Categories
Random Acts of Patriotism
Ξ September 2nd, 2010 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
You can never see enough random acts of patriotism in this country. Have a safe and happy labor labour day.
Welcome to the Machines
Ξ August 11th, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
The machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin
And the hub caps all gleam
.. from Queen’s, I’m in love with may car
As seen on Peninsula Rd. in Muskoka. An old Jeep Wagoneer from the 1960’s I think. I never knew they had a front grill like a Rolls Royce. The other mean machine is an Audi R8, V10 Supercar.
Please click on the photo for a super-sized image
Muskoka Road Signs
Ξ June 26th, 2010 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Who needs a GPS when you have well marked road signs like this? For those of you not familiar with Muskoka or any cottage country road, these are typical sightings as you navigate your way to crazy Uncle Charlies summer cabin in the woods. Notice the giant Bee Hive above the tree. Is it real?
Click on the above image for a large sized pic
The Calm Before the G8 Storm
Ξ June 9th, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
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
Took The Long Way Home
Ξ June 8th, 2010 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
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
Memories of Burn Barrels
Ξ April 19th, 2010 | → 2 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Burn Barrels used to be quite common around the old Muskoka cottages. I think for the most part people have become a little more environmentally conscious. There is a fire ban in effect in the Muskoka District. No day time burning from April 1 to October 31. For more info please click here
PLease click on the image for a biggie sized burn barrel
Forgotten
Ξ April 11th, 2010 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |
I noticed this old farm house on the way up to Muskoka and just had to stop and take a few shots. There is always so much character in these long forgotten farm homes. Its a shame they just wither and die like this.
Please click on the image for a large sized photograph
The Mysterious Swamps of Muskoka
Ξ April 4th, 2010 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
I love looking at swamps. It drives people crazy when they are with me because I like to stop and gaze into them. They are a protective barrier to what lives on the other side. Maybe there’s something mysterious going on in them? I’m sure there are creatures lurking over there. I need some kind of hovercraft type machine to go exploring.
If you really want to explore the swamp click HERE for a 2400 pixel sized photo
It Won’t Be Long
Ξ March 25th, 2010 | → 4 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Looks like the Ice Out is going to be a little early this year. I was predicting April 13th but it sounds like it may be sooner. Leslie a Muskoka native says, “I predict that Muskoka will be out on Sunday“ I wouldn’t be surprised. Does this mean boating by Easter?
Don’t forget the big Cottage Life Show is on starting Friday March 26 to Sunday March 28 at the International Center near Toronto’s Pearson Airport
Click Here for info.
Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel sized photo
Tattered and Frayed
Ξ March 21st, 2010 | → 4 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
We have had some great weather in Muskoka for this time of year and people are predicting the ice will be out much sooner. The March wind howls and this old wind sock has seen better days. In like a Lamb and out like a …?
Please click for a large sized image
And in my Mind I Still Need a Place to Go
Ξ January 29th, 2010 | → 4 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
How much has music played a part in your cottage or camping experiences? Or maybe its the road trips singing along with the stereo cranked.
Music has been a huge inspiration to me with so many powerful memories that connect. Old friends, new friends and the ones that left before their time. Sitting around the fire with friends or family groov’n to some cool tunes – does it get any better?
I must confess that I’m a huge Neil Young fan, yes a Rustie as we are referred to. I can hear Neils lonesome voice now around a blazing fire with a zillion stars in the sky and the Loons cry echoing through the night. What moves you?
There is a town in north Ontario,
With dream comfort memory to spare
And in my mind I still need a place to go
All my changes were there
Neil Young’s, Helpless
A New Year a New Decade
Ξ January 3rd, 2010 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |
As I stood on the shores of Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island at midnight continuous fireworks and yelps of joy shot off into the warm Caribbean night. I think for many we were happy to wave bye bye to 2009. I have now arrived back fully energized and ready to kick-off the new year. I want to thank the many people who have visited this blog over the past year. I appreciate your suggestions and comments as they are always inspiring. A happy, healthy 2010 to all!
Seven Mile beach Grand Cayman Island January 01, 2010
Baby, Its Cold Outside
Ξ December 10th, 2009 | → 4 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Someone flipped the switch and we turned into Baffin Island.
Most cottagers have vanished now with only the retiree troopers and the local yokels left to hold down the fort.
The deer will soon be trotting across the lake looking for dessert. Yup cover up those cedar trees Mable.
