HIBERNATION

The Port Sandfield Market during hibernation, the only ice out in the canal beside it. The market, with its ice cream cones and bakery is a favourite stop for cottagers and residents alike. Established in 1923, the store sits on the site of the old Prospect House, a popular resort over a century ago, and one of the many that met its demise by fire.

MUSHKOKA

On special occasions guests at The Rosseau can experience the thrill and work involved with mushing a team of Siberian Huskies, along a trail that winds through The Rock golf course. I was given the chance to try it firsthand and found it was challenging at times, and jokingly christened the trail the Ididtherock, after the more famous Iditarod.
[Promotional consideration provided by Winterdance Dogsled Tours.]

WINTER GAMES

Those suffering withdrawal symptoms from the Olympics welcomed the start of the Ontario Winter Games. Held at different venues throughout Muskoka, The Rock golf course made a perfect setting for the biathlon while The Rosseau hosted boxing and kickboxing events, as well as was the Athlete's Village for all these participants.

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.

IN LIKE A LAMB

I broke my own trail through knee deep snow at Armstrong Point, the terrific view my reward at the top. The hands formation of the tree helped me frame the ice fishing shacks in the centre. The lake, its ice surface covered with snow and snowmobile tracks, looks like it's swathed in bandages, patiently awaiting spring for their removal.