COLD WATER KAYAKERS

A stretch of open water and the forecast of a nice day was enough for us to dig out our kayaks and launch them the following day. We were forced to break a path through a layer of clear ice formed overnight to reach open water, which exists from Mirror Lake to the locks at Port Carling, the extent of our first outing of the season.

UNCLE JIM

The tugboat Uncle Jim sits idle at the dock by Foodland, silhouetted against the misty surface of the Indian River with Hanna Park in the background. Last night the temperature dipped below zero, autumn slowly being moved along as if by a tug, making one appreciate the beautiful mornings like today while they last, before the snow flies.

HANNA PARK

The sun sets on the crumbling ramparts and turrets of a sand castle, a former fortress for a young child and their vivid imagination while a picnic table wallows in the water, a product of older kids with more mischievious intentions. Hanna Park is a favourite place for kids of all ages, with its playground and beach, where memories are made.

FREDERICK ROSS

We heard the piercing whistle of the Frederick Ross before we saw it and I didn't recognize it when it steamed into view and then docked. Its industrial appearance is softened by the balusters, cloth trim and stained glass church windows of its cabin. It is owned by a couple in Puslinch, who also own and run the Ontario Steam Heritage Museum.

COINCIDENCE

The boys finished the day with a swim off the dock at Hanna Park, and were thrilled when the Wenonah II arrived on the scene. It was such a coincidence for earlier that day when visiting the abandoned Georgian Bay Store we salvaged a musty copy of The Cottage Times dated from May 31, 2002, announcing the debut of this newest ship.

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.

DOCTOR'S OASIS

Archdekin Park is named in memory of Dr. Fennell Fleury Archdekin, a General Practitioner who loved and served in Muskoka as a family doctor for 17 years. The small public park doesn't receive the same attention as its neighbour, the larger and more popular Hanna Park, but instead provides an oasis for those seeking solitude or healing.

POLAR BEAR DIP

A participant waits his turn before being given permission to dive into the water at the Polar Bear Dip, the final event of Winterfest. When it was finished I overheard a bystander comment, "That's it? Where's the Polar Bear guy?" Referring to the costume I rented and my entrance at the end, it made me smile and last year worthwhile.
[Check out the February 8 post last year for a video my son filmed.]

SNOW SNAKES

With a deft toss a boy sends a snow snake along a groomed trail, the record being 107 feet. Originally a First Nations game, modern snow snakes are modified broomsticks that have been decorated and then waxed for better performance. Looking on is Doug Smith, curator of the Muskoka Lakes Museum, who hosts the event during Winterfest.

ME, MYSELF & IRENE

On a lighter side I posed twice for this picture, borrowing the title from the Jim Carrey comedy. I cannot find any reference to a ship named Irene and hope someone can enlighten me. The ship makes up part of the Muskoka Adventure Playground, one of the best I've seen, sponsored by the people who literally purchased a stake in it.

MUSKOKA'S AMAZING RACE

Last year's winners, Kailey and Matt Richter arrive at the finish line, hoping to defend their title at Muskoka's Amazing Race however fail to after missing one of the checkpoints. Starting at The Landscapes site in Baysville, 17 teams competed in a variety of challenges and locations throughout the day, ending at Hanna Park in Port Carling.

PORT OF GOLD

One of the most brilliant and breathtaking double rainbows I've ever witnessed before appeared when the sun emerged during the stormy evening. They remained for several minutes and spanned the entire town, however taking measures to avoid getting waterdrops on the lens prevented me from capturing their full image with a panorama.

WINTER THAW

I found it hard to believe the difference when I visited the site of the polar bear dip, less than one month ago. Where they had hauled out slabs of ice over a foot thick only a thin scab has formed since, with open water beyond where none existed before. I suspect that this is only a temporary thaw in the season, not the end of winter.

WINTERFEST WASTHEBEST

Beautiful weather contributed to a great weekend for those that attended Winterfest. The festival offered a variety of activities, workshops and events that appealed to all ages, as well as meals and snacks to satisfy every appetite. The highlight and closing event was the Polar Bear Dip, an event that I participated in... as a polar bear.
[A great job by Alistair, my ten-year-old son, who filmed this video.]