New Accommodation Added

We have recently added more accommodation to the North Muskoka Website:

Blue Spruce Resort

A 4 seasons Housekeeping Resort on Oxtongue Lake. Algonquin Park only 5 minutes away. Our Cottages, Studios & Suites are … A STEP ABOVE. All with fully equipped kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, TV/VCR/DVD and gas BBQ’s. The Studios and Suites are air-conditioned and Cottages have Jacuzzi tubs. In summer, we have a playground, 2 tennis courts, 2 sandy beaches, a wide array of boats including water-skiing / tubing. In winter, ski on our own groomed trails. A toboggan hill & skating rink are both floodlit for night use. Snowmobile trails from the door.

Address info RR. #1 Dwight On, P0A 1H0 (705)-635-2330 Fax: (705)-635-9443 www.bluespruce.ca

Cedar Grove Lodge 1-800-461-4269 www.cedargrove.on.ca

An eco-friendly lakeside resort located on beautiful Peninsula Lake. We offer individual lakeside cottages, many of then log, all with wood burning fieldstone fireplaces. Bring your appetite to the lodge because all rates include three meals per day. In summer enjoy free waterskiing, canoeing, tennis and more. In winter, skate on the lake, cross country ski or relax in front of a roaring fire. Please visit our website for current rates, over 100 photos, and 10 interactive panoramic photos.

Lumina Resort 1-800-461-4371

Family oriented full service resort located on Lake of Bays. One to five bedroom cottages, also separate rooms in the main lodge. Rates include full breakfast and dinner daily. Pool plus beautiful beach and swimming area. All sports, kids program, playground, boat rentals, social director, tennis. Wedding and Group packages ,
www.luminaresort.com or email info@luminaresort.com

Algonquin Lakeside Inn

Just five minutes to Algonquin Park and open year-round. A resort offering non-waterfront/waterfront rooms, romantic suites and cottages. Casual fine dining in our Eat Smart-regulated restaurant. Serving both breakfast and dinner . Free canoes and kayaks to our guests. Check out our availability with the on-line reservations system:
www.algonquininn.com
tel 1-800-387-2244
tel 1-705-635-2434
email stay@algonquininn.com

Norsemen-Walker Lake Resort 800-565-3856
www.norsemen-walkerlake.com
A relaxing all-season resort nestled in the woods on Walker Lake. Just 15 minutes from Huntsville and Algonquin Park. A great choice for an intimate and cozy family retreat. Lie on the beach, paddle a canoe, cuddle by a wood-burning stove, or soak in a Jacuzzi tub. Treat yourself to outstanding game, seafood and steak at The Norsemen Restaurant, an "Old Muskoka" tradition.

The Pines Cottage Resort 705-635-2379
www.algonquinparkaccommodations.com

With a large beach, on a quiet corner of Oxtongue Lake, The Pines Cottage Resort has been a favourite destination for generations of guests. Under the ownership of Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park, The Pines Cottage Resort has been updated throughout. Full service housekeeping cabins with BBQ’s. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outboard rentals and children’s play area or a 7 minutes drive to Algonquin Park. Join us at the Beach!!

Christmas and New Years Availability

Beauview Cottage Resort:
We are filled up for New Years and almost filled for Christmas week.
(a 3 bedroom cottage available until Dec 30th). http://www.beauview.com/

Colonial Bay Resort has cottages open for Christmas week and a couple still open for New Years. http://www.colonialbay.com/

The Norsemen - Walker Lake Resort has two cottages left from the 18th to the 30th. We’re filled up for New years. http://www.norsemen-walkerlake.com/

Bondi Resort is filled up from the Dec. 24th till the January 3rd.

Nor'Loch Lodge has one - 2 bedroom cottage self catering over Christmas, and a few adult suites with meals over New Years. http://www.norloch.com/

Tally Ho Inn
We have accommodations for both Christmas and New Years www.tallyhoinn.com

Logging Chain Lodge
Has only a 3 bedroom self-catering cottage available at Christmas with check out of December 26th only. www.loggingchainlodge.com

Algonquin Lakeside Inn - First winter open in a long time!
Vacancies at Christmas and New Years
www.algonquininn.com

Algonquin Outfitters Nordic Ski Seminar

Algonquin Outfitters, on the Main street of Huntsville, are offering a free seminar on Nordic skiing this Monday, Dec. 15th. It's on twice, at 4 pm and 7 pm, and AO do ask that you register with them. www.aohuntsville.com will get you to their site.

Bryan Allen, former Provincial and National Ski team member, an arctic ski guide and North Pole trek guide -- also described by AO as their "go to guy" for all things Nordic -- will be there.

