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.
2011
Diver Down
I was out for an early morning drive and discovered an early morning dive. Looks like they were giving a scuba diving course at the dam in Bala on the Lake Muskoka side.
Please click on the photo for a larger size
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Benched
I enjoy wandering around discovering places that you normally wouldn’t get to see when visiting the Muskoka area. I have been fortunate to meet a number of great people that have deep-rooted knowledge on the history of the area.
One of my connections brought me to this old secluded and abandoned place in the forest. I promised the owners I would not disclose the location as it is deeply cherished and private. Yup, secret Muskoka. There appeared to be a tennis court here at one time which has long since been forgotten. This old bench is all that remains woven into the memories of Muskoka.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, secret muskoka
2011
Crane Island, Lake Joe
Last week (Weds June 9, 2011) we had quite a wicked storm roll through Muskoka. Many trees were uprooted and a few Lake Muskoka cottages and boathouses sustained severe damage. I talked with someone today who was without power for 3 days and another who couldn’t get out of their road for 2 days because of the amount of fallen trees. It’s a different world up here.
This is a shot I took just before sundown on Lake Joseph looking towards Crane Island. With the unseasonable weather there has not been many boats on the lakes or people around the towns. Its a bit quiet. Even the real estate market is much quieter compared to previous years. Its funny how the weather impacts our behavioral patterns.
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
Still Standing
I noticed this old barn while driving down Brackenrig Rd in Muskoka. You wonder how it survives the strong winds and heavy loads during winter. I guess its a testament to the way things used to be built. Please click on the image for a larger photo
2011
Sugarbush Bay from the Roadside
If you are a visitor and are driving around the Muskoka area its very difficult to see the cottages and boathouses (Eye Candy on the Lakes) that populate the shorelines. It’s much easier when you are out in a boat. Many of the grand ole Muskoka cottages are very private and you cannot see them from the road. However, there are some roads you can venture down and get a glimpse of things like this photo taken from Scarcliff Road off Hwy #118 between Port Carling and Milford Bay. This is Sugarbush Bay on Lake Muskoka. Google satellite map HERE
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2011
The Old Yellow Cabin
Hope everyone enjoyed the Victoria Day long weekend. Finally some decent weather apart from Sunday nights thunder boomers. I noticed plenty of boats out on the water and even one brave water skier. The streets were busy in Bracebridge and Port Carling when I was passing through. A good sign.
As many of you already know I like to stay off the beaten paths. You never know what you will discover down that side road you have been driving by for years or veering off the regular trail. A rougher ride but far more interesting. Please click on the image for a large sized photo.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
MuskokaBlog Channel
I have setup a new YouTube Channel and plan to add some Muskoka videos this year. The first video (only 2 mins) is a Muskoka promo that was produced for the G8 meetings held in Muskoka, June 2010. It features the well known and very talented Jack Hutton of Bala.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Red Air Boat
As a kid I used to watch a TV show called Gentle Ben, you know the one about the kid and the 650lb black bear. Well OK, um maybe I’m dating myself. Anyhow, they used to blast themselves around the Florida everglades in a cool fan powered boat just like this one. From what I understand these Air or Fan Boats are used in the off season around Muskoka and Georgian Bay so people can still make it out to their islands or remote properties. They are also good for search and rescue missions allowing access where a normal boat can’t go or when the ice is thin. I spotted this one up near the Windermere House.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Brandy Lake in Muskoka
It is estimated that there are around 1600 lakes in the Muskoka district. The “big three” lakes (Muskoka, Joseph & Rosseau) get most of the attention however there are lots of smaller lakes worthy of adventure. This photo was taken near the town of Port Carling where you will find a small lake called Brandy Lake. Many of these lakes have public access ramps where you can drop your kayak, canoe, or Tom Sawyer raft in.
Please click on the photo for a large image.
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
Kicking off the Season
Yes – the ice is out, finally! Its been taking a while for spring to arrive and there are still a few dusting’s of snow in the Muskoka area. This time last year I had my boat in the water so I would say the season is behind a tad. Nevertheless warmer weather is on the horizon. I suspect this Easter weekend will be the return for many people starting spring cleanups and opening their cottages. This is a photo of the Christ Church in Gregory which is between Port Sandfield and Minett, Ontario.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
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
Little Red Boathouse
I talked with a local the other day and he said, “We are still making ice”. The nights have been below zero therefore things are not melting down yet. The open water around this dock is a result of bubblers being used. Its the time of year when the ice can rip apart your dock or boathouse. I noticed water levels are down about a foot on Joe, Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. The spring run off will top them up a bit more. The Saps been running and people are making Maple Syrup so the spring should happen any time now.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized Pic
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
Muskoka March Meltdown
Can you feel it? Spring is near and we are experiencing a bit of a meltdown. Don’t get too exited though, the ice is usually not gone until about mid April. I’m going to say April 13th this year as my prediction for the ice out. As always please click for a bigger and better shot.
