CottageBlog.ca - Stumbling in and around Muskoka Canada

Hangover

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:32:00 +0000

it’s getting warmer
it’s controlling my mind
it’s coming closer
i’m biding my time

Not quite the same “Hangover” that Kim Mitchell of Max Webster was singing about but I digress …

Please click on the image for a super-sized hangover

Its not over yet

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

The snow is still falling but does it really matter when we are winning gold medals?

The amazing Muskoka Blogger extraordinaire, Jenn Jilks is keeping score of the Muskoka area snow fall accumulation
February 2010 = 48cm
January 2010 = 42cm
December 2009 = 60cm (mostly in 2 days and varied)
——————————————————————–
Total so far: 150cm or 59 inches which is about 5 feet

Please click on the image for a larger higher res shot

Looking Down the Muskoka River

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:06:53 +0000

I have to admit I have not had a chance to tour around in Muskoka for a couple of weeks. Busier then a one eyed cat watching nine mouse holes as they say. Here is a shot of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge. It never freezes up in this area due to the roaring falls just behind.

Please click on the image for a larger photo

Hanging out in the Hotel Lobby

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:26:16 +0000

This is what you see as you walk through the front entrance of The Rosseau, part of the Red Leaves resort in Muskoka. The resort features the only JW Marriott Hotel in Canada and 1 of 37 in the world. It truly is a world class facility with good restaurants, Spa, nature trails, golf, and great water access. They have done a great job at capturing the spirit of Muskoka throughout the entire place from architecture down to the library filled with Canadian books. The most impressive aspect I have discovered in my many visits are the people that work here. Always friendly and accommodating with bright smiles. Someone has done a great job at hiring the right people, trained them and instilled a belief system that customers really matter.

Unfortunately with overruns and the economic downturn it was forced into receivership. If you have a few hundred Mil you don’t know what to do with you may consider adding this baby to your portfolio.

Dear Deer

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:19:00 +0000

Dear Deer,
I hope this note finds you well. I was so surprised to see you peeking in my bedroom window the other morning. You are such an early riser. When I ran to grab the camera you did not bolt away this time believing you saw the big bad wolf.

OK listen up Deer… we need to talk. I realize Cedar trees are like frozen chocolate cheese cake to you but don’t you think things have gotten a little out of hand? You and your friends have devoured everything in sight – even the burlap is gone. Its OK to stop now… please!

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

Skating Away …

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:05:16 +0000

The sun was quickly descending and I was looking for something to shoot when I stumbled across this picturesque Canadian scene. The great hockey legends like Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe or Wayne Gretzky etc.. all grew up playing shinny on backyard rinks, frozen ponds and lakes like this. And it is interesting to note that many of the NHL’s stars have cottages only a few minutes from here. The rink is carved out of Lake Rosseau at the old Wallace Marina in Muskoka.

Please click on the image for a larger photo

A Little Bleak

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:46:54 +0000

I’m not sure what the name of this island is. The fancy navigational aids (my charts) are long tucked away for the season. It could be called Bleak Island as that’s how things felt as I did a Lake Muskoka drive by recently. Nevertheless things change by the minute in Muskoka so please expect a blinding snowstorm or beaming sunshine at any given time.

Please click for a larger photo

Wharfing Around

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:47:18 +0000

It can be a little desolate walking around the Muskoka Wharf in the winter time. The Muskoka Wharf project is part of the $170M rebirth of the 89 acre waterfront in Gravenhurst that features the famous Muskoka Steamships, Grace & Speed Museum, shops and restaurants and many great events such as the Muskoka antique and classic boat show.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:11:20 +0000

One day it was +30C on the beach and the very next it was -30C with the windchill factor. I arrived back in Muskoka and it appeared much the same as when I left before Christmas except a little more frozen. The small lakes are covered and there are a few brave crazy sled riders blazing across them. This photo was taken on Lake Muskoka and you can see the open water in the background. If you have not been to Muskoka and area in the winter I highly recommend you take it the breathtaking beauty of winter.

Please click on the image for a larger size.

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

Hoppy Holidays and a Little Blog Break

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:46:13 +0000

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Yuletide Tidings

It’s time to turn it down a few notches and enjoy some time off. We are pointed due south and with some luck and a good breeze we should have the quintessential rum concoctions figured out and dancing in the green hues of the Grand Cayman sunset before the turkeys ready.