Our ski trails at Bondi Village Resort www.bondi-cottage-resort.com are not as distant nor demanding as a trek to the North Pole, but they are close to hand, and open for skiing. In fact, we've been on the trails for almost two weeks, and there is more snow falling!
Our trails are open to the public for a small fee that contributes to the grooming of the trails, and we do require you to stop and register at our office, please.

Nancy
www.bondi-cottage-resort.com
visit our Resort Blog for lots of information on what's happening at our place!

Snow Ho Ho

Let's face it. Winter is more fun when you can play with the season. Our snow has arrived up here in North Muskoka. Our roads are clear, and we're ready for the season! The ice is starting to form on our bay.

Brian is out working on the ski trails. We've got almost 20k of trails at Bondi Village, along with toboggan hills, snowshoe trails and rentals, a tubing run, and lots of wildlife to watch.

Some of that wildlife might include David and his buddy Mike, who were delighted to have the chance to get the snowmobiles out of storage and ready to go. Obviously in November the Snowmobile Clubs (ours is the Algonquin Snowmobile Club) don't have their trails open, and since there's no ice it's a really excellent plan not to try any water crossings, but the season is approaching fast.

For those seeking less adrenaline, like Nancy, taking a slow ramble in the woods or the back fields to check out the animal tracks and listen to the snow crunch underfoot is a great excuse to get outdoors.

Winter's here. You should be too! The resorts of North Muskoka are all set to provide you with family winter memories that will last for generations!

Local BLOGs to Visit

Lots of great information, photos and videos.

Visit our Local BLOGS

Bondi Village Cottage Resort BLOG by Nancy Tapley

Colonial Bay Cottage Resort BLOG by Bruce Howell

Beauview Cottage Resort BLOG by Gord Bell

Hooray for Wet People Cheering

One of the competitors in the Muskoka Ironman 70.3 hollered this back to Dave and Carol, who were at the end of the Fox Point Road, slightly damp, cheering for the cyclists. There was quite a little crowd out there at the 20 km. mark. We had a sign out to cheer the athletes, but it was probably blocked by specators -- and they were cheering enough to more than make up for that!


There were people out at the ends of driveways, clustered at road junctions and all the way long the route, despite the overcast and sometimes rainy weather. Nobody's spirits were dampened. Ashley took refuge under Dad's umbrella at Dwight, but was glad to be there watching. Her class wrote to one of the athletes last spring, as a pen pal exercise, which we think is an inspired way to get the community connected.It's always more fun when you've got someone you know to cheer for!

Congratulations on a great job to all the volunteers who turned out in droves -- be it to staff the water stations, direct traffic or paint the kids' faces. You are the cogs that make the wheels turn.

Congratulations to all the athletes, in all the categories. We were delighted to see you here in the Lake of Bays, and are looking forward to your return next year. Now that you've seen the lay of the land, we're sure you've discovered that in addition to the big hosting resorts and the Huntsville motels, there are plenty of smaller resorts around the Lake of Bays that would be ideal bases for training camps, support people, families and athletes. Down the Fox Point Road, our resort, BONDI VILLAGE, and FOXWOOD INN offer housekeeping cottages. Along South Portage Road, you bike right past the door of BEAUVIEW. And of course Dwight Beach is the home of LOGGING CHAIN LODGE and NOR'LOCH LODGE. COLONIAL BAY is just up Hwy 60, enroute to Huntsville. There are also plenty of motels out here, and resorts offering meal plans as well -- check us out at www.northmuskoka.com.

It's a little shameless self promotion, but -- to be really honest -- we'd all love to host some of the athletes to promote that community connection to this race that makes it so very special. It's a great way to get to know some of you -- and we don't see why Huntsville should have all that fun :) We'd like to meet you too!

Welcome Athletes, Muskoka Ironman 70.3!

The athletes are rolling into Huntsville and the area for the Ironman 70.3 that takes place this Sunday.
Saturday, in Huntsville, the main street will be closed for the Ironman Festival, an open street celebration with entertainment, special sales, and food. The Terry Fox Run will also be held that day, so there's plenty to do. There is even an Athletes' Forum at the Algonquin Theatre from 11 a.m., where you can drop by and talk to some of the competitors about how they train, what they eat, etc.
There's nothing like the personal touch to make an event like this more interesting to the general public, and getting to know some of the athletes is the best way to do this.

On Sunday, the bike portion of the race comes around Lake of Bays. While the athletes will be working hard, we hope they'll have a moment or two to admire the view. (and look for the sign of encouragement posted by BONDI VILLAGE RESORT!) This course really is spectacular. There are a ton of volunteers working to provide the water stations, ensure the roads are clear of debris, and generally assit the competitors towards a smooth competition. The roads are OPEN, so motorists are asked to use EXTREME CAUTION when encountering or overtaking the bikers. Give them lots of room, please!

