the raw natural beauty. Sunday afternoon revealed snow and ice pellets a welcoming gift for our friends from the city. Still waiting for that Indian Summer.
Please click for a large 1280 pixel photo
2009
Climbing up on Huckleberry Rock
On a rather drab day this summer I hiked up to Huckleberry Rock near Milford Bay in Muskoka. I’m not particularly happy with this shot as the light was wrong and I never brought the proper gear with me as I wanted to save some weight. However, the timing was good as the Segwun Steamship was cruising through the bay on Lake Muskoka. The other object in the background that looks like a boat is actually a rocky island. You can see it better if you click for a larger size.
If you are Canadian – have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
2009
Torrance Barrens – There’s a Darkness on the Edge of Town
I finally found the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve just south east of Bala, Ontario. This conservation reserve is made up of about 5000 acres of Precambrian rock, wetlands and modest tree growth making it ideal for astronomical instruments. It is Canada’s first Dark Sky Preserve. I plan to dust off the telescope I received as a gift many moons ago and return here one night to check out the skies, which are apparently mind blowing. This is a photo of the Highland Pond near the parking area off district road #13.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Info on Torrance Barrens
Please click on the image for a Milky-way sized photo
2009
Look at the stars, see how they shine for you
Its getting a little cooler umm colder on the water now especially when riding the Jetski however I’m going to stick with it a while longer yet. Yes, I’m crazy and my toes are ice cubes – thanks. Just before sundown I noticed this cool boathouse with its own built in observatory. Bottom of Lake Rosseau near Port Sandfield. Please click the image for a galaxy sized photo
2009
Dead Trees and Dark Skies
I was driving across Hwy # 169 towards Gravenhurst looking for the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve.
I made a wrong turn into the community of Torrance and just kept driving and discovered this field of dead trees on the side of the road. You can see that the fall colours are starting to set in now. I later discovered Torrance Barrens was on the other side of the highway.
Please click on the image for a higher resolution 1280 pixel size.
2009
Sundown Ya Better Take Care
The suns going down early these days and seems to drop like a lead balloon once it hits the horizon. Time to bring the old swimming raft in now. It seems to have grown its own garden.
2009
Llanrwst the Miller House in Muskoka, Designed by Eero Saarinen
The Miller family have been summering in Muskoka since 1886. In 1950 J. Irwin Miller who was operating Cummins Diesel convinced well known architect Eero Saarinen to travel to Windermere on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka to design him a cottage. Saarinen was never interested in residential design however took on the commission for his fellow Yale graduate and friend. The cottage was built near the family summer home and was a modern style design that represented high art in its day.
Although the Llanrwst or Miller cottage may not appeal to most people it is certainly reflective of the great bond people felt to Muskoka by placing their treasured dreams on our shorelines. Saarinen only designed 7 residential buildings in his life time so to have one in our Muskoka is a treat.
Eero Saarinen is now considered one of the masters of American 20th century architecture with many great achievements credited to him including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Missouri. Miller became Saarinen’s most consistent client with continuous projects from 1950 to Saarinsen’s death in 1961 at the young age of 51 due to a brain tumor operation.
Additional References:
Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future
Muskoka Famed Modernism
Please click on the image for a larger size
2009
Bat Boy to the Rescue
I stood in the yard and watched them come out in groups of 10 or 20 at a time like Stealth bombers all heading off to war. We eventually discovered there were hundreds of Brown Bats living in the cottage attic. This is not an easy problem to solve on your own so I picked up the Bat phone and called Bill Bat Boy. Bill is a Biologist and renowned expert on Bats. He was able to get the Bats to dump the cottage attic for a new swanky Bat condo and cleanup up the guano. (yup, Bat poo).
Brown Bats can eat up to their own body weight in insects per night so its not a bad idea to try and keep them around. Bill Bat Boy installed two of these cool Bat houses at each end of the cottage. Its been quite a few years now and we are happy to report that there are no Bats caught in peoples hair nor are there any vampire like marks on visitors necks.
Bill Bat Boy has some interesting information about bats on his website.
http://www.billbatboy.ca
Please click on the image for a large photo
2009
The Swirls of Summer are Just a Memory Now
This season Uncle Eddie’s summer camp had more guests then ever, especially kids. The visitors are just a memory now as Muskoka empties out and we blend into fall. The roads are quiet, the shops near empty and the boat traffic is minimal. The cottage season is over for some but for others its just a change.
2009
Monyca Island Lake Rosseau Muskoka
Keeping with the “Eye Candy on the Lake” motif.
The north eastern part of Lake Rosseau contains many beautiful estates with some extraordinary island properties. This is the beautiful boathouse on Monyca Island. If you click on the photo you can see a larger photo with more details that include some of the intricate woodwork that goes into these beauties.
