2012
Horsing Around Port Carling
I dropped by the annual Port Carling Winterfest this past weekend. I was hoping to have taken a photo of Mayor Alice Murphy participating in the Polar Bear dip however that was part of the next days festivities. I noticed these two beauties were giving people a jaunt around the park. They are Percheron horses from Mother Fuduckers Farm in nearby Orillia, Ontario. Please click for a large shot.
2011
Steamship Makeovers
If you happen to pass through Port Carling you will notice the RMS Segwun Steamship is in for a pedicure and manicure. The locks have been drained creating a drydock while they perform the work. The Wenonah II is right behind her and will be taking her turn next.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Lions Lookout
The skies around Muskoka have been a little on the ominous side these past few weeks. We all know the inevitable is quickly approaching and a reminder to get the boats out and complete all that other jazz we cottagers do to prepare for the approaching winter. This is the view over Fairy Lake about 5 minutes from downtown Huntsville at the Lions Lookout. Click for biggie view.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
A Muskoka Transition – Cranberry Fest
The annual Muskoka Cranberry Festival in Bala is on this weekend and to me it’s a symbolic reminder that the season has transitioned. I don’t expect we will see the wondrous thermals that we enjoyed this past Thanksgiving weekend and a welcomed bonus if we do. After the Cranberry Fest has passed the Muskoka area gets very quiet and for many locals its a time when Muskoka is handed back to them, a temporary reprieve.
The photo was taken during a recent visit to the Artful Garden. Please click for a large image
2011
Dwight Dock Diversion
On my recent trip to the Algonquin region I followed highway #60 to Dwight, Ontario. Passing through I noticed Dwight is the home of the famous Langford Canoe company. Dwight is located on the Lake of Bays and has a nicely groomed public beach right where I found this cool dock and lookout.
Happy Thanksgiving! – Yes us Canadians celebrate our turkey early and if you are in Muskoka you are enjoying speculator weather for this time of year.
2011
Roadside Palette
A typical scene from the roadside just north of Huntsville, Ontario. There were major hydro wires strung across this view so I had to jump down into the ditch to get the shot. Still lots of Fall Colors around for the Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend with warm weather in the forecast as well!
2011
A Trip Up the Dorset Fire Tower
I traveled up to the north end of Muskoka passing through Huntsville and into Algonquin territory. The autumn colours were definitely more vibrant as I continued to travel north. I have always wanted to climb the Dorset Fire Tower and it seemed like a good day to do it with hardly anyone around on a Friday. The man at the gate said he was expecting numerous bus loads of people arriving to take in the fall colours the very next day.
As I climbed my way to the top the winds were really howling and I noticed the structure would sway a little which accounts for a bit of fuzziness in the photo. The observation deck is caged in and about 100 feet up however the elevation over Lake of Bays is close to 500 feet up and offers spectacular panoramic views.
2011
Foliage Alert!
OK – its time to get out and experience the vibrant spectrum of fall colours in and around Muskoka. I found this cool graphic on the Algonquin Park website. The site mentions that peak colour will be in late September to early October. Of course this can fluctuate a bit depending on weather conditions. Algonquin Park is a little bit north of the Muskoka district however it is a good benchmark. The Friends of Algonquin Park have a Facebook Page displaying numerous uploaded photos.
Its also a good time to hike or walk the many trails around Muskoka. Get out while you can before hibernation mode kicks in.
2011
Parry Sound Air Show
If you are interested in vintage aircraft, taking a helicopter ride or hanging out with airplane people, check out the Parry Sound Airport annual Fly-in and Drive-in this Saturday September 10, 2011. There is also a bunch of other things like face painting, antique & classic cars, art work and a BBQ or you may want to put on your dancing shoes and sway to the rhythms of the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra. This is a photo I took at last years event of a DC-3 aka Gooney Bird.