There are competitors here from Ecuador, Europe, England, the USA and Down Under. With our Australian connections, we'll be out cheering for the Aussies and the Kiwis (and of course, for our friends from Huntsville who will also be out there, pedalling their buns off)

Some of the competitors have brought their families along, and are making it a bit of a vacation. Next year, we hope they'll consider staying here with us at BONDI VILLAGE RESORT www.bondi-cottage-resort.com We've got a brilliant base from which to train, and can offer a true Muskoka lakeside experience, complete with our dark skies programs, wolf howls, and our own organic garden to help them 'eat healthy'. We're close to the action, to Huntsville and Algonquin Park, yet far enough out to ensure a quiet, restful location.

Best of luck to the competitors, and our best wishes for a safe, exciting day of competition here in God's Own Country, Muskoka!

Best Places to See the Fall Colours

Take a short drive to see great Fall colours. Usually from the third week in September until Thanksgiving.

Visit :Dorset Observation TowerPhone: (705) 766-2211E-mail: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca Website: www.dorset-tower.com

Algonquin Provincial Park Phone: 705-633-5572 E-mail: info@algonquinpark.on.ca Web Site: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

Ragged Falls Provincial Park

Lions Lookout in Huntsville

See the Ontario Tourism Fall Colours report.

Huntsville and Area Fall Events Sept - Nov 2008

SEPT 12-14 Bracebridge Fall Fair

There will be horse pulls, light and heavy horses, antique/garden, tractor pulls, culinary arts, fibre arts, horticulture, youth and junior fair, entertainment, midway, and more. There is free parking on site. For more information please contact the Bracebridge Fall Fair office at 705-645-8383, or email bracebridgefair@hotmail.com.

SEPT 19-21 Huntsville Fall Fair

There will be a midway and live bands, English horse show and heavy horse pull, livestock, poultry, rabbit competitions, baby contest, cake/pie auction, and more. Sunday is Family Day! There will be a free bus to and from the fairgrounds. See you at the Fair! For more information contact the Fair Office at 705-789-9540 or huntsvillefairsecretary@hotmail.com.

SEPT 20 Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show

The Downtown Huntsville BIA presents the Annual Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car ShowIf four wheels are your passion, the Annual Huntsville Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show is an adventure that will accelerate your hear rate. 250 exhibits up and down the main drag, trophies and door prizes - this is one automotive competition that you can take in on two feet. First come, first serve car registration on Main Street beginning at 7 a.m.. For more information call 705-789-1400, email huntsvillebia@bellnet.ca or visit www.huntsvilleadventures.ca

SEPT 27-28 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

This Tour runs on September 27th to 28th. Come and celebrate our 30th anniversary as we throw our doors open to you! Explore the studios of Muskoka's celebrated artists and craftspeople. This is a free self-guided tour. For more information call 705-687-6521 or visit www.muskoka.com/tour .

October 4 Turkey Dinner and Fireworks in Port Sydney

The 56th Annual Turkey Dinner will be held at The Port Sydney Community Hall. This will be a traditional dinner with all the trimmings. There will be continuous seating from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The cost is $14.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12 and under. Stay and enjoy the exciting FIREWORKS DISPLAY at dusk on the beach at 8:15 p.m. All donations are welcome. For more information and to volunteer please call Cindy at 705-385-0170 or email Jody: jodybenjamintomas@hotmail.com. All proceeds raised are for the Hall Renovation Projects.

OCT 17-19 Bala Cranberry Festival

To be held at locations throughout Bala. For more information call 705-762-1564.

OCT 31 Great Pumpkin Trail

The Muskoka Heritage Place - Museum, Village, Train is having the Great Pumpkin Trail. Come to a candle-lit village for tricky treats. For more information call 705-789-7576, or visit www.muskokaheritageplace.org

November 28 Huntsville Santa Claus Parade 7:00 PM

Baysville Antique Boat Show with some Wildlife!

The Annual Baysville Antique Boat Show was held on a sunny day. Food, entertainment, boats, cars and the Muskoka Wildlife came with 5 creatures for the children to see. An owl, raccoon, arctic wolf, fox snake and a skunk (descented).

Everyone that comes to the show can pet the skunk!

Here's a video clip about Aroma the Skunk from the Muskoka Wildlife Centre presentation.

Train the Terrain for the Ironman 70.3

The Muskoka Ironman 70.3 rolls into town this September. And next September. And probably the one after that. Huntsville has hosted the World Triathlon Championship, and every year hosts the Muskoka Triathlon, so they've got a lot of experience at running these events.

The Ironman 70.3 is a bit different. It is a qualifying race for the full Ironman -- a feat that some would consider cruel and unusual punishment, but those participating might disagree. Several of our guests at BONDI VILLAG RESORT over the years have completed successfully at the IRONMAN -- Jeff completed without the use of one arm. Paul spent his vacation here training, and he would join us (briefly) on the Island swim. We swam BACK from the Island, 1.6 miles away. Paul swam out to and around it. He still beat us home.

