The snow is still falling but does it really matter when we are winning gold medals?
The amazing Muskoka Blogger extraordinaire, Jenn Jilks is keeping score of the Muskoka area snow fall accumulation
February 2010 = 48cm
January 2010 = 42cm
December 2009 = 60cm (mostly in 2 days and varied)
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Total so far:Â 150cm or 59 inches which is about 5 feet
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This is a typical scene that you would see while driving around the Muskoka area.
Campbell’s Landing just off Hwy #169
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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.
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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!
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
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
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.
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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
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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.
Please click for biggie size
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
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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
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!
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?
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This is the bow ornament of the Dolly Durkin Jr. named after the original 1922 Ditchburn built for Sir John Eaton. This beauty was built by the Picasso of boat building Mr. Peter Breen who invested 7000 hours into this masterpiece.
More about the Dolly Durkin Jr. and Peter Breen in The Muskokan
Please click on the image for a Ditchburn sized photo
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain’t nothin’ better in the world, you know
Than lyin’ in the sun with your radio
The Port Carling town dock works for a little chat fest while the wake boarding boys sneak in for little peek.
Ahhh those sunny sunny days …
Please click on the image for a dock sized photo
I caught these AmphiCars cruising around the docks in Gravenhurst at the annual antique boat show this past weekend. These bad boys were manufactured in Berlin, Germany from 1962 to 1967. Only about 4500 were ever built with most of the production going to the USA. I would like to know how they would handle the wake of a 31ft Ditchburn
Click on the image for a Biggie Pic
I noticed this mammoth monster sized boat in Port Carling last year. Someone told me it used to be Conrad Black’s boat but I’m not sure about that. Connie did like things a tad grandiose so its always possible.
Just a reminder that this Saturday July 11, 2009 is the 29th annual Antique and Cassic Boat Show down in Gravenhurst. All the classic boats will be there along with a flea market, steam boat rides and more …
Its definitely worth checking out. More info here and here
It was a blustery 4th of July when I had a chance to board the R.M.S. Segwun steamship out of Gravenhurst, Ontario. The Segwun is North Americas oldest operating steamship and one of the crown jewels of Muskoka. The R.M.S. designation stands for “Royal Mail Ship” and you can still mail a letter or postcard from her today. I had the opportunity to spend some time in the pilothouse with the Captain discussing his many adventures on the Muskoka Lakes.
Put it on your bucket list if you are visiting Muskoka or plan to in the future
Steamship schedule and info
Please click on the image for a Steamship sized photo
Traveling up to the north end of Lake Joseph there is an area that people refer to as “Billionaires Row“. Perhaps they are trying to “one up” Lake Muskoka’s Millionaires Row near Beaumaris. Well I have never seen any billionaires around (what do they look like?) however there are certainly some breathtaking abode’s that may reflect a billionaires eclectic tastes.
To get down to the waters edge on this log home it appears you may need to take a tram or perhaps a far reaching swan dive. Lets hope there is a well stocked fridge at the bottom.
Please click for biggie fries size
Please click the image for a large size photo
Parry Sound Ontario is the home of Bobby Orr, one of the greatest hockey players ever.
It was a very ominous day looking off the town wharf and out into the mammoth sized waters of Georgian Bay.
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I noticed this cool boat cruising by an island on the north end of Lake Joseph. It is shaped like a little tugboat however I don’t think that’s what it was. Looks more suited for the big wake of Georgian Bay
Click for biggie size
Please click on the image for a Tugboat Annie size photo
This launch is named “res ipsa loquitur” or “the thing speaks for itself.”
I am not certain if this beauty is a Greavette, Minett-Shields or some other Muskoka woody. It looks to be about 30 feet long and has the obligatory mother in-laws seat at the stern. This is the first time I have ever seen this majestic launch, perhaps it was being restored these past few years.
I was not able to get a good shot as I was at the helm of my own boat navigating through the channel at Port Sandfield when I saw her. I’m sure we will meet again. (Please click for supersize pic)
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The Bracebridge Falls is located right downtown in Bracebridge, Ontario. Bracebridge was the first municipality in Canada to embrace hydro electric power back in 1894. This is the last drop of the north branch of the Muskoka River before it meets up with the south branch.
It was a miserable rainy and cold day when I passed through last weekend. Quite a few people were still exploring, fishing and taking photos. (Canadians are tough!) The Muskoka area has an abundance of waterfalls throughout and I plan to get out and capture a few more.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo.
Please click for a large sized photo
The Victoria Day long weekend in Canada is usually the kickoff to our summer. This weekend is also known as the May Two-Four weekend (for those of you outside of Canada our beer is sold in 24 packs) but the holiday does not necessarily fall on the 24th of May.
This is the weekend that most people open their cottages, plant gardens or go camping. The highways are busy with people hauling their boats and heading to their favorite destination.
Well it certainly wasn’t the warmest Victoria Day long weekend on record. Although the parking lot was full the Muskoka chairs at Clevelands House were empty when I scooted by. (Please click pic for biggie size)
Click on the image for a adriondack chair sized photo
I picked up my boat from my good friends at Gordon Bay Marine last weekend and immediately cruised down Lake Joseph to Port Sandfield and back up to Lake Rosseau. It was a little on the chilly side and I seemed to be the only nut out on the white capping lake. It sure cleared the winter cobwebs out and reminded me how much I missed the open water. The water temperature was showing a glacial 53F or about 12C.
I can hardly wait not to jump in!
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There are signs of life in Muskoka as we approach the May 24 (Victoria Day) weekend which is actually on May 18th this year. Many birds, frogs and night crawling creatures as well as a few of the Homo Sapien varietal are scurrying about. I have not seen any signs of the dreaded black flies as of yet but have heard they are out there.
I was a little slow on the draw trying to snap a shot of the two ducks that took off in this photo however they left some nice rings in the water. Please click for a larger size
Click the image for a larger size
I usually like to have my boat in early however it appears like this guy will beat everyone to it this year. They must have hightailed it out of Muskoka back in the fall.
Taken near Bala, Ontario on Lake Muskoka near The Kee
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The sun was sinking fast and I wanted to try and get one more photo in before dark. I was driving across highway #118 towards Bracebridge and remembered Milford Bay. As I cruised down the side road I noticed this little creek draining into Lake Muskoka.
It won’t be long now until the ice has disappeared and us Canadians can don the obligatory, shorts, T’s and Sneaks.
Click Photo for a Glacier Sized Image
Things looked a little quiet and bleak when I passed by Dukes in Port Carling recently. Dukes is a historic place in Muskoka with a long history of classic boat building. I had a chance to tour the facility last year and witnessed the restoration of some old Ditchburns and Minett-Shields classic woodies. They occasionally have an open house for the public and if you get the chance I highly recommend you take the opportunity to step back in time.
Click on the image for a large launch sized photo
Looks like we were fortunate to dodge all the hoop-la in Muskoka over the holidays. I understand there was a combination of heavy snow, freezing rain, flooding, extreme high winds followed by hydro outages for thousands. By the time I got back up to check on things it felt like frozen arctic tundra at a mere minus 22c. Here is a shot of a creature discovered on the Gravenhurst waterfront.
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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
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
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.
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.
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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
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.
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)
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.
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?
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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