CottageBlog.ca - Stumbling in and around Muskoka Canada

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.

We Were Lost in Rock Formations

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:28:35 +0000

Usually there is so much water cascading over this trippy piece of rock you never get to see it. I believe this is what they refer to as Precambrian rock which dates back to 4.5 billion years ago. Yes it is part of the Canadian Shield and ts everywhere you travel in and around the Muskoka district. Imagine coming here to farm in the 1800’s and this is what your plot of land looked like.

Please click for an even bigger and more trippy photo

Stopped in Your Track

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:46:44 +0000

I took this photo a while back. I was on my way to Bala when I found this dirt road off highway #169. I am always interested to find out what is down some of these roads. Usually there is something interesting. I guess this would be a snowmobile trail sign.

Please click on the photo for a larger size

The Red Canoe

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:37:23 +0000

It was early morning and I was having coffee on the dock when this red canoe with a family of blonds darted by.

please click on the photo for a larger 1280 pixel sized photo

Shadows

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:07:36 +0000

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

Railroaded

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:54:55 +0000

After the major sugar hit from Marty’s world famous butter tarts the gals went shopping for shoes (again). So I wandered down to the end of the main street in downtown Bracebridge near the falls area. It was mid day so the light was not perfect and I was sans tripod but nevertheless found this interesting train track.

Please click on the photo for a larger version

Gullible

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:12:30 +0000

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.

Bestest Friends

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:36:26 +0000

Erika traveled from the prairies to Muskoka for her 16th birthday and brought her bestest friend in the world along for the journey. We picked a bay near the top end of Lake Rosseau to drift and swim in the August sunshine. Life is good!

Please click on the photo for a large sized pic.

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

Gentleman’s Racers of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:42:34 +0000

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

Cruising up by Playfair Island

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:48:50 +0000

I found this cool looking old boathouse/barn and old cottage tucked into a little bay up on Lake Joseph just past Playfair Island. I have no idea of its history however I would hazard to guess this was probably a working farm at some point. You can see the location on Google Maps HERE

Please click on the photo for a much larger sized photo

You Go First

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:56:33 +0000

If you take a close look or maybe click on this photo to enlarge you will see three young guys standing at the top of this 60 foot granite cliff in Burnegie Bay on Lake Joseph. I watched them scale the rock and then proceed carefully to the edge. For the next 15 minutes they negotiated back and forth as to who would have the guts to go first. Finally, the young dude on the far right stepped up and did a full gainer into the lake below followed by a loud yelp of joy.The other two jumped right after with similar cries of victory. Would you take a leap off this rock?

Joseph River Marina, R.I.P.

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:13:16 +0000

It’s the end of an era in Muskoka. The Joseph River Marina held an estate type auction sale this past Saturday July 31, 2010. The Rosenthal family operated this popular marina on Peninsula Rd. near Minett, Ontario for over 35 years. I believe this marina was originally called the Waters Marina prior to Joerg Rosethal’s purchase back in the early 1970’s. Joerg and his wife Marilyn have left us now and the family has decided to sell everything off and move on. They will be greatly missed.

please click on the photo for a larger shot

Juddhaven Barn

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:56:39 +0000

I found this old barn up off Judd Haven Rd. in Muskoka. The wood frame and beams would have been milled from the area and the granite stones harvested here too. The one side looked like it was ready to cave in at any time.
Please click on the photo for a larger sized pic.

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

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:28:59 +0000

Take time to smell the Roses - … Echinacea Purpurea Maxima

Please click on the image for a biggie 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

They Say Its Your Birthday

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:27:00 +0000

Last fall I was cruising through Bala and noticed the Bala Bay Inn was deserted so I thought I would set up my trusty tripod and snap a few. This past weekend marked the 100th anniversary celebration of the famous and apparently haunted Muskoka Inn. After seeing my photo the management of the Bala Bay asked if they could use it in their newsletter which of course I obliged.
Also see The Ghosts of Muskoka.

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.