Directions Here
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2011
The Artful Gardens
If you have a green thumb (or even if you don’t) I highly recommend you check out the The Artful Garden near Bracebridge. In the summer The Artful Garden features the work of 40 or more artists each with their outdoor and garden inspired work. Jon & Suzann Partridge have created a very unique place and are very cool about people coming in for a stroll. While Suzann tends to the numerous and mind blowing gardens, Jon is busy working as a gifted potter.
Please click on the photo for a cavalcade of colours and a plethora of pixels!
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2011
Tuggies
I made a trip to Parry Sound last weekend to have lunch with a friend and we stumbled upon the Georgian Bay Tugfest. There were many a Tugboat on the main pier ranging from 6 feet to 130 feet in size. We were just in time for one of the main features – the tugboat race. This is a shot from the breakwater near the marina on Georgian Bay.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2011
Best Buns!
Have you ever tried the Cinnamon Buns from Silver Stream Farms located in the Port Sandfield General Store? They are to die for! I recommend you get there early because they sell out fast.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Bala Falls Power Struggle
This is a shot from the south side of the Bala Falls on Lake Muskoka. There is a lot of controversy with regards to turning the falls into a new hydro electric dam site. Swift River Energy, a power company has been fighting to develop this site and many of the long term cottagers and locals are not too happy about it. Its been a war.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
2011
Inside Purks Place
I was given a tour of Purks Place in Bala by the owner. It is quite a historical place and many of you that travel the Bala area will most definitely be familiar with Purks. Their motto “Boats and Bait since 1908.“ I took this shot from the upstairs area looking down into the retail store. Please click on the photo for a much larger shot.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
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 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
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
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
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.
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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
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.
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2011
Beaumaris Dock
Beaumaris is a well known settlement located on Todern 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
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
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.
2010
Flocking Off?
I am not sure what the Canadian Geese are doing hanging around the Bala Bay Park, everything else has vacated. I think I would have flocked off by now.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
A Bus in the Bush is Worth …
I am not sure what this bus was doing down an old pathway in the bush. Its getting a little chilly now and we have seen a few flurries around the area. It won’t be long until old man winter gives us a good blast.
2010
Happy Halloween Pumpkin Heads
Pumpkin head on top of a rock outside Port Carling
Please click on the image for a pumpkin sized photo
2010
Muskoka Emporium
The bursts of Muskoka color now lie on the ground, crumpled in scattered heaps. Seen near Bala in Muskoka
Please click for a larger sized photo
2010
Autumns Final Surge
To experience vivid foliage extraordinaire you need to time it just right. Unfortunately the Muskoka fall colors do not last very long. Part of the fun of fall is stretching it out as long as we can, repudiating the inevitable approaching winter. The cold temperatures, heavy rain and northern gales have hammered home a new reality. Time to recalibrate.
2010
Happy Trails
Muskoka has great trails available to everyone and for free. I have taken a number of people out on the various trails around the area and they are always blown away. The Muskoka Trails Council has a good website that features maps, distances, photos and degrees of difficulty. I found even the ones marked difficult were pretty easy so don’t be intimidated or think you need any special gear. Just get out and give them a shot and I promise that you won’t regret it.
For more information please visit
http://www.muskokatrailscouncil.com
2010
Cranberry Festival Time
Just a reminder this weekend, Friday to Sunday Oct 15-17, 2010 is the Cranberry Festival in Bala. If its anything like last year it will be very busy.
Click HERE for directions to Bala, Ontario
Last years crowd at the Cranberry Fest in Bala. Click for a biggie size.
2010
Leonard Lake
Contrary to what the media reports, the fall colours have not peaked in Muskoka so you still have time to take in one of the most spectacular times of year. Driving across highway #118 towards Bracebridge I found a road to Leonard Lake. At the end of the road is a public boat launch where I discovered this scene.
Please CLICK and enjoy a larger photo
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Where Did All The Cash Flow?