Wishing you all peace, love, health, happiness and success in 2010 – Ed

Boy oh Buoy

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:33:56 +0000

Most of the small lakes are frozen over now and the shorelines of the large lakes have started to show coverage as well. Of course its way to early to walk or take the sled on them however you know someone will try. The amount of snow around the Muskoka area in unbelievable. The old timers say there has not been that much snow in December since the 1930’s

Snowed Out

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:49:08 +0000

Well I must confess I missed the big blast of weather in Muskoka this past week. And you knew we were eventually going to pay for the fair weather autumn we enjoyed. Not one to normally shy away, I started on my way up north and then heard the road closure reports. Muskoka and area received a 100cm or a 3 foot plus dumping within a couple of days. Many roads were closed down so I decided to stay back. I guess I was snowed out. I monitored a few blogger friends like Jenn Jilks and her very informative MyMuskoka . Jenn was right on top of things providing pics, video footage and great commentary.

Here are a few more links to news articles about the Muskoka weather

Bracebridge Digs Out

Cottage Country Digs out from a Full Metre of Snow

Muskoka Furry Winds Down

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.

Highway #169 Revisited

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

This is a typical scene that you would see while driving around the Muskoka area.
Campbell’s Landing just off Hwy #169

Please click on the photo for a larger size

The Ghosts of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:28:50 +0000

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

Roadside Distractions Part II

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:32:20 +0000

The last photo featured an abandoned old farmhouse and a cool looking tree alongside highway 400. This is a wide angled shot that shows a barn on the property. I am uncertain if the barn is still in operation however it appears to be in decent condition. If you were looking out the window of the farmhouse you would have a direct view of the ski hill and lifts.

Please click on the image for a small mountain sized photo

Roadside Distractions

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:21:55 +0000

I have been driving by this abandoned old farm house on highway #400 for years now. The traffic was light Sunday morning so I pulled over and took a few quick snaps, sans tripod. I don’t recall when it was last occupied. Most cottagers that travel on Hwy #400 which was once referred to as “the extension” would see this place neatly tucked in the field near Mt. St. Louis.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

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

Flashback Blues

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:51:03 +0000

Cloudy skies and dead fruit flies
Waving goodbye with tears in my eyes …
~ John Prine

This photo was taken about the peak of this years Muskoka autumn colours.
I am still holding onto the fall season however we all know whats coming soon.

Click for a larger, clearer shot of 1280 pixels

Weird Waubaushene Walk Way

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:33:28 +0000

Many cottagers that take highway #400 will be familiar with a place just south of Port Severn called Waubaushene Ontario. You cannot see the town or village from the road as its nicely isolated from the highway. I did the obligatory main street drive and at the very end of the street found this walkway that reached out onto Georgian Bay.

Click for biggie size photo

North End of Lake Rosseau

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:17:22 +0000

Up on the north end of Lake Rosseau there is a cool looking boathouse and old house or cottage up on the rock.
It appears they have been rebuilding the house/cottage for the past few years. Not sure of the history.
Just a quick snap while passing by.

Please click on the photo for a large shot

A Pinball Wizard, There’s got to be a Twist

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:37:42 +0000

Ever since I was a young boy
I’ve played the silver ball
From Huntsville down to Barrie
I must have played them all …

Just a few doors down from The Kee I could not resist a little peek inside the Balacade. It was like a journey back in time (gee now I’m dating myself) with vintage pinball machines and games crammed into the small room. Balacade is an arcade shop that was started in Bala Ontario over 50 years ago and is still run by the original owner Paul Arney and his wife Patricia. Please click on the pic or HERE for a biggie 1280 pixel photo

Balacade Story

Off the Bridge

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

It was early morning and the sun was just starting to creep up when I walked onto the Joesph River Bridge looking due west.
It was cool and crisp with a nice fog coming off the water. The lake has given up her warmth.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

The History of the Old Stone Crypt

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:20:55 +0000

Driving around the back roads of Muskoka I recently found this old stone crypt near Torrance, Ontario.

I discovered this is the final resting place for William Odell Darling Pine Whiting and family. (Boy, they had long names back then) W.O. Whiting was from England and fell in love with Muskoka in 1885 when he was returning to Toronto while serving with the Northwest Grenadiers after the Riel rebellion.

He later returned in 1892 and bought a large piece of beachfront stretching from Sandy Point to Coulter’s Narrows on Lake Muskoka. William built a 210 room, 4-story hotel called the Brighton Beach Hotel which was a replica of a hotel back in Brighton Beach England. Unfortunately the hotel burned down before it ever opened. Later, William and his wife Clara Cronkhite built a second smaller hotel named the Brighton Beach II which operated for a short while until it burned down in 1917.

Here is a good article about the Whiting family called; Ninety-Three Muskoka Summers

Please click for a large photo

Rocky Roads

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:13 +0000

Its quite common to see rock cuts through the granite outcroppings around Muskoka or Northern Ontario. In order to make roads you have to blast them out. This is Peninsula Road near Minett, Ontario. Most of the trees have started to shed however there are still some vibrant colors hanging on.