The bubblers are in – let the season begin (and end soon)
HDR Spotting
Ξ December 6th, 2009 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |
For those of you that enjoy High Dynamic Range Photography there is a new website that features HDR Photographers from all over the world. HDR Spotting was started by Trey Ratcliff one of my favorite HDR photographers. I have been fortunate to have a few of my photos featured on this cool site. 
Bullrush Views
Ξ November 20th, 2009 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Down by the side of the road near Gravenhurst, Ontario
Torrance Barrens – There’s a Darkness on the Edge of Town
Ξ October 7th, 2009 | → 5 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
I finally found the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve just south east of Bala, Ontario. This conservation reserve is made up of about 5000 acres of Precambrian rock, wetlands and modest tree growth making it ideal for astronomical instruments. It is Canada’s first Dark Sky Preserve. I plan to dust off the telescope I received as a gift many moons ago and return here one night to check out the skies, which are apparently mind blowing. This is a photo of the Highland Pond near the parking area off district road #13.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Info on Torrance Barrens
Please click on the image for a Milky-way sized photo
Look up … Look Way Up
Ξ July 28th, 2009 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Things are looking up in Parry Sound, Ontario the hometown of one of the greatest hockey players ever Bobby Orr no less. This is a shot looking straight up from under the Canadian Pacific Railway train trestle. Its quite an engineering feat from the early 1900’s.
Please click for a 1280 pixel sized photo
Click on the image for a biggie shot
Happy Canada Day Eh!
Ξ June 30th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Canada turns 142 years young! Happy Canada Day!
and for you old timers (pre-1980’s) Happy Dominion Day Eh!
Click on the image for a large sized photo
Feels like Summer – Finally!
Ξ June 25th, 2009 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Its starting to feel like summer has arrived – finally!
This is the interesting and ever changing antique shop up in Rosseau, Ontario.
Please don’t forget the Rosseau Market is open every Friday starting July 03 and until Sept. 04, 2009. If you have not checked it out I would highly recommend it.
Please click on the image for a larger size
Trucking through the forest
Ξ June 17th, 2009 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Why do people leave vehicles in the woods? While driving north bound on highway #69 towards Parry Sound we spotted this old pickup truck (well not that old) through the trees in early spring. I think its a Dodge? It had a 1982 license plate sticker on it however I don’t think its that old with the square head lights and such.
Please click for a larger sized photo
Please click on the photo for a truck sized 1280 pixel image
Muskoka Bloggers Featured in The Muskokan Magazine
Ξ May 28th, 2009 | → 7 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
From the shameless self promotion department -
Myself, and a bunch of other Muskoka blogger’s were recently featured in a popular Muskoka magazine called “The Muskokan” The story covers the many different types of blogs, why they blog and the personalities behind them. You can pickup the print version almost anywhere around the Muskoka area. For the digital version see the full story here.
This is a photo of reporter Kerri MacDonald attempting to take my picture without breaking her camera
… thank you Thelma
Click the photo for biggie size
Let the Cottage Season Begin
Ξ May 4th, 2009 | → 5 Comments | ∇ Boathouses of Muskoka, In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
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
Rocky Roads of Muskoka
Ξ March 4th, 2009 | → 2 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
As you drive around in Muskoka or anywhere within the Canadian Shield areas you will see these rock cuts with giant icicles oozing out of them. This only takes place during winter of course but they do tend to hang on for a bit into the warmer spring weather. This photo was taken on Highway # 169 between Glen Orchard and Bala, Ontario. Please click on the photo for glacier sized images.
A close up of the oozing ice that comes out of these road side rocks.
Click image for glacier sized photo
Blue Muskoka
Ξ February 19th, 2009 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
After a few days of mild temperatures and a February thaw we are back to more snow. Well it sure seems like its been a long winter. It won’t be long now until we shed the winter bleakness.
Can you see the ghost in the window?
click on image for larger 1280 size
The Muskoka Sleds chill’n at Bass Lake House
Ξ January 19th, 2009 | → 2 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Driving down Hwy #169 towards Port Carling you can’t help but notice the many snowmobiles around. The trails are busy. These guys were settled in at the Bass Lake House which is a great place to hang for some wings and pints. Glad to see people are doing their part to keep the economy going.