If you're participating in these events, it can help to train on the terrain. Muskoka is not flat land. Thanks to the Canadian Shield, we offer great hills along with great vistas.

There are several training camps for the Muskoka Ironman 70.3 in the area this summer, and it is getting very common to spot these cyclists pedaling the roads. The route will take the cyclists all the way around the Lake of Bays.

The smaller resorts in the area, including Bondi, offer great facilities for these training venues, particularly in the last few weeks leading up to the competition.
Once the competition starts, athletes naturally want to be as close to the main venue as possible so they're not wasting energy getting to and fro, but if you're looking to put the last bit of polish on your training program, housekeeping resorts offer a quiet, relaxed base, where you are in complete control of your diet and your training, and you can step out the door and be on the cycling route, hop in the lake to log some miles, and run along roads that are not heavily trafficked.

If you want to train the terrain and drop your stress levels all at the same time, we recommend considering the smaller resorts around Lake of Bays. Like us...
Visit us at www.bondi-cottage-resort.com and find our neighbouring resorts at www.northmuskoka.com

And for the rest of us, those who have no ambition to participate in such an athletic endeavor, just a reminder to share the road. As the event draws closer, we're going to be seeing a lot of athletes out there training. Cyclists, especially those training hard, may be 'zoned' a little bit... and their road bikes don't do well on the gravel of the shoulders, so pull over a little, slow down a little... there's room enough and time enough for all of us out there!

A Brush with the Group of Seven

In 1912, Canadian artist Tom Thompson went into Algonquin Park. On his return, his friends were so inspired by his paintings they started to join his summer sketching trips, and the Group of Seven was begun.
In 1917, Thompson drowned in Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park, under mysterious circumstances. There is a statue of Tom, sketching beside his canoe, at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville. This was created by local artist Brenda Wainman Goulet.

Here at BONDI VILLAGE RESORT, we have an original work by Brenda as well -- a full scale replica of a Red Tail Hawk in flight, soaring over our lawn, as a memorial to our dad, Paul Tapley, who loved to fly.

Huntsville has taken up the theme of the Group of Seven with a will, and there are now 22 murals replicating the most famous works of the Group of Seven scattered through Huntsville. You can spend a day easily roaming about looking at them, breaking up the sightseeing with a coffee, or a small shopping excursion into the great downtown boutiques and cafes on Huntsville's Main Street.

And, every summer, you can go one better than just looking. During the Mural Festival, when new murals are being created, you can join artist Gerry Lantaigne and add your own brush strokes to the work. One of our guests, Mary Anne, did just that last week. The mural is set up at the town hall, right next to the statue of Tom himself. In 2007, 1300 people added their 'signature' brush strokes to the mural you can see in the background of the picture of Tom's statue -- Autumn Garland.

The Group of Seven Mural Gallery is expanding this year, with the addition of two murals being created at the Dorset Heritage Museum. Frank Johnston had strong connections to Dorset, so the Museum has chosen him as their featured artist. The first mural Gerry will be creating is Johnston's Northern Evening. The Museum at Dorset is well worth dropping by for a visit, with or without a mural.

The best thing about murals is that they get people out of their cars, because the best way to experience them is slowly, walking, standing, sitting, admiring. They are beautiful things.

Visit us at www.bondi-cottage-resort.com to see what else is happening at our resort!

Free Wheeling!

Nearby Algonquin Provincial Park is such a favourite with our guests that Bondi Village provides a day pass into the pass for our guests as part of their rental package, and those passes are in almost constant use!

Algonquin Provincial Park's trail system is second to none in the world, and one of the trails in particular is heaven for cyclists. The Bike Trail along the old Railway bed provides 10.8 km. of mostly level going across the old Two Rivers airfield and down the abandoned Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway all the way to the Rock Lake campsite.

The railway was built in 1895, abandoned in 1944.
The airstrip was built in 1935, closed in 1973. There are wonderful signboards along the way that explain the history of the railway, the airstrip and the saw mills that used to be located here.

But at the end of the day, it is just a wonderful place to ride a bike. This week, Frances, Grant and Kyle made the trip. They pedaled right past a mother moose and her calf who were browsing at trailside, and when they got to the old bridge, Kyle made the scary leap out into space! (Mom and Dad stayed on the bridge!) For those less brave, you can also cool off here by way of a small sandy beach!