Lake Joseph Cabin

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:04:41 +0000

I enjoy discovering humble little cabins on the big three lakes in Muskoka. Not everything has been ripped down and replaced with designer monster crème de la crème cottages (yet). I found this place in a very quiet bay while jet-skiing up on the north end of Lake Joe. Please click on the photo for a larger size

Huckleberry Rock Panoramic

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:22:49 +0000

If you are interested in hiking some of the trails around the Muskoka region then you need to check out the Muskoka Trail Council’s new website. Taking the Muskoka Trail Passport Challenge would be a good way to learn about the area and get some exercise in at the same time. For those that complete the 6 trail challenge you will be rewarded with a certificate. I do not think these trails are overly difficult so even a novice should be OK.

Huckleberry Rock is on the trail challenge and this is a panoramic shot I took looking out at Lake Muskoka. Please click on the photo for a larger sized pic.

Click Here for a map of the Huckleberry Rock trail in PDF

Trippin up Joe by Jetski

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:22:14 +0000

The scenes from a Jetski motif – As the sun was beginning to drop I took a quick voyage up the Joseph River and into Lake Joseph on a Jetski. Although a little tricky, I like to try and shoot from my jetski as you can get into areas that you can’t by boat. I found this quiet bay on Lake Joe that had an old log cabin buried amongst the trees. (pic coming later) I tried to imagine what it was like to stay at this cabin and to look out at this unobstructed view to the west. As the real estate agents like to say “beautiful vistas”

Please click on the photo for an extra large size

Spooled Up

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:02:00 +0000

Peninsula Road up by Little Lake Joseph in Muskoka or more commonly referred to as Little Joe.

Please click on the image for a biggie sized photo

Canada Day Up Canada Way

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:01:39 +0000

Pure Maple Syrup runs through Stompin Tom Connors veins. He is a true Canadian legend and has wrote folk songs for just about every place in Canada. In his early days Stompin Tom hitch-hiked across Canada numerous times. I read his two autobiographies a few years back and find him to be quite a fascinating and great Canadian. So with it being Canada Day I thought I would feature Stompin Tom’s Canada Day Song.

Cameron Island Boat House on Lake Joseph

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:38:35 +0000

This is a boat house on Cameron Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. It is about midway up the lake and is surrounded by all kinds of small islands with giant pines and large granite boulders. It is one of my favorite areas to explore. I recommend you keep a good look out for the rocks and shallow waters in this area. As I passed by I noticed a for sale sign on the boat house and upon further research discovered it is available for just short of $3M dollars. For your interest, click here for the listing.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

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 Russians are Coming … The Russians are Coming

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:33:37 +0000

Paignton House Road leads to the Red Leaves Resort near the village of Minett in Muskoka Canada. As part of the G8 Summit expenditures this small piece of road cost the taxpayers a mere $410,000.00 to pave and beautify. The resort is located about 75 km’s from where the G8 is in the town of Huntsville, Ontario. According to the Honourable Tony Clement the Member of Parliament for Muskoka-Parry Sound,“ The Paignton House Road will be an important route taken by VIPs attending the 2010 G8 Summit, as they travel between The Rosseau resort and the summit site each day,” More from Tony baby here

Rumor has it the Russians are staying here this weekend. I wonder how the Vodka inventory is?

National Post Interview, “Its Not All Cappuccinos On The Dock”

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:57:13 +0000

Last week I was interviewed by National Post reporter Vanessa Farquharson who was trying to get a sense of how Muskoka has evolved over the years, both aesthetically and socially. Those of you that live or frequent the Muskoka region know how misunderstood it really is. As you are probably aware Muskoka is constantly in the news these days with the G-8 Summit arriving this week. The dates are June 25-26, 2010 in Huntsville, Ontario.