2011
Beaumaris Dock
Beaumaris is a well known settlement located on Tondern Island within Lake Muskoka. You can reach it by traveling off Hwy #118 at Milford Bay. It was an important transit point in the steamboat era and once hosted the Beaumaris Hotel and a post office. Today there is a general store, marina, church, summer camp, yacht club and this cool government pier.
Please click on the image for a large size
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Frozen Boathouses in Muskoka
This is Cox Bay on Lake Joseph which is not far from Port Sandfield in Muskoka. You can see how much the water level has dropped, maybe down about a foot. I believe this is in anticipation of the spring melt. Please click on the image or HERE for a much larger sized photo.
2011
Going Solo
Ice fishing out on Lake Joseph. You can see a bunch of markers scattered around where lines were dropped.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized shot.
2011
Dangling Shooz
So I am driving in the middle of nowhere and I see these shoes dangling from a hydro wire. Does anyone know if this means something? Did some kids just drop by and throw a perfectly good pair of sneaks up for fun? One person told me it represents a death that happened near by and another said its gang related or drugs are sold here. Huh? Perhaps it was the giant Muskoka vultures that swooped down and picked someone up and as they kicked their legs in the struggle the laces got tangled and the shoes fell off?
Please click on the image for a size 1600
2011
Winters Tranquility
I wanted to grab a hot beverage and walk down to the seats at the end of the dock and ponder life for a bit. It just didn’t seem right to mess it up. This is a dock at the north end of Lake Rosseau near the Village of Rosseau. In a few months it will be bustling with boats and people.
Please click on the photo for an extra large size
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
Frozen Feat in Rosseau
I almost froze to death getting this shot. We were headed up Peninsula Rd. to the community of Rosseau to have dinner at Crossroads (I do recommend) and I pulled over and jumped out as the sun started to drop below the treeline. Oopps … I did not realize the ditch contained three feet of snow with a foot of ice water at the bottom. There were only a few people who stared as I fine dined in my wet socks.
Please click for a larger image.
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.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo
2011
Skateaway
At first its a very daunting task for a young one to strap on two boots with steel blades attached. Once over the emotional and mental barriers the confidence builds. Who knows this boy could be the next Wayne Gretzky. We all have to start somewhere. I will never forget the cool crisp air and the sounds the blades made as we spent the entire day out playing hockey or chasing our sisters around. Back then, Mom had to yell to get us to come back into the house.
Please click for a larger photo.
2011
Road to Joe
Passing by Lake Joseph on highway #169 near Bass Lake
Please click for a 1280 pixel size photo.
2011
And the Sign Says?
It appears someone is living in this little place alongside the road. I have no clue what the sign says or means.
Click for a larger sized photo
2011
Birds Eye View
I made it up to snowy Muskoka this past Sunday after basking in the balmy Caribbean sun for 10 days. Yup – back to reality. I was surprised to see that the ice was as thick as it was. I turned the bubblers on and I hope they manage to break through before they drop the level of the lake and rip the docks apart. This is a shot just before the holidays when there was less snow and the ice was just forming. Happy New Year to all!
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
Muskoka Sky
I was driving across a stretch of old Highway #69 just as the sun was going down. The sky was beautifully lit up and I stopped, setup the tripod and took a few shots. It really was darker than what the photo shows however a little longer exposure time brought out the sky. Please click for a larger photo.
2010
Big Lake Freeze Over
The larger lakes are starting to freeze up in Muskoka now and it won’t be long until we see the deer walking out on the lakes, fish huts and sleds zooming by. For those of you that know what bubblers are it might be time to turn them on.
2010
Can’t See the Forest for the Snow
Winter has arrived and I don’t think there is any turning back this time. Throw another log on the fire and crack open a fine varietal.
As always please click on the photo to see a larger version.
2010
November Snow
Arrived in Muskoka and discovered close to about one foot of snow had fallen. Even the small lakes and bays are starting to freeze over. Please click on the photo for a larger image.
2010
Lake Rosseau Island
This will be the last shot I will post this year taken from the boat. Everything is put away now for the winter. There are a few boats zooming about however they are mostly work boats. Not many taking leisurely tours around the Muskoka lakes these days. I forgot to look at the charts to get the name for this Island. It is just off Tobin Island and not too far from Bohemia.
Please click on the photo for a larger size
2010
Lake Muskoka Dreariness
Lake Muskoka on a dark and dreary November day. Please click on the photo for a larger image
