TUBS & SHOWERS

A major attraction of the second annual Rotary DockFest was the revived bathtub derby, where racers competed in a series of heats, completing an obstacle course on the river waterfront. Along the course racers were forced to pass beneath a column of spray, supplied by a nearby fire truck. Funds raised from this year's event will help support Top Hat, a local youth charity, and also towards River Mill Park improvements.

THE MONUMENT MAN

Today we visited the Dyer Memorial, a stone monument set amidst a secluded nature reserve of landscaped grounds and ponds. The monument was commissioned by Clifton Dyer as a final resting place for his wife. They had honeymooned in Muskoka in 1916 and returned twenty years later, and from then on as regular visitors. His wife died in 1956 and he joined her three years later, the amount of time it took for the memorial and grounds to be completed, their cremated ashes placed together within it.

ICE LAKE KAYAKERS

A channel of open water, wide enough to accommodate my kayak, allowed me to navigate through the remaining ice and slush to the beckoning waters of Lake Muskoka beyond, in my version of Ice Lake Kayakers, a parody of the popular History channel series, also featuring my work associate and kayaker, Morwen, on Lake Vernon.
[Cheers to Morwen for the permission and use of her photograph.]

THE NORWOOD

It's a shame when I hear about people driving to Orillia to catch the same movie playing at The Norwood, a vintage theatre that opened in 1949. Built a year after its sibling, The Capitol in Huntsville, and run by the same family, it offers modern amenities with a nostalgic charm, and I love that its three theatres are named after the lakes.

SHANIA TWIN

Belting out the most popular hits from Shania Twain is Shania Twin, a tribute artist who performed at Music on the Barge. Despite some sound issue technicalities, the show was good and her resemblance and impersonation great. The real Shania was discovered when she worked at Deerhurst Resort, and still has a cottage on Lake of Bays.

BLACK CARS

One of the many black cars that have been busy whisking delegates between The Rosseau and Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, site of the G8 Summit. Due to the hotel's policy regarding guest confidentiality, I am prohibited from divulging which delegation and dignitaries are staying with us, however rumour and another blogger have it right.

TRAIL DAY

Today is International Trail Day and for those looking for a scenic and informative trail, I recommend one I enjoyed a few weeks ago. Hunter's Bay Trail in Huntsville offers easy accessibility, is level and suitable for everybody and my favourite part is its floating section, an unique feature not found elsewhere on the Trans Canada Trail.
[Visit the Ontario Trails Council for further details and directions.]

GO CANADA

One family demonstrates their support for our Olympic athletes, a sentiment that is being echoed across the country as people cheer them on and take pride in the games, as we play host to the world. After winning the first gold medal at home in history, a victorious snowman was added to the scene, with hopes of more to follow.
[Thanks to Susan Oling for permission and use of her photograph.]

POND HOCKEY

Countless kids have played pond hockey in their youth and for some, the Pond Hockey Championships allow them to return to their roots. Teams converge to participate in several round robin matches on the multiple rinks. The tournament personifies the spirit of hockey and epitomizes the outdoor lifestyle and community spirit of many locals.

BOOKENDS

While exploring the area over different days I captured these two pictures and found them remarkably similar, and the reason behind their title. The top is Madill Church, near Huntsville, and the bottom the Seguin Township Museum, near Humphrey, both examples of the few remaining squared, white pine buildings with dovetailed corners.