Click on the image for SkiDoo Sized Photo
Strip Searched to the Bones
Ξ January 14th, 2009 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |
I am not sure if there were any recent boxing day sales on barn board. I noticed this place on Highway #27 just south of Nobleton, Ontario has been slowly picked apart like a turkey dinner exposing only its bones. Remember these images are scaled down to 72DPI and are only about 60k in size so they do not reflect the true quality of the photo. Clicking on the image will bring it up to 1280 resolution but still I wish you could see what I see in extreme high resolutions.
Click the Image for Farmer John Size
Scaled Down Santa
Ξ December 16th, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |
I saw Santa !
He was just outside the LCBO down in Niagara-on-the-Lake. No he didn’t have time to stop. Old Mr. Claus seemed his jolly self but there was something missing. There were only 5 reindeer powering the sled this year. Also, not an elf in sight. The recession has hit Santa hard however there are rumors of a bailout package coming soon.
Santa Clauss
Click Photo for Super Santa Size
Sun Trees
Ξ December 11th, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
In the middle of snow flurries everything stopped for a minute and the sun peaked through the clouds. I was hoping it would drop so I could shoot it between the trees but it disappeared and continued to snow again.
Click on the image for a larger 1280 pixel size
Snow Horses
Ξ December 7th, 2008 | → 2 Comments | ∇ Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
It was snowing pretty hard when I approached the fence and these two zeroed in on me with blank stares almost immediatley.
The Tours Over
Ξ November 30th, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Stumbled upon this Bus parked in a wooded area. It appears the road tour may be over for a while. Not sure if anyone was living in it or not. Please click for a larger size.
Click on the image for a bus sized photo
The Drive Thru on Muskoka Road #38
Ξ November 12th, 2008 | → 2 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
There are many roadside signs offering up “cheap smokes” as you cruise through Muskoka Road #38. This road starts in Bala and connects to Highway #400 passing through the Wahta Mohawk Reserve. It was raining and I was short on time but managed to snap this photo of a drive thru shop along the way. Click on the photo for biggie size
Lest We Forget
Ξ November 10th, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Remembrance Day, also know as Poppy Day. We are so removed and insulated from what it was like for our dads, brothers, uncles, grandfathers and friends to go off to war and never arrive home again or return changed forever. We now take those sacrifices for granted. Please ponder it a moment…
Taken in Bala Ontario overlooking the Moon River
On Frozen Pond
Ξ November 2nd, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Boathouses of Muskoka, On the Water, Uncategorized |
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
Ξ October 31st, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Boathouses of Muskoka, Historic Muskoka, In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
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
Out in Muskoka’s Cranberry Patch
Ξ October 19th, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Historic Muskoka, In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Muskoka has two large cranberry farms and makes the claim that they are the Cranberry capital of Ontario. This photo was taken at the Johnston Family Farm near Bala at harvest time. They have been growing Cranberries here for over 50 years.
Cranberry Marsh in Muskoka Canada
Muskoka Roadside Mailbox Attractions with Dueling Banjo Soundtrack
Ξ October 1st, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
While driving the back roads of Muskoka I discovered this wonderfully weird mailbox. Those are actually large boulders mounted on top that would weigh a ton. The driveway also had two poles with similar boulders adorning each side. I was curious what I would discover down at the end of this driveway, maybe a great artist or some other eccentric character? The dueling banjo’s went off in my head and I decided it was just a little too creepy to continue.
The Zipper Ride
Ξ September 18th, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
When I was a kid we could hardly wait to go to the annual fall fair. We would usually sneak through a hole in the fence somewhere at the back so we could save the extra money for the midway. Well there was this amusement ride that all kids were really freaked out about called “The Zipper“. Of course we all wanted to ride it and brag about how we lived to survive it despite the rumors about people being launched out of the cages and crashing to a brutal death. (I later learned those weren’t rumors.)
After coming off with green faces we discovered that if we hung around the Zipper we could pick up the money that fell out of peoples pockets. This was a great way to make some extra cash until the nasty Carni man with the stick chased us away – but that’s another story. This past weekend while strolling around the Bracebridge fall fair I discovered my old friend the Zipper
Captain Rob Cruises the Muskoka Lakes
Ξ August 15th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
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.
Interesting Boats Spotted on the Muskoka Lakes
Ξ August 11th, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
What am I doing here? I noticed this Power Cat boat over in Gravenhurst at the annual boat show. Pretty funky looking design with twin Mercs on board. This baby was built in California probably in the 60’s. There was no one around at the time to give the run down on her but nevertheless it turned a few heads.