Please click here or on the image for a giant sized photo

I’ve got a Trike and you can Ride it if you Like

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:54:58 +0000

Going Green – another photo from the Cranberry Fest.
I noticed this dude in his electric tricycle thingy cruising down the road in the CranFest traffic.

Click for a larger photo

The Organ Grinder

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:37:56 +0000

The Organ Grinder Klaus seen at the Bala Cranberry Festival this past weekend
Click on the image for a large sized 1280 pixel photo

Crowds with no Clouds at the 25th Annual Cranberry Festival

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:17:33 +0000

The 25th annual Cranberry festival was on in Bala, Ontario this past weekend. I don’t recall seeing crowds like this at the Cranfest before. Usually its cold and rainy so I think the sunshine brought many people out to Muskoka this year.

More photos to follow soon.

Please click on the image for biggie sized photo

Blazing a Kodachrome Trail

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:57:51 +0000

I got a Nikon camera …
I love to take a photograph
so mama don’t take my Kodachrome away
(Paul Simon)

There are explosions of colour everywhere you turn in Muskoka but not for long. Natures final emancipation preparing for winter.

The photos on this blog are 72 dpi and contain relatively small files in order for the blog to load quickly. Unfortunately that diminishes the quality of the photo substantially. I wish I could show you some of the high resolution shots like this one which is about 15mb in size. The colors and details are truly mind blowing on a large sized high res monitor.

Don’t forget Muskoka’s Cranberry Festival is on this weekend in Bala Oct 16, 17, 18 – if you spot me in the beer tent I’ll buy you a beer

Please Click on the Image for a Biggie 1280 pixel size

Gazing Down the Line

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:57:33 +0000

The trees were utterly vibrant and near peak this past weekend in the Muskoka area. The trails and back roads were very busy with many out of town visitors sucking in the raw natural beauty. Sunday afternoon revealed snow and ice pellets a welcoming gift for our friends from the city. Still waiting for that Indian Summer.

Please click for a large 1280 pixel photo

Climbing up on Huckleberry Rock

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

On a rather drab day this summer I hiked up to Huckleberry Rock near Milford Bay in Muskoka. I’m not particularly happy with this shot as the light was wrong and I never brought the proper gear with me as I wanted to save some weight. However, the timing was good as the Segwun Steamship was cruising through the bay on Lake Muskoka. The other object in the background that looks like a boat is actually a rocky island. You can see it better if you click for a larger size.

If you are Canadian – have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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 at the stars, see how they shine for you

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:53:28 +0000

Its getting a little cooler umm colder on the water now especially when riding the Jetski however I’m going to stick with it a while longer yet. Yes, I’m crazy and my toes are ice cubes – thanks. Just before sundown I noticed this cool boathouse with its own built in observatory. Bottom of Lake Rosseau near Port Sandfield. Please click the image for a galaxy sized photo

Dead Trees and Dark Skies

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:49:28 +0000

I was driving across Hwy # 169 towards Gravenhurst looking for the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve.
I made a wrong turn into the community of Torrance and just kept driving and discovered this field of dead trees on the side of the road. You can see that the fall colours are starting to set in now. I later discovered Torrance Barrens was on the other side of the highway.
Please click on the image for a higher resolution 1280 pixel size.

Sundown Ya Better Take Care

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:41:31 +0000

The suns going down early these days and seems to drop like a lead balloon once it hits the horizon. Time to bring the old swimming raft in now. It seems to have grown its own garden.

Please click for biggie size

Llanrwst the Miller House in Muskoka, Designed by Eero Saarinen

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:00:55 +0000

The Miller family have been summering in Muskoka since 1886. In 1950 J. Irwin Miller who was operating Cummins Diesel convinced well known architect Eero Saarinen to travel to Windermere on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka to design him a cottage. Saarinen was never interested in residential design however took on the commission for his fellow Yale graduate and friend. The cottage was built near the family summer home and was a modern style design that represented high art in its day.

Although the Llanrwst or Miller cottage may not appeal to most people it is certainly reflective of the great bond people felt to Muskoka by placing their treasured dreams on our shorelines. Saarinen only designed 7 residential buildings in his life time so to have one in our Muskoka is a treat.

Eero Saarinen is now considered one of the masters of American 20th century architecture with many great achievements credited to him including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Missouri. Miller became Saarinen’s most consistent client with continuous projects from 1950 to Saarinsen’s death in 1961 at the young age of 51 due to a brain tumor operation.

