CottageBlog.ca - Stumbling in and around Muskoka Canada » On the Water

Passing By The Lady of the Lakes

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:55:48 +0000

The sky was overcast and it threatened rain all day however that did not stop the crowds from coming out to the lawn for the Windermere House concert on July 24, 2010. As I was passing by in my boat I could hear the distinct sounds of Canadian tenor Michael Burgess and the National Academy Orchestra emanating from the lawn. Just as I started to take some shots this work boat swooshed by from out of the shadows.

Please click on the image for a larger sized photo

From The Mother In-Laws Seat

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:19:47 +0000

This photo was taken from the mother in-laws seat in a 1930″s Ditchburn launch on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Unfortunately we were not allowed to bring cameras on the Muskoka Heritage Foundations annual Summer Tour. I snuck this low quality shot in from my iPhone as we were being transported across the lake by beautiful vintage boats. The summer tour was well organized and we had the privilege to learn about 3 very distinct and fascinating summer homes, Grey Rock, Monyca Island and Llanfair.

Everythings Just Ducky

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:34:00 +0000

A typical scene along the shorelines of Muskoka’s lakes and water ways. I believe this is a female Mallard duck with her chicks.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo

Grace and Speed

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:42:39 +0000

This is Grace and Speed located at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. It contains a great museum that features the history of Muskoka’s boat building, grand hotels and the steamship era. The boat slips contain many different antique wooden boats that were built in Muskoka. It is well worth a visit especially if you are planning on going out on one of the Steamships.

Please click on the image for a boathouse sized photo

Hello Miss St. Félicien

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:32:37 +0000

This is a shot of Miss St. Félicien as seen at last weeks annual Antique and Classic Boat Show at the wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Miss St. Félicien is looking for a new owner to restore her back to her glory days.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo.

Mellow Yellow

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:33:11 +0000

Continuing with the “Eye Candy on the Lakes” motif. Over the past few years I have noticed ample cottages and boathouses going with yellow as the main color. Its very cheery and sure beats the doldrums of brown. Up on the north west side of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka as you head into one of the bays you will find this beautiful cottage and boathouse.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

The Calm Before the G8 Storm

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:17:17 +0000

Around the town of Huntsville Ontario here are many smaller lakes that are very clean and peaceful. However the peace is about to be shattered as the G8 Summit steamrolls its way into Muskoka. The main meeting place for the G8 is at the Deerhurst Resort which is located directly on one of these small lakes. Peninsula Lake is also connected to Fairy, Mary and Vernon lakes. Look for Harper and Obama with their fishing poles.

Please click on the photo for a larger size – thanks

Preparing for the May Two-Four Weekend

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:28:21 +0000

Port Sandfield in Muskoka is a cool place to hangout and watch the boats cruise through from Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau and vice-versa. Its been a little chilly on the water lately however it looks like we are in for some warmer weather this coming weekend. You will start to see more activity on the water now as everyone prepares to get ready for the big May “Two-Four” weekend.

For our American and International friends May 24th is a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday commonly known as Victoria Day, a Canadian statutory holiday – Yup a long weekend and the official kick-off of summer for us.

Please click for a larger sized photo

What door will it be Monty?

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:28:21 +0000

For those of us that are located on the big 3 lakes in Muskoka we sometimes take for granted the beautiful and eclectic boathouses that populate our shorelines. It really is one of the defining characteristics of Muskoka. This is a 6-slip boathouse located on Lake Rosseau. Most boathouses are 2 or 3 slips in size. I have never seen whats hiding behind those doors but could imagine there are a few beauties moored within.

Many of you have contacted me requesting more “Eye Candy on the Lakes” so I plan to continue featuring as many as I can.

Please click on the above photo for a large 1280 pixel size

Kerplunk!

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:21:11 +0000

The water is still a little on the chilly side for my liking however there are a few brave souls nut-bars out there that are game.
Off the dock and into a frigid Lake Joesph in Muskoka. Brrrrr!

Please click on the image for a large splash shot

Off the Cleveland House Dock

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:36:13 +0000

In about another month this dock will be filled with people lying in the sun, swimming, boats pulling up etc. This is at the world famous Clevelands House family resort located on about 3000 feet of prime Lake Rosseau frontage in Muskoka. Its a great place to explore, drop by for drinks, have dinner or people watch.

Return of the Muskoka Sunsets

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:01:03 +0000

The warm weather has opened up the lakes weeks earlier then previous years. Boats are starting to appear. It’s still a little chilly on the water however it is a great time to cruise around and check the new boathouses that have sprung up over the winter.
Hey Captain! Port Side – mind the flotsam.

Lake Rosseau near Port Sandfield pictured below.

please click on the image for a large photo

Its not over yet

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:32:37 +0000

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)
——————————————————————–
Total so far: 150cm or 59 inches which is about 5 feet

Please click on the image for a larger higher res shot

Highway #169 Revisited

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:44:23 +0000

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

Off the Bridge

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:23:04 +0000

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

Climbing up on Huckleberry Rock

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:56:43 +0000

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!

Bridge Over Troubled Water on Lake Joe

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:06:37 +0000

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

Boathouse on Wasan Island

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:41:07 +0000

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

The Lighthouse near Rosseau

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:23:23 +0000

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

Muskoka Architecture – Driving Through an Art Gallery in Your Boat

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:06:27 +0000

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

The Girls of a Muskoka Summer

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:05:27 +0000

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

The Ditchburns of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:15:19 +0000

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.

Sunbeam Island on Lake Joseph Revisted

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:59:29 +0000

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

Mother Nature and Human Nature Brings Tragedy in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:15:10 +0000

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!

Classic Cars in Muskoka, Ontario

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:41:34 +0000

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

The Dolly Durkin JR

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:14:07 +0000

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

Three Girls and a Dock

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:31:15 +0000

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

The Amphibious Car

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:44:36 +0000

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

The Gravenhurst Antique and Classic Boat Show

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:07:40 +0000

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

Take Me to Your Captain

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:41:54 +0000

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

Billionaires Row in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:20:32 +0000

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

Right Off the Dock in Parry Sound, Ontario

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:57:09 +0000

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.
Please click for a large sized image

Cruisin the north end of Lake Joseph Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:29:07 +0000

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

The Floating Jewels of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:22:14 +0000

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)

Please click on the image for a large photo

Bracebridge Falls in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:10:54 +0000

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 May Two-Four Weekend in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:10:27 +0000

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

First run of the season

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:41:56 +0000

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!

Click on the image for a Lake Joe sized photo

Let the Cottage Season Begin

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:42:21 +0000

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

Waiting for the Big Thaw in Muskoka Canada

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:07:43 +0000

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

Please click for a larger sized image

Ice Out Milford Bay, Muskoka Lake

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:13:58 +0000

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

Put up your Dukes in Muskoka Canada

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:26:17 +0000

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

ffffrozen creature in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:22:13 +0000

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.

click on image for biggie size

The Church on the Hill in Gregory

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:32:26 +0000

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

Henshaw Lake in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:05:24 +0000

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

Looking Back at Bala Falls

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:55:47 +0000

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.

On Frozen Pond

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:29:18 +0000

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

The Sun Sets Over Clevelands House in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:08:14 +0000

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

Lock #45 Port Severn, Ontario

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:05:12 +0000

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.

Muskoka Island Reflections in the Fall

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:51:07 +0000

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)

Joseph River Muskoka Boathouse at Sundown

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:15:37 +0000

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.