TRAIL DEBATE

The Hutton Valley Snowshoe Trail, a popular one season trail not represented in the District of Muskoka, should still be invited to be part of any publicity given to the four season trails. Maintained by Stan Hunter, a local boat builder, it starts across the road from his shop, where he provides complimentary parking and public access.

ICE FISHING

I went ice fishing today beside Ouno Island in front of The Rosseau, and took several precautionary measures to get there. I wore a pfd vest beneath and a set of ice picks readily accessible in the event I broke through, with all my gear stowed in a sled, its dragging sound a welcome distraction from the terrifying noises the ice was making.

My sled served a double function as a shelter against the cold wind, making my outing a comfortable and pleasant one and even though the fish didn't cooperate the weather did. I didn't catch a lake trout that I hoped to but caught a tan instead. Looming in the background is one of the three sailboathouses that are located on Lake Rosseau.

SMOOTH SAILING

It's been smooth sailing since the start of spring, with temperatures heading north during the days and the snow and ice rapidly melting, however sudden winter weather can cause this to change its course. Mounted on a weathervane at his home is a model of the Cherokee, one of many replicas handmade by Chuck Allbon of Cruise Memories.

SPRING EQUINOX

It's officially the start of the Spring Equinox and the end of March Break. At the bridge at Port Sandfield the channel is already open and the lake is awakening from its winter hibernation. Beyond the dock with its No Wake Zone sign, sheets of ice struggle to survive against the advancing water and each passing day of the calendar.

ON TAP

Green beer isn't the only thing on tap today for the warmer weather has encouraged the sap to start flowing. Guests at The Rosseau can venture into the nearby woods to visit our naturalist, Robin Tapley, who is on hand to demonstrate how the sap is harvested by tapping trees, then boiled to evaporate the water and produce maple syrup.

SIBERIAN HUSKIES

With rain forecast for the rest of this March Break week dogsledding will probably be cancelled, disappointing guests and the dogs. Those at The Rosseau today were treated to a beautiful day for their rides. Rusty and Dare, two senior Siberian Huskies and brothers, watch the preparations intently, waiting anxiously for their first run of the day.
[Click here to check out the website of Winterdance Dogsled Tours.]

STAGES OF WINTER

I found this scene portrays the different stages of winter. The snow that signals the start of winter, the ice the frigid temperatures that cause the lakes to freeze over, and the water the combination from rain and melting snow when winter retreats. Daylight Savings began today, granting me an additional hour to spend and enjoy outdoors.

ON THE EDGE

I wasn't the only one to visit the pair of inukshuk at the rock cut as tracks reveal where an animal had investigated them in its travels, often approaching close to the edge but impervious to the cornice of snow that wouldn't support a human's weight. It's a 30 foot drop to the highway below, where a passing truck lends scale to the scene.

HIKE TO HUCK

With the forecast of a beautiful day, to be followed by deteriorating weather conditions, I took to the hills of Huckleberry Rock to enjoy it. Snowmobilers had left a hard packed trail that I and previous deer took advantage of, and after reaching the lookout, left the beaten track on snowshoes to explore other areas of this interesting place.