Please click on the photo for a close up of the boathouse itself
Please click HERE for a close up of the original photo
2009
Bridge Over Troubled Water on Lake Joe
I caught this cool boathouse hiding amongst the trees while traveling north on Lake Joseph. The wind was picking up, the clouds were getting dark and the water was starting to get choppy so it was a sure sign a storm was rolling in. It’s not fun being caught out on the water in storms especially if there is lightning.
As you travel north on Lake Joe the cottages and boathouses are not as numerous as other parts of the lake however there are many gems tucked into bays on islands and the remote shorelines. I see something new every time I pass through here which is fairly frequent.
Please click on the image for a boathouse size photo
In: on the water
2009
Under the Train Trestle
The train leaves at 10am – be under it.
Underneath the train trestle on a clear sunny morning with a little lens flare du jour
Please click on the pic for a large sized photo.
2009
Boathouse on Wasan Island
This boathouse is on Wasan Island not Tobin Island as I originally posted. It is very near the large Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau however. Sometimes I think we take these boathouses for granted as we have been cruising by them for years. They really are a defining characteristic of Muskoka. People keep asking for more boathouses so a few more will follow unless some other distraction gets in the way.
Update Sept 12: I have now learned that this Island is owned by a group from Germany. Here is their website: http://www.wasan-island.de
For a boathouse sized photo please click on the Pic
2009
A Boatload of Free
I hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day long weekend. I think it was the best weather of the entire summer.
I noticed this rather large lawn ornament on highway #118 outside of Port Carling. I had a little peek inside and would not hesitate to say – free is not going to be cheap.
Please click on the image for a boat sized 1280 pixel photo
2009
Puzzled
We had a lot of family and friends roll through the cottage this year. Unfortunately due to the rainy weather kids ended up staying inside more then they should have. When I was a kid I don’t recall ever being inside as we were told that the fishing was better in the rain. These days most kids are hard-wired to reality distortion generator devices however it was good to see some old school, brain exercising activities like the classic jigsaw puzzle.
Coincidentally it happens to be the birthday of an old friend of mine who I refer to as “Puzzle Woman”. I have been trying to figure Puzzle out since my teens to no avail. So if you are out there somewhere Puzzle – Happy Birthday!
Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel size photo
2009
The Lighthouse near Rosseau
It was a rather drab looking day cruising up to the north end of Lake Rosseau but nevertheless its always great to be on the water. This lighthouse is located on the shoals just south of Rosseau near the distinctive Rosseau Lake College. The lighthouse is still operational and managed by the Canadian Coast Guard. I noticed a few Cormorants have taken refuge here.
Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel size
In: on the water
2009
Looking For Goldie and Kurt
Wheres Goldie? Can you take me to Goldie? Have you seen Goldie?
Everyone wants to know where Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell hang their hats in Muskoka. I fought with myself on whether I should make this post however I reasoned that in Muskoka, Goldie has pretty much been outed a long time ago. However, out of respect I don’t dare drive into her quiet little bay as its blatantly obvious why you are there.
Muskoka is filled with all kinds of celebs, kings of industry and sports stars extraordinaire who come to enjoy its beauty and avoid the hoopla.
So from a distance please wave to Goldie however if you need to see just a teeny bit bigger please click on the image.
Please click on the image for a biggie size
2009
Muskoka Architecture – Driving Through an Art Gallery in Your Boat
While traveling up to Royal Muskoka Island on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka you cannot miss this modern design boathouse tucked into a little bay. I tried to research the history of this structure however came up empty handed so if anyone has anything I would appreciate it. The cottage on this beautifully manicured property is consistent with the boathouse design.
The modern or perhaps international design is certainly not fitting to everyone’s taste however we are very fortunate to see a wide variety of architecture on the Muskoka lakes. Its like driving through an art gallery in your boat. How boring it would be if every cottage or boathouse was the same cookie cutter design.
For an interesting read on Muskoka architecture I recommend you browse through the well researched articles by my blogger friend Thelma Jarvis. Architecture, Building & Design
Please click on the image for a large photo
2009
Johnny Winter, Still Alive and Well in Muskoka
The legendary guitarist Johnny Winter played Muskoka this past weekend. There were only 100 tickets available and of course this concert sold out months ago. If you are not familiar with Johnny Winter he is one of the greatest guitar legends of all time having played with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and even touring with and producing the great Muddy Waters. Johnny and his brother Edgar were both born albino and have forged careers as great white blues rockers. It was almost to the day that they both performed at Woodstock 40 years ago.
Saturday nights concert was performed at Peters Players in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The room is built like a giant rec room/bar connected to the rear of Peters home. Peter is in the music promotion business with deep connections and the ability to book unbelievably high quality performers. One of the most intimate concert experiences you will ever have.