Marty’s World Famous in Muskoka Releases their Secret Receipes
Ξ July 28th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Marty’s World Famous is located in Bracebridge (Muskoka) Ontario. This place features BIG Ass apple pies, Butter Tarts to die for and the best bean salad you have ever had. Marty, (yes there is a guy named Marty)Â has recently revealed his secret recipes in his new cook book. A cool place to visit in the Muskoka area.
Muskoka’s Cormorant Bird Explosion
Ξ July 24th, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
Here is a close up of the freaky cormorant birds that inhabit a small island up on Lake Joe in Muskoka. I have seen them on Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka as well. Apparently the double-crested cormorants were near extinction at one time due to the levels of toxic chemicals. The fact that they are coming back is a good thing even if they are creepy, eat lots of fish and destroy some vegetation. Some people think they came from another area however they are a native bird of Canada.
Information from Environment Canada Here
Invasion of the Cormorants in Muskoka
Ξ July 22nd, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
If you have ever traveled down Lake Joseph in Muskoka by boat you may have noticed a very strange looking island. It could be a scene right out of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. This small chunk of land is in fairly shallow water and seems to be the home of a large colony of Cormorants. Its very creepy.
They call it Mellow Yellow
Ξ July 21st, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
Not much of a flower type guy but thought I would stick one up to keep the ladies happy.
The Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
Ξ July 21st, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
This past weekend I visited the Muskoka Arts & Crafts “Summer Show” 2008. This annual event is held in Bracebridge, Ontario and features many excellent artisans from the area and beyond. One of my favorite artists, Andrew King is always busy with many people dropping by to check out his latest original work.
The Year of the Frog
Ξ July 14th, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Uncategorized |
This frog was nice enough to pose for me while I took his photo in the pond beside my cottage. I discovered an interesting article by Canada’s David Suzuki entitled, The Year of the Frog while I was searching for some philosophical copy to accompany the photo. Apparently many different species of frogs are vanishing from the planet at an alarming rate. Scientist consider these amphibians the “Canaries of the Coalmine” as a benchmark for our planets health. Climate change, pollution and a silent killer called chytrid fungus are the main suspects in the mass disappearance.
Behind the doors of Muskoka
Ξ July 13th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Historic Muskoka, In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
I am always intrigued by doors. Whats behind them? Who goes in them? Do they come back out of them? How did they get to look like this? What gnawed the hole through at the bottom and who put those latches on it? I was walking down the main street of Bracebridge in Muskoka, Ontario and saw this door in the alleyway of an old building. Now I have to go back to see what the building was for.
Tragedy hits us hard in Muskoka
Ξ July 7th, 2008 | → 4 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Uncategorized |
I debated with myself on whether I should post this next picture or not. We all enjoy the great things about Muskoka and cottage country but sometimes along the road something happens to remind us how fragile life really is.
This terrible tragedy happened close to my cottage and had a very strong and disturbing impact on all of us in the area. All weekend long people streamed by in cars, boats, walking and on bikes to pay their respects to the three young men who lost their lives here on the eve of July 3, 2008. Unfortunately there are no words to make it better. Our deepest condolences go out to all family and friends.
Tripping around the small towns of Muskoka Canada
Ξ July 2nd, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Historic Muskoka, In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Sometimes taking a little peek around the corner pays off. I discovered these cool old doors around the side of the building that sells antiques in the town of Rosseau, Ontario. The building was just crammed with memorabilia and assorted stuff that someone must want.
Webers, a Muskoka Tradition
Ξ July 1st, 2008 | → 3 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Happy Canada Day!
If you have ever driven up Highway #11 to Muskoka you are sure to know about a Canadian tradition called Webers.
Globe and Mail article on the Muskoka High Water Levels
Ξ June 4th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ In and Around Muskoka Ontario, On the Water, Tripin around Towns, Uncategorized |
Last week the Globe and Mail (Canada’s National Newspaper) contacted me and asked for permission to use some of the photos I took on the high water levels around Muskoka’s cottage country. They also interviewed me on what I had seen and were nice enough to make mention of this blog.
The Saturday print edition came out with the photo shown below and a story. The on-line version is sans photo and located here
I noticed quite a bit of traffic and a few new comments on the blog then all of a sudden our data center that hosts our websites went down due to a transformer exploding. Unfortunately we have been down for a couple of days but are happy to say we are back in the saddle again.
