My Muskoka

Muskoka Artisans

2010-01-04T11:39:00.001-05:00

A long time visitor to various art shows, Fall Fairs, and markets, I feature a photo of three local artisans:

Margo Gracey

Bramblewood Art Studio of Muskoka

Penny Varney

Jewellery Gallery & Gifts,

Bonnie BewsHinterglass Paintings

We visit many events over the summer, while we hibernate, the artists are busy making new items for a greedy public, anxious to take home a part of Muskoka.

What great news for Muskoka. This program will help students find their niche:

Project aims to bolster Muskoka’s creative economy
December 16, 2009 - by Karen Longwell

Creative Paths, a $40,000 provincially funded project was launched on Nov. 30 at Rene M. Caisse Theatre. Creative Paths is collaborating with the Arts Council of Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes Music Festival and Huntsville Festival of the Arts. It aims to educate students from Grades 9 to 12 about the arts as an economic growth sector, said Carolyne Wagland, Creative Paths project co-ordinator.

What a fabulous event for our young people. My Toronto-based actor-son participated in the Canadian Improv Olympics, and sang in all the school musicals at Bell H.S. in Ottawa. It prepared him for many life lessons. It gave him confidence and stage presence.

Visual artists, musicians, photographers, metal workers, potters, craft folks of all colour and persuasions participate in making Muskoka a beautiful place, with beautiful people.

These folks all show at local markets or craft shows during the summer. I imagine them working indoors, or taking a break while the snow flies!

There are many choral groups, my parents sang in the Elderberries Choir!

I participated in the Blues in the Schools Project in Ottawa, when I was teaching. Bringing musicians in to the schools to learn about the roots of the blues, and rock and roll. What a time we had!

It is with great delight that we often travel out and about to the Farmer's Markets, the craft and art shows. Artisans in Muskoka are plentiful, almost as plentiful as retired teachers and nurses!
Other posts: more photos!

Snowmobile Incidents and Near Misses 2009-10

2010-01-03T14:30:00.004-05:00

People, be careful out there...many Canadians are out on snowmobiles. Make sure you know the rules of the trail, the ice conditions, and that your loved ones are sober. Stick together and stick to recognized trails. Ontario Snowmobile Reports. The OFSC provides a lot of information. Sledders can check the OFSC's web-site at www.ofsc.on.cafor updates.

As Cindy Smith writes, in Education for the Driving Masses, these are not accidents, when careless driