Muskoka Blog » Uncategorized

I’m Thinking …

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:14:03 +0000

Do you visit Muskoka in the winter or are you a summer only visitor? I must admit most of my time is spent at the cottage in the spring, summer and fall. I don’t get the opportunity to visit as often in the winter but when I do I find it has a deep tranquility like no other. I would say its therapeutic. With the multitude of inputs and stresses in our daily lives we need to take the time to just stop and think. Muskoka is my refuge, a place where I can think.

Everythings Grey

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:07:44 +0000

Yep, I know I have been very remiss in posting. It’s that time of year when everything’s grey and not very exciting photographically. In addition, I really have not been up to Muskoka as much as I would have liked to. The big push is on with deadlines, parties, year end commitments and such. Can you feel it?

A Little Tour Around the Bay

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:25:15 +0000

On the way back from Muskoka I decided to take the long way home and explore around Georgian Bay. I drove through Victoria Harbour and Port McNicoll and I was immediately surprised at how quiet and depressed these towns seemed. At one time these port towns were alive and well mostly based on the shipping industry I would assume. Port McNichol did have a large development of high end cottage properties in progress however I heard its been slow to get off the ground.

My stomach was making funny noises so I headed towards Midland where I knew I could get something to eat. Midland is a much larger town with what appears to be a sound economy by the look of the many shops and groups of tourist at the waterfront waiting for boat rides. Wawa, Ontario has its Canada Goose, however Midland is proud to display their Trumpeter Swan. (with a bonus Seagull on its head)

After lunch I continued following the road into Penetanguishene or Penetang for short, a historical and bilingual town of about 8000 people. After this I got a little bit confused and ended up in Balm Beach. I had been to this little beach community many years ago in my youth and it looked exactly as I remembered it. As you drive the roads around Georgian Bay you see all kinds of interesting cottages along the white sandy shore-lines. Some are old rustic places and others are beautiful new four season homes. What struck me the most was how close they were to each other. Most places appear to be on fifty foot lots and some with multiple buildings jammed in. Everyone wants to get in on the beautiful beach action.

The final destination was the largest fresh water beach in the world, Wasaga Beach. The beach looked beautifully groomed with lots of white sand and rolling waves crashing onto the shore. The season is over and there were only a few people walking around. The town itself has grown much larger in size with many retirees settling in here. I highly recommend you take a tour to some of these places just to change it up.

Note – I have just returned from the Algonquin region and will post some of the Autumn colors very soon. As I left Muskoka this morning I don’t think the fall colours have quite peaked yet so there’s still time to get out and see them.

Sun Flower Power

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:35:09 +0000

The fall weather has kicked in and its officially become “the off-season” in Muskoka. There are still many beautiful sunny days left so get out and enjoy them while you can. I love these ten foot high sunflowers that reach out and touch the sky. Please click for a biggie.

About The About

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:09:27 +0000

Over the years many people have made comments or have asked “how do you make your photos look like that?” Well its not magic and my Photoshop skills are basically non-existent. I decided I should update the ‘About Page” and explain a little bit about whats going on.

The About Page

Parry Sound Air Show

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:15:19 +0000

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

The Artful Gardens

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:40:28 +0000

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!

Peeping Mantis

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:15:48 +0000

Say hello to my little friend. This Praying Mantis spent about 48 hours on a window looking in at us. They are predatory eating other insects and are known to engage in the occasional act of cannibalism. I wish I had a macro lens so I could really look into his eyes.

Absolutely on the Cover

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:37:26 +0000

One of my old Segwun Steamboat shots appears on the cover of the Summer and Fall (Huh, Fall?- that’s a bad word right now) edition of Absolutely the Best – the ultimate shoppers guide to Muskoka. They were also nice enough to include a full page about the MuskokaBlog in the rear section. You can browse the shopping guide Here or click on it for a large sized original photo of the Segwun on Lake Joseph.

Screened In Perch

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:17:03 +0000

A quick iPhone shot of the Screened in Perch adorning the wall in one of the guest rooms. This was a quirky piece I found in Port Carling by Toronto artist Kevin Roach.
I figure why buy the same old print as everyone else when you can get something original for the same cost or less.
Please click for Biggie Perch.

Little Miss Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:50:35 +0000

Serena is 4 years old and traveled across the country to visit Muskoka for her first time. She did boat rides, caught a few fish, kayaked, fine dined, and took in the real Muskoka experience. She will be back!

Happy 144th Canada

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:00:58 +0000

Celebrating 144 years of Canadian awesomeness! Hope everyone has a happy Canada Day from the true north strong and free.
(snapped from a camera phone)

Jeepers

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:23:30 +0000

This old Jeep was pulled out of a shed in Muskoka. They were selling it at an estate sale. A young guy came by with a glint in his eye, a plan and a trailer.
Please click for a larger photo.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars …

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 13 May 2011 00:02:57 +0000

Last night I had the privilege to see the great Neil Young in concert at Massey Hall in Toronto. Neil’s music has been such a huge inspiration over the years. I don’t know how many camp fires I have sat around listening to his haunting voice with the Loons echoing in the background.