I tried to avoid the gridlock in the Huntsville area this past summer due to the G8 Summit . So now that the hoopla had blown over I was curious to see what is going on. It seems to have returned to its original self pretty much. I walked around the Deerhurst Resort where the worlds great leaders schmoozed however I didn’t really notice any difference from the year before. You would have thought they would have upgraded the carpets or painted the walls or something? Where did all the cash go?
Please click on the above photo for a larger sized – thanks
2010
Wenonah II at Port Carling Locks
I was passing through Port Carling the other day and noticed the Wenonah II moored at the Port Carling Locks. Apparently someone rented her out for a wedding party. I’m sure the steamships will be busy this fall as people visit to see the world famous Muskoka colors.
Please click for biggie sized
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Spinning into a New Season
Its getting a little cooler on the water and temperatures are dropping into the single digits at night. The fall fairs are a true reminder that the summer season is over. Click Here for a list of fall fairs across Ontario.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized shot – tks
2010
Water Wheelin
Lots to do and see around the town of Bracebridge, Ontario. This weekend is their annual fall fair. This water wheel is located near the waterfalls in the main part of town. Please click on the photo for a larger size.
2010
The Plane Leaves at 8 Be Under It
The first DC-3 aircraft were built by Douglas in 1935 under the military destination of C-47. Dakota’s or Gooney Bird’s as they are affectionately referred to are one of the most significant transport aircraft ever built. This machine is part of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and was on display at the recent Parry Sound Air show on September 11, 2010.
Please click on the image for a larger sized photo
2010
Shadows
Down the Indian River and through the Port Carling locks on a sunny afternoon. Where else do you get to see a scene like this?
Please click for a large photo
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Gullible
No its not a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” but I find sometimes black and white can add a certain amount of drama to a photo. Seen everywhere in Muskoka, beach communities, waterways and MacDonalds parking lots – the common seagull. Please click for a larger photo – thanks.
2010
Gentleman’s Racers of Muskoka
I dropped by the Antique Boat Show in Port Carling this past Saturday just as it was coming to an end. It was put on by the Muskoka Lakes Association better known as the MLA and this year they featured the Gentleman’s Racer. Many of the vintage boats were starting to make their way back home through the lock system and I hurriedly snapped a few shots. The locks in Port Carling straddle Lake Muskoka on one side and Lake Rosseau on the other. This is a very busy are and popular tourist destination. The hub of the lakes as its known.
If you are interested in the Gentleman’s Racer boats, check out Neil Honeymen’s book that documents many of the vintage boats of the area. And thanks Neil for including one of my photos of Dukes Marine
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Grace and Speed
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
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2010
Pipe Dreams
Pipe Dreams as seen on the streets of Waubaushene, Ontario just off Hwy #400
lLease click on the image for biggie size
2010
Took The Long Way Home
We decided to head back home a little earlier as it was a rainy and somewhat chilly day. (Although that usually does not matter) I spotted another road side distraction on Highway #11 south of Gravenhurst (probably more like Orillia) at The Lazy Farmers Antiques. I think its a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 but I could be out a year or two?
Please click on the image for Le Grande sized Mustang
In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2010
Tractive Force
I don’t recall exactly where I discovered this old Tractor. I was driving around in circles for a while that day. It was someones lawn ornament in front of their home around the Milford Bay area of Muskoka – me thinks. You never know what you will find meandering through the back roads sometimes.
Please click on the photo for a tractor sized 1280 pixel shot
2010
The Quiet Hills of Mount St. Louis
I was surprised to see that there was still some snow on the ski hills of Mount St. Louis. For those of you that travel up the highway #400 route to cottage country this will be a familiar view compared to the road side distractions of highway #11. As they say – there are only two seasons in Canada. Winter Summer and Hockey.
Please click on the image for a ski hill sized photo 
2010
Highway 69 Before the Meltdown
This was taken from the side of the road on Highway # 69 near Mactier, Ontario just before the meltdown.
And a real bargain on fuel at 70.9 cents per liter.
Please Click on the image for a large sized photo
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
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