Silent Waters

SILENT WATERS, THE LAKE OF BAYS SILENT BOAT RALLY POKER RUN

When you hear phrase Poker Run, the image that goes with it is probably big cigar-boats, or snowmobiles – Poker seems to run on gasoline. But not always.
The Lake of Bays Association has a poker run that is designed to just glide by silently. Their Silent Boat Rally takes place every summer, and is limited to vessels that make no noise. That’s canoes. Kayaks. Paddle Boats. Sailboats. Row boats. Electric.
Not that canoes are always silent – this year there was a stiff breeze blowing, and the sound of grunting and heavy breathing could be heard. Likewise, occasionally you hear some loud noises coming from sailboats when the wind gusts and the sail luffs. It’s not the boat, you understand, but it’s loud all the same.

For the second year in a row we’ve hosted this event at Bondi Village Resort. We set them up on the beach by Brian’s hangar. This gives plenty of room to park cars, pull the boats up on shore. Let the kids run. Enjoy the bbq. And the headland blocks most of the wind that streams onshore from the island, keeping the flies away.

It’s a great day. For a $20 registration fee, participants come away with a gift bag from the sponsors, prizes for the poker hands, mystery gifts for the kids and a great lunch. All this, plus an hour or so on the lake. It doesn’t get any better.
Every year Graeme comes with his elegant Heather Belle. She was built in 1902, and has been retrofitted to an electric motor. This is the way lake travel should be, as she glides past noiseless and beautiful. People crowd down to the dock just to watch her come in to berth.

Mark came last year with a Dispro, a disappearing propeller boat. These were famous in Muskoka, designed for lakes that were cluttered up by the logging industry. Logs would escape from the booms, and drift about the lake, just below the surface, causing havoc to propellers.

The Dispro was designed for just such a contingency. Shaped like a classy rowboat, she has the engine located in the centre of the boat, and a special housing into which the prop can retract if it hits anything. This allowed the dippy to cruise in log-infested waters as well as through shallow reaches.

We have one – Brian has almost finished refinishing the original Bondi Dippy. Ours is the only one the Dispro association knows about that has a bullet hole in it. Since the top speed is 6 mph, we doubt it was part of a drive-by shooting. Perhaps someone with really bad aim, trying for a duck dinner? The mystery continues.

This year Mark came with a birchbark canoe. It was the envy of everyone there, despite the collection of cedar strip canoes that also showed up.
For those who don’t have, or don’t want to transport their own canoes, Algonquin Outfitters provides canoes on the beach, ready to go. They aren’t as elegant as the birchbark model, but all things considered, they are wonderful watercraft.

A demonstration from an electric catamaran rounded out the day

We provided a disc-golf target for the kids – and adults – and between whizzing Frisbees, kids playing in the lake, and an almost silent flotilla of ducks paddling past, you really couldn’t have asked for a better day out.

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Goin' WALKABOUT

Baysville is one of the hamlets that makes up the Township of Lake of Bays. At the South end of the lake, this little 'go ahead' community is a fun place to ramble at any time of the year, with it's interesting dam (when built, this dam raised the level of the lake about 5 feet), historic plaques, great stores and restaurants. (Be sure not to miss Miss Nelle's Antiques -- you can get a lunch or just a coffee while admiring this wonderful old building that dates right back to the settlement of the Village and checking out their great collection of antiques and memorabilia. Nancy can never go into this store without spending money, so be warned...

Every summer, STUFF happens in Baysville. There's a farmers' market every Friday.
In June, four of the oldest houses opened up for the DOORS OPEN tour -- with over a hundred people coming through.

In July, there is the Walkabout Festival -- a fabulous day with artisans and craftspeople, face painting, entertainment and a hundred other reasons to wander around the parks of the town. We always have BONDI guests that keep the walkabout circled on their calendar and never miss it.

Our guests came back this year, suntanned, face-painted, and still decorated wtih walkabout stickers on their shirt to hit the beach one more time before dinner.

In August, there's an Arts and Crafts Festival in Baysville (on th 8th), a Summer Flower Show (on the 12th) and the 'fantabulous' Classic and Antique Boat Show on the 17th. The Heather Belle, who came to Bondi for the Silent Boat Rally, will most likely be in attendance. Boat aficionados should be sure to stop by for this one!
And you can stay for dinner at the Wendigo restaurant, right by the river, and advertised as the 'best restaurant by a dam site'.

Don't Sleep In - You'll miss the Deer!

Not too early in the morning, at around 8 AM. I was walking out the door to get the newspapers. On the edge of our driveway, I saw some bushes move so I stopped. There was a deer eating tree leaves, who then as I was watching, went across to eat some of the wildflowers my wife Nancy and daughter Suzanne planted.

I walked up very close to him before he ran off.