For the complete National Post article please click here

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

Pipe Dreams

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:29:53 +0000

Pipe Dreams as seen on the streets of Waubaushene, Ontario just off Hwy #400

lLease click on the image for biggie size

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

Flat Stanley Visits Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:18:18 +0000

Flat Stanley is one cool dude who traveled all the way from Viking, Alberta to check out Muskoka. The Flat Stanley Project was started by a London, Ontario school teacher Dale Hubert to facilitate letter writing for children. Flat Stanley is usually mailed out to friends or relatives who are asked to treat him like a visiting guest. Flat Stanley is eventually returned to his creator and his travels are then documented in a journal.

The Flat Stanley Project: flatstanleyproject.com

Flat Stan also dropped by Clevelands House

The Magnificent Ferndale

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:40:45 +0000

Further eye candy on the lakes …
This is the majestic Ferndale on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. The site of the original Ferndale House as mentioned previously. I watched this place being built over the past two or three years. It attracts quite the boat traffic as it is one of the most grand of all Muskoka cottages on the big three lakes.

Please click on the image for a grandiose sized photo

Ferndale House in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:15:53 +0000

This is the point of land on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka where the Ferndale House once rested. It was later called the Canadian Keswick Conference Centre and it burned down in 1946. There is now a very large mansion and boathouse on this property. (Photo coming soon) Check the cool little gazebo up on the point overlooking the lake. Click to see a large photo.

Please click on the photo for a 1280 pixel size

The Old Farm in Rest Harbour Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:15:44 +0000

This is all that remains of a farm in Rest Harbour on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka with the exception of the old boathouse across the road. The land, “owned free and clear to the waters edge” was originally deeded to the Wrenshall family dating back to 1884. It was amongst the first 20 free grants issued for Medora township. The Judd family purchased the property from the Wrenshall family around 1886.

Up until the 1940’s this property was only accessible by water. The steam ships would come into the docks and bring supplies. Of course in the winter everything was carted across the ice. The farm and a resort called Rest Harbour operated until the late 1960’s. Many of these historic places are disappearing from Muskoka.

I want to thank the numerous and knowledgeable people out in Blog land that have left comments, forwarded information, land surveys and photos to me. Thank you Deborah!

Exploring Georgian Bays 30,000 Islands

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:56:47 +0000

The 30,000 island region of Georgian Bay is absolutely breathtaking. I would highly recommend The Island Queen cruise which you can pickup from the docks in the town of Parry Sound, Ontario. The region is filled with glacier sculpted granite islands and windswept trees that look like Group of Seven paintings. The United Nations (UNESCO) has designated this area of Georgian Bay as a Biosphere Reserve being the worlds largest freshwater archipelago covering 347,000 hectares.

Website for the Island Queen Cruise
www.island-queen.com

Please click on the photo for a large size

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

Tractive Force

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:12:36 +0000

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

The Old Boathouse in Harbour Bay, Lake Rosseau

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 03 May 2010 21:39:26 +0000

This property came on the market recently and I was curious about it so I did a drive by. The old boathouse is approximately 100 years old and is located in Rest Harbour on 275 feet of Lake Rosseau shoreline. There is a newer single story boathouse beside it and directly across the road is what appears to be an old farm (46 acres in all) with the barn still barely standing. There is a newer house and some older out buildings as well. I’m not sure of the history of this place however I bet it will be bulldozed at some point for something new. It looks to be too far gone although you never know. All this can be yours for a mere $985,000

Click for Chestnut Park Listing

Please click on the photo for a large sized image of the old boathouse

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.

The Quiet Hills of Mount St. Louis

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:39:06 +0000

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

Love Mother Earth

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:48:31 +0000

I don’t really have a photo that represents Earth Day so when I received my daily email from Hugh MacLeod I thought I would pass it on. Hugh MacLeod is an artist I have been following for many years. I just finished reading Hugh’s book “Ignore Everybody” and I find Hugh’s work very inspiring and find that he always cuts clean through the erratic noise. You can check Hugh’s website and blog by clicking HERE.

Hughes Comments:
A Tribute To Earth Day.
Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions, She may not be happy right now, but she’s all we’ve got.
Let’s take care of her.

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

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

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