Additional References:
Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future
Muskoka Famed Modernism

Please click on the image for a larger size

Bat Boy to the Rescue

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:11:58 +0000

I stood in the yard and watched them come out in groups of 10 or 20 at a time like Stealth bombers all heading off to war. We eventually discovered there were hundreds of Brown Bats living in the cottage attic. This is not an easy problem to solve on your own so I picked up the Bat phone and called Bill Bat Boy. Bill is a Biologist and renowned expert on Bats. He was able to get the Bats to dump the cottage attic for a new swanky Bat condo and cleanup up the guano. (yup, Bat poo).

Brown Bats can eat up to their own body weight in insects per night so its not a bad idea to try and keep them around. Bill Bat Boy installed two of these cool Bat houses at each end of the cottage. Its been quite a few years now and we are happy to report that there are no Bats caught in peoples hair nor are there any vampire like marks on visitors necks.

Bill Bat Boy has some interesting information about bats on his website.
http://www.billbatboy.ca

Please click on the image for a large photo

The Swirls of Summer are Just a Memory Now

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:41:03 +0000

This season Uncle Eddie’s summer camp had more guests then ever, especially kids. The visitors are just a memory now as Muskoka empties out and we blend into fall. The roads are quiet, the shops near empty and the boat traffic is minimal. The cottage season is over for some but for others its just a change.

Monyca Island Lake Rosseau Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:02:58 +0000

Keeping with the “Eye Candy on the Lake” motif.
The north eastern part of Lake Rosseau contains many beautiful estates with some extraordinary island properties. This is the beautiful boathouse on Monyca Island. If you click on the photo you can see a larger photo with more details that include some of the intricate woodwork that goes into these beauties.

Please click on the photo for a close up of the boathouse itself

Please click HERE for a close up of the original photo

Bridge Over Troubled Water on Lake Joe

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

I caught this cool boathouse hiding amongst the trees while traveling north on Lake Joseph. The wind was picking up, the clouds were getting dark and the water was starting to get choppy so it was a sure sign a storm was rolling in. It’s not fun being caught out on the water in storms especially if there is lightning.

As you travel north on Lake Joe the cottages and boathouses are not as numerous as other parts of the lake however there are many gems tucked into bays on islands and the remote shorelines. I see something new every time I pass through here which is fairly frequent.

Please click on the image for a boathouse size photo

Under the Train Trestle

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:53:00 +0000

The train leaves at 10am – be under it.
Underneath the train trestle on a clear sunny morning with a little lens flare du jour

Please click on the pic for a large sized photo.

Boathouse on Wasan Island

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

This boathouse is on Wasan Island not Tobin Island as I originally posted. It is very near the large Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau however. Sometimes I think we take these boathouses for granted as we have been cruising by them for years. They really are a defining characteristic of Muskoka. People keep asking for more boathouses so a few more will follow unless some other distraction gets in the way.

Update Sept 12: I have now learned that this Island is owned by a group from Germany. Here is their website: http://www.wasan-island.de

For a boathouse sized photo please click on the Pic

A Boatload of Free

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:06:07 +0000

I hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day long weekend. I think it was the best weather of the entire summer.

I noticed this rather large lawn ornament on highway #118 outside of Port Carling. I had a little peek inside and would not hesitate to say – free is not going to be cheap.

Please click on the image for a boat sized 1280 pixel photo

Puzzled

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:47:50 +0000

We had a lot of family and friends roll through the cottage this year. Unfortunately due to the rainy weather kids ended up staying inside more then they should have. When I was a kid I don’t recall ever being inside as we were told that the fishing was better in the rain. These days most kids are hard-wired to reality distortion generator devices however it was good to see some old school, brain exercising activities like the classic jigsaw puzzle.

Coincidentally it happens to be the birthday of an old friend of mine who I refer to as “Puzzle Woman”. I have been trying to figure Puzzle out since my teens to no avail. So if you are out there somewhere Puzzle – Happy Birthday!

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

The Lighthouse near Rosseau

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

It was a rather drab looking day cruising up to the north end of Lake Rosseau but nevertheless its always great to be on the water. This lighthouse is located on the shoals just south of Rosseau near the distinctive Rosseau Lake College. The lighthouse is still operational and managed by the Canadian Coast Guard. I noticed a few Cormorants have taken refuge here.

Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel size

Looking For Goldie

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:22:51 +0000

Wheres Goldie? Can you take me to Goldie? Have you seen Goldie?
Everyone wants to know where Goldie hangs her hat. I fought with myself on whether I should make this post however I reasoned that in Muskoka, Goldie has pretty much been outed a long time ago. However, out of respect I don’t dare drive into her quiet little bay as its blatantly obvious why you are there.

Muskoka is filled with all kinds of celebs, kings of industry and sports stars extraordinaire who come to enjoy its beauty and avoid the hoopla.
So from a distance please wave to Goldie.

Please click on the image for a biggie size