Dark Skies and Wolf Song

Everytime we go out on the lawn at Bondi to look at Stars with a group of people, something wonderful happens. Once you get away from the city lights, the stars sparkle and dance, and on a clear Muskoka night in the summer people can marvel at the Milky Way, watch the red/green flash of Antares, see the double star in the handle of the Big Dipper, find the Andromeda Galaxy 12.5 million light years away. So many things that you can't see in the city, because of the light pollution that dims out all but the brightest stars, and makes the heavens meagre.
Nancy spends a lot of the summer outside under the night sky with groups of our guests. Armed with a laser pointer that reaches forever, night vision glasses and binoculars, she does a Star Tour that our guests really enjoy.
And what night outdoors in north Muskoka would be complete without talking about the neighbours -- the owls, loons and wolves that so often sing in the dark.
Sure enough, the evening began with loons, giving their familiar tremolo call while we were looking at the Big Dipper and North Star.
After we moved across the lawn to look at the Summer Triangle, the sky started to cloud over, so we talked about the wolf pack that has been in pretty close this summer. It sounds like a big pack, with lots of youngsters, and Kyle saw a wolf cub run across the road last week. We talked about the Algonquin Park timber wolves, and how every week in August the naturalists take people out for the world famous Wolf Howl. We talked about how the deeper the howl, the bigger the wolf, as a general rule. And then, Nancy gave her best wolf impersonation and howled. Now, she's a rank amateur in Wolf Song Karaoke -- the Park naturalists have wolf-speak perfected. All the same, some nights, it just works.
We got an answering howl -- from the west side of the property, and very close. A single wolf, with a deep voice. An amazing sound, for the group of about 20 people clustered on the dark lawn.
And then, from the east side of the property, the rest of the pack started up in response, and the wolves howled back and forth to each other for several minutes, putting on a fantastic show.
When it all quieted down, we talked about owls, and Owl Speak, hooting for both the Barred Owl and the Great Horned Owl. Tonight, we had no answering owls, but we've got both these species in the woods around us. Lots of the kids had a go at hooting -- Who Cooks for You? Who Cooks for You AAAALLLL??? (Barred Owl) and, Who's Cooking Chicken, Who, Who, Who???? (Horned Owl)
Then, since we'd lost our stars to the clouds, and just for the heck of it, Nancy was talked into trying one more Howl. And -- I love when a plan comes together -- yes, both the lone wolf to the west, and the pack to the east answered again. The lone wolf had moved considerably to the north, but the pack was still in the same place, and still very close. And sang most harmoniously.
Now, that's an experience to cherish.

Prime Minister announces Canada to host 2010 G8 Summit in Huntsville

Prime Minister announces Canada to host 2010 G8 Summit in Huntsville

19 June 2008
Huntsville, ON
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the 2010 G8 Summit will be held at the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. It will be the fifth G8 Summit hosted by Canada since the country joined the prestigious international organization in 1976.

The Prime Minister was joined at the announcement by Tony Clement, Canada’s Health Minister and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka.“Huntsville is a jewel in the Canadian Shield and an ideal location for this gathering of world leaders,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Our international guests will be charmed by the uniquely Canadian beauty of the region and by the warm hospitality of Muskokans.”

The Prime Minister emphasized the Summit will be a tremendous opportunity to promote Canada’s values and interests on the world stage; to advocate for open markets and free trade; to insist on truly global action against global warming; and to champion freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Prime Minister Harper added that the international media attending the Summit would introduce millions of potential tourists to the many attractions of Ontario cottage country.“The 2010 G8 Summit will provide short and long-term economic benefits for the region and the province, and it will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to advance its values and interests on the world stage,” Prime Minister Harper concluded. http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=1&id=2155

New Treetop Adventure Attraction in Muskoka

There's a new Attraction in Muskoka . Eaglecrest Aerial Park in Bracebridge, provides "The Ultimate Treetop Adventure" for the whole family, teams, groups and corporate training.

Come and travel for 2 hours at 10 - 40 feet in the forest canopy of the majestic pines located along Muskoka River in Santa's Village& Sportsland. Experience beginner through intermediate courses made up of wobbly bridges, monkey lines, flippy bridges, balance beams, Tarzan ropes, and of course, if you are up to it - our giant 350 ft zipline across the lagoon.

Opens May 16
May to October -

***** Reservations Required 705-645-2512 ext 224

http://www.aerialparks.ca/

Making Maple Taffy - A Special Winter Treat!

Here's Brian Tapley from Bondi Village Resort making maple taffy one afternoon in March.




OR Click here to see the video.

Carnival Capers

Family and guests joined in on Carnival day and all the festivities. There was something for all ages from kids capers to horsedrawn sleigh rides and dogsledding.

Upcoming Huntsville Lake of Bays Events

Upcoming Area Events

March 1- Black Umfolosi
Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville
Huntsville Festival of the Arts Presents: Black Umfolosi, an internationally acclaimed harmonic acappella singing and traditional African dance group, based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Their dynamic live performances showcase the traditional dancing styles of the Southern African region as well as the more contemporary styles and movements they develop themselves. Begins at 8 p.m. Approximate run time: 120 minutes. Adult $25.00 (plus G.S.T.) Youth (18 & under) $15.00 (plus G.S.T.) Visit www.algonquintheatre.ca for more information or call 1-888-696-4255 ext 2.