Check out Peters website and see who else is coming: www.petersplayers.com
Update: I was contacted by Peter of Peters Players who saw my photo and asked if they could use it for a promo.
Click HERE
2009
Ding Dong, No Shoes Please
The girls wanted to shop for shoes (again) so I was left to wander the streets of Bracebridge solo. I found a cool looking doorway with four ringer buttons . Then all of a sudden I seemed to attract a few people watching what I was doing. Really people it was not that exciting – well maybe a bit more exciting than looking at shoes.
Please click on the image for shoe size 1280
2009
Muskoka Chain Saw Manicure
This chain saw dude was really going to town.
When I first walked by he was carving up a tree stump like Gramps used to do with the turkey.
About a half hour later it was Boo Boo Bear
Please click for super size
2009
Snooping on Snoop Dogg at the Kee to Bala
Snoop Dogg in The House Cottage
The rapper / hip hop artist, Snoop Dogg or formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg played two sold out nights at The Kee to Bala August 13 & 14, 2009. I took a drive by (perhaps not the best choice of words) just to see what kind of crowd he would draw in Muskoka’s cottage country. It turns out the Snoopster drew a large crowd … of Cops.
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to take a decent shot under the high security situation. (required high ISO and there were lots of moving) There have been a lot of interesting bands come through The Kee including, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong in the old days. There has also been other great bands like Rush, Max Webster, David Wilcox, George Thorogood, The Ramones, Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo and others that have rocked The Kee.
2009
Back Road Boogie
I followed Butter and Egg Road off of Hwy #118 towards Bracebridge, Ontario and soon and ended up on a road called Falkenburg Road. This 1942 Dodge tandem truck was sitting in a farmers field waiting for a new owner.
Click on the Image for a large photo – thanks
2009
The Girls of a Muskoka Summer
ahhhh …remember those hot endless summers without a worry in the world?
And jumping off the rocks or the boat into a cool fresh lake. It does something to you. It gets ingrained deep into your psyche and you never ever forget it.
In: on the water
2009
The Ditchburns of Muskoka
In 1869, four Ditchburn descendants, brothers William, Henry, John and Arthur, emigrated to Canada from England. They settled in the village of Rosseau, Ontario. When the resort industry in Muskoka began to flourish. The Ditchburn brothers turned to what they new best, their family tradition of boat building.
After about 20 years of building small craft in Rosseau, the Ditchburns, moved their operations to the Muskoka Wharf area of Gravenhurst in 1890. Gravenhurst had much more traffic as the trains arrived and the steamers departed for various parts of the lakes. The Ditchburn is considered one of the most cherished crafts and a household name in Muskoka.
This is the identification plate off of the 31 ft launch On Behalf Of Sam, a 1930′s Ditchburn docked in Gravenhurst Bay.
Ditchburn History
Please click on the image for a large sized photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2009
Sunbeam Island on Lake Joseph Revisted
Last year I photographed Sunbeam Island or so I thought.
It actually turned out to be Sullivan Island not Sunbeam. My coordinates were slightly off kilter and the real estate agent that had it listed sent me a little reminder. So I navigated my way up Lake Joe and made sure I got it right this time. Sunbeam is on the market and can be had for a mere $1.645M reduced from $1.99M. I don’t see any fire sales on Muskoka real estate these days.
Click here or on the photo for an Island sized Pic
In: on the water
2009
Mother Nature and Human Nature Brings Tragedy in Muskoka
Its been a very tragic time in Muskoka this past week. There have been at least five drownings and an airplane crash that claimed the lives of two people. Its unfortunate as people were out enjoying the majestic beauty of the area when disaster strikes.
The recent rains have caused the rivers and streams to move at a very fast rate. Although the falls look soothing, beautiful and inviting its very deceiving on how powerful and dangerous mother nature can be. Most of the drownings were a result of swimming near very dangerous waterfalls.
The photo below was taken last week in Bracebridge.
It gives you an idea of the dangerous volumes of water flowing through the region.
Please be careful!
2009
Classic Cars in Muskoka, Ontario
The classic car and boat show in Rosseau, Ontario on August 01, 2009.
These shows always bring in hoards of people that wander around and admire the beauties. I wonder whats in the little black bag?
Please click on the photo for a large size
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2009
In the Belly of a Muskoka Steamship
I had a chance to spend some time in the pilothouse with the Captain of the R.M.S. Segwun steamship in Gravenhurst earlier this month. I thought it would be rather fitting to also visit the engine room to see whats happening. Well you can see by the look of crew Grumpy that he was none to pleased to see me and my camera. Oh well, I’m sure he got over it.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
