TAMWOOD LODGE

After a wall unit was moved at my work office, I found a postcard that had fallen behind it. I was thrilled to see it was of Tamwood Lodge, renowned for its unique log main building, which I never had the opportunity to see firsthand before it was demolished in 2007. For 60 years it catered to summer tourists and at one period served as a boys' school during the winter months. I did explore the grounds and remaining lakeside chalets earlier this summer, which have since recently been purchased.
[Postcard published by Thomas Walsh/Dexter Color, Canada, Ltd.]

FLYBOARDMAN

Performing like a cross between Ironman and Aquaman, Flyboardman, a member of the Summer Water Sports team, rehearses for their show that night at Clevelands House. Capable of soaring to a height of 30 feet and diving like a dolphin, a flyboard is connected by hose to a PWC, where it harnesses its power from and in this instance is also being controlled remotely by its driver.

FORT JOHNSTON

The stone walls of Fort Johnston still remain, named after Benjamin Johnston, an early pioneer and the first postmaster of Port Carling. Concerned about the potential threat of attack from Fenian raids, it was built strategically atop a rocky promontory that commanded a view of the Indian River and any invaders, but now offers a scenic view busy with boaters, and with the Canadian flag flying proudly.

LILY BLOON

It's nice to find that on Lake Muskoka there are places that offer protection for wildlife, such as this loon we encountered, the first time I have ever witnessed one nesting, and took measures to minimize our presence by keeping a low profile and taking this picture with my camera held at water level, behind a lily pond bloom.

MUSKOKA MONSTER

It stands 14 feet tall, a creature menacing in appearance as the storm approaching behind it. The sheet-metal sculpture, created by Michael Christian and called Koilos, has spent the past few years in the Distillery District of Toronto, but was recently purchased by a private owner and relocated to their cottage dock on Baxter Island.

SEEING DOUBLE

It isn't often the angled, sail-and-mast designed doors are open, inviting a closer inspection, of this pair of sailboat houses, two of only four that are found on Lake Rosseau. Built in 1935, they once housed a sloop and two sailing dinghies, but are now home for two wooden launches.

LOST & FOUND

After being thwarted twice before due to false information, I finally laid eyes on the wreck of the side-wheeler SS Nipissing, discovered by Morwen, my kayaking companion. Ravaged and sunk by a fire in 1886, what could be salvaged was used to build its successor, the Nipissing II, a year later, and after retrofitting in 1924, the Segwun.

WETLAND WILDLIFE

I spent this afternoon kayaking the wetland marsh area beside Hwy 632, across from Bruce Lake, and encountered a number of birds and wildlife. I spotted several Great Blue Herons, Red-winged blackbirds, beavers, and turtles but my highlight was surprising three otters that were hidden beneath this shaded area before we startled each other.

CEMETERY CHUTES

Taking advantage of the higher water levels, we explored the next section of the Shadow River, upstream from the bridge at Hwy 141. It was a wetland wonder with a maze of channels and beaver dams, before we reached our destination of Cemetery Chutes, named for the pioneer cemetery of Ashdown Corners, the town long since gone.

A COLD ONE

During the summer, one of my favourite places to visit and enjoy a cold one is Windermere House, with its outdoor patio overlooking the lake. With the temperature at -25°C, it was a cold one today when I stopped by while exploring the area, and learned the Lady of the Lake is currently undergoing some room renovations for the season ahead.