March 7- Jimmy Rankin
Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville
Jimmy Rankin, Cape Breton native and song writing lynchpin of the Rankin Family tours his 2007 CD Edge of Day. Juno Songwriter of the year for hits such as Fare Thee Well Love and Followed Her Around, Jimmy's solo career is a mix of inspirations and songs from everyday life. Begins at 8:00 p.m. Approximate run time: 120 minutes. Tickets: $35.00 (plus G.S.T.) Visit www.algonquintheatre.ca for more information or call 1-888-696-4255 ext 2.

March 8- New Day, New Way
Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville
Elemental Productions Presents: An eclectic evening of local performance art celebrating International Women's Day. Begins at 8 p.m. Approximate run time: 120 minutes. Tickets: $20.00. Visit www.algonquintheatre.ca for more information or call 1-888-696-4255 ext 2.

March 14- Irish Fire - Celtic Fury Irish Dance Company
Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville
Irish Fire is a story of love, hate, passion, agony and revenge. Irish Fire is often compared to such contemporary hits as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Shows starts at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Approximate run time: 120 minutes. Adult $29.00. Youth (under 12) & senior $24.00. Visit www.algonquintheatre.ca for more information or call 1-888-696-4255 ext 2.

March 15- Abra Kid Abra
Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville
The funniest magic show you'll ever see. The humour is as fun as the magic! So does that make this a "Comical magic show" or a "Magical comedy act"? Either way, the audience will be amazed and entertained. Geared for children 5 years and up - great for parents too. Begins at 1 p.m. Approximate run time: 120 minutes. Adult $9.00, Youth (14 & under) $7.00, Family Four Pack $28.00. Visit www.algonquintheatre.ca for more information or call 1-888-696-4255 ext 2.


March 29-30- Ron James
Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville
'FULL TILT' is Ron James' new rocket fuelled rant that cuts a wide comedic swath across the country and around the world. Strap in tight for this, 'high wire act of hilarity' (Edmonton Journal), as Canada's #1 touring comedian sets his sights on everything from mid-life meltdowns, to the disappearing Seven Toed Lemurs of Madagascar! Begins at 8 p.m. Approximate run time: 90 minutes. Tickets: $45.00

Dwight Winter Carnival Feb 22-23

Carnival Highlights

Friday

Broom Ball 7:00 pm
BBQ
Bonfire

Saturday
Pancake Breakfast 8:30
Fishing Trophies
Dog Sledding
Live Entertainment
Chain Saw Carving
Horse & Wagon Rides
BBQ & Moose Tongues
Outdoor Skating Rink
Indoor Horse Racing - Post time every 1/2 hr.
Bingo
Rink Games/hockey shoot

February Warms your Face

The lake is brilliant with the sun reflecting off the ice and snow crystals. Days are already longer and skiing in the Forest we can feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. Our guests arriving today will be heading to Hidden Valley or Algonquin Park for perfect winter skiing conditions. Some guests are looking forward to dog sledding, a challenging sport that is gaining fans. What fun when these beautiful animals take off and become quiet as they fly along curving paths through woods and along the shores of isolated lakes and meadows.

Canadian Pond Hockey Photos

Here's some photos of the Pond Hockey Tournament that happened last weekend and this weekend.

Huntsville Winterfest Feb 2 , 3, 2008 Events

February 2 & 3
Schedule of Activities
Muskoka Heritage Place - 88 Brunel Rd - Huntsville - Muskoka

Saturday February 2nd Activities are FREE
All day activities

Kidz toboggan hill - Kidz snow maze
Bring your snowshoes - Public skating on the pond oval (safe ice permitting)
FREE shuttles to and from the pond will pick up and drop off at: the school bus parking lot
in the West End - Town Hall - Dollarama & The Mall from 9:30am until 4:00pm.
East Side Mario’s will be serving up hot chocolate & soup

8:30am - 11:00am Pankcake Breakfast at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
$6.00 adults & $3.00 kids (10 and under)
10:00am “Show up and play” Shinney Hockey Game
10:00am - 3:00pm Horse and Wagon / Sleigh Rides
10:00am • 11:30am • 1:00pm Interactive Blacksmith Demonstrations
11:00am Trow Da Boot Bye
1:30pm Big and Small Multi-Games Gladiator Challenge

Sunday February 3rd
Receive these discounts (with your FREE Winterfest ticket)
at the following venues:
- Receive a 50% discount on parking and daily ski passes at Arrowhead Provincial Park
- Receive $3.00 off tubing at Rock Ridge Recreation Park
- $5.00 off full day lift tickets at Hidden Valley Ski Area


FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE 705 789-6421 EXT 3034

Whales in Lake of Bays

Over the weekend, some ice fishermen staying at Bondi Cottage Resort caught a number of lake trout. The ice is about 10 inches thick in Bondi bay.