I was fortunate to be sitting in the second row directly behind Neils family. (Hi Bob) Jonathan Demme was filming the performance for a future concert movie so I didn’t dare use a flash or distract anyone by taking too many shots. I have seen Neil numerous times over the years and in many incarnations including hippy, folkie, Nashville country, protest rocker, godfather of grunge and sonic slayer. This was one of the most remarkable performances I have seen from him.

New Blog Design!

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 01 May 2011 17:25:05 +0000

Welcome to the new MuskokaBlog.com Blog design. All of the original content remains with only the Blog layout and better social media connectivity added. The new “resources” page will feature numerous links to services and activities around Muskoka. Thanks to Nikola of Webexpedition18 for his great design skills.

Make your own Wordle like the one below.

Hey Look Ma I’m on the Cover

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:27:33 +0000

The spring edition of Sideroads Magazine has hit the streets and I am happy they chose my Bala Falls spring run-off photo for the cover shot. They also wrote an article about my adventures around the Muskoka region and you can download the PDF File Right Here.

Thank you Cathy and Sarah of Metroland Media

Looking out over Lake Rosseau

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:28:53 +0000

Yup – Sorry folks the lakes are still frozen in Muskoka. With the warmer temps arriving this weekend the meltdown should accelerate. With any luck we should see open water before Easter. This is a shot looking out at Lake Rosseau with Clevelands House Resort below. There is a little trail that will bring you up to this cliff. I believe its called Resort Lookout which gives you a great panoramic view of Red Leaves, Cleves and Lake Rosseau.

Look, up in the sky, its Supermoon

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:19:13 +0000

By the time I got out to photograph last weekends Supermoon up in Muskoka the clouds had moved in and it was quickly sinking in the western sky. Nevertheless it was a spectacular site being the biggest and brightness moon we have seen in the past 18 years. (14 percent larger and 30% brighter) I took this shot around 6AM and I could hear a low growling noise emanating from the bushes around me which certainly kept me alert and hastened my departure.

By the way, for those of you in the Toronto area this weekend, Friday March 25th to Sunday March 27th is the annual Spring Cottage Life show at the International Centre near the Pearson International Airport. This is a fairly large show that contains everything from real estate, outdoor gear, building contractors, wildlife to numerous seminars. Its worth checking out.

The Sled Factor

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:45:40 +0000

As I was cruising by the Bass Lake House restaurant on Hwy #169 last weekend I noticed the entire parking lot was crammed with snowmobiles. I have been passing by here for many years and have never seen it so busy. I believe its got to be some kind of indicator so I have devised a new economic benchmark called “The Sled Factor” - more sleds = better economy. The snowmobiles saw their shadows on groundhog day therefore its 10 weeks until ice-out

Please click on the photo for biggie size

Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:42:56 +0000

I was recently contacted by the people at Kobo who specialize in online eBooks. They asked if they could use one of my previously blogged photos, “Three Girls and a Dock“ for the cover of the great Canadian writer and humorist Stephen Leacock’s novel, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. The novel was originally published in 1912 and is apparently based on his experiences around Orillia, Ontario. The novel is now part of Project Gutenberg along with many others and is in the public domain. You can download the book for free HERE.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

Blog Breakaroo

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:15:47 +0000

Thanks to everyone who visited and experienced a small slice of my Muskoka this past year. By the time this gets posted I should be on a Caribbean beach recharging for the new year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Yuletide Tidings and what ever else aligns with your world.

Peace, love, health, happiness and great success in 2011!

Shrooms

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:48:06 +0000

Connected at the Cottage

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:54:29 +0000

This months Muskoka Magazine features an article by Norah Fountain on staying connected while at the cottage. The article discusses how many of us connect through social networks like Facebook, Twitter and personal Blogs while we enjoy our time in Muskoka. Thanks Norah for including some background on this blog.

54-40 Rocks The Kee

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:34:06 +0000

The Kee to Bala was wrapping up its summer concerts this past Labour Day weekend with 54-40 (below) performing on Saturday night and Sloan on Sunday night. The photos are a little soft as you are not allowed to bring in a full sized camera so I used my trusty pocket cam that struggles with the light conditions.

Below is a shot of Neil Osborne of the band 54-40. They are in my opinion one of the most underrated Canadian rock bands with great tunage like; Baby Ran, I go Blind, One Day in Your Life, Baby Have Some Faith, Ocean Pearl, Lies to Me, etc. They are a Muskoka favorite.

Please click on the images for larger photos

Random Acts of Patriotism

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:05:06 +0000

You can never see enough random acts of patriotism in this country. Have a safe and happy labor labour day.

Welcome to the Machines

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:07:40 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:28:54 +0000

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

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

Took The Long Way Home

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:05:16 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:25:41 +0000

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

Earth day April 22

PLease click on the image for a biggie sized burn barrel

Forgotten

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:10:31 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:45:07 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:34:41 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:50:27 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:39:49 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:12:47 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:31:20 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:18:02 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:27:25 +0000

Down by the side of the road near Gravenhurst, Ontario

Please click for biggie size

Torrance Barrens – There’s a Darkness on the Edge of Town

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:16:08 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:24:09 +0000

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!

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:55:23 +0000

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!

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:19:04 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:39:31 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:34:04 +0000

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

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

Rocky Roads of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:53 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:26:48 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:40:49 +0000

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

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:18:31 +0000

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