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.