When they spoke to Brian, the owner, they said that they caught two fish that were so big that they would not come up through the 6 inch hole in the ice. The fish had to be cut free.

Next time they will come with a bigger ice auger!

What a great Fish Story!

Cross Country/Nordic Skiing Arrowhead Park OPEN

Arrowhead Provincial Park is open for cross country/nordic skiing. Park Name: Arrowhead

Phone for more details : (705) 789-5105

Last Updated : 15/01/2008 10:33:28

Current Weather (outside link to Environment Canada)

Snow depth (base) : 15 cm

New snow fall : 4 cm

Trail Conditions: Fresh Snow

Rating: Fair

Number of Trails: 8

Total Kilometres: 33 km

Kilometres open: 12 km

Track Set trails (km) : 0 km

Skate Skiing trails (km) : 7 km

Groomed? : Yes

Date last groomed? : 2008/01/15

Warm Up Shelters? : Yes

Rental equipment available?(Call park for more details) : Yes

Other winter activities available : Hours of Operation: 8:30-5 p.m for places to stay, visit North Muskoka.com

Kearney Dog Sled Races Feb 8-10 2008

Kearney Dog Sled Races
Location: Kearney (just north of Huntsville)
Runs February 8, 9, and 10. The events will be held at various Kearney locations. There will be races, food, fun, and prizes. Stop in to visit and be a part of this famous event! For more information visit kearneydogsled.com.

For places to stay, please visit North-Muskoka.com

Port Sydney Winter Carnival Jan 23 -27, 2008

Port Sydney Winter Carnival
Location: Port Sydney
Runs January 23 to 27. For more information call 705-385-1117.
Wed., Jan. 23: There will be a Yuk Yuk's Night featuring Shannon Laverty & Mark Walker at the Port Sydney Community Hall. Cocktails will be at 7 pm, and the show will be from 8-9:30 pm. Tickets are $25. For tickets, call the Port Sydney Auto Centre at 705-385-1754 or you can pick them up at The 141 Café, or Dean's Home Hardware.
Thurs., Jan. 24: There will be a Spaghetti Dinner at the Port Sydney Community Hall, from 5-7:00 pm. The cost is $7 each or $20 for a family of four.
Fri., Jan. 25: There will be a 'Taste of Muskoka' - Carnival Marché at the Port Sydney Community Hall, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy foods and drinks from around Muskoka. Admission is $20 and kids (12 & under) are free. Tickets will be available at the door.
Enjoy a Family Skate and Bonfire at the Lion's Rink. The Bangers and Mash Dinner will be at Christ Church, from 5:30 pm. The cost will be $8 for adults and $4 for kids.
Sat., Jan. 26: There will be a Pancake Breakfast at the Port Sydney Community Hall, from 9-11 am. Adults are $6, and kids (12 & under) are $4. Ellen Yeo & "Jam Sandwich" will be at the Port Sydney Community Hall from 3-4 pm. There will be a BBQ on the beach at noon. Dance the night away. From 8 pm - 1:00 am, there will be live music by the Northern Blues Review. Tickets are $10 each and will be available at the door. There will also be Ice Sculptures, Dog Sled Rides, a Snow Slide, a Snow Sculpture Competition, and Crafts for Kids. There will also be Muskoka Pro Chainsaw Wood Carving by wood carver Ted Williams.
Sun., Jan 27: There will be an All You Can Eat Buffet Breakfast from 8 am - 10:30 am. Tickets for adults are $6, and for kids (12 & under) are $4. The Snowmobile Poker run will be from 11 am - 3:30 pm. Contact Dave Cayley, Port Sydney Auto Centre & Recyclers at 705-385-1754 for more information. There will also be Muskoka Pro Chainsaw Wood Carving by wood carver Ted Williams.
Carnival admission ski tags are $2.

Visit North-Muskoka.com for places to stay.

Canadian Pond Hockey Championships Jan 25-27, Feb 1-3, 2008

Pond Hockey Championships
Location: Huntsville
Runs January 25 to 27. Feb 1-3 , 2008 Weekend 1 and 2 of the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships will be held at Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville. For more information call 1-888-381-2945 ext 310.

Check out North-Muskoka.com for places to stay

Lots of Winter Activities to do

Winter came early this year and it has stayed with us through the Christmas and New Years holiday time.
Visitors to the North Muskoka Area have enjoyed alpine skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing and snow shoeing, dog sled rides, horse drawn sleigh rides, and snowmobile rides. There's lots to do in the Winter.
OR you can hibernate in a cozy cottage with a fireplace and a good book or some of the videos you haven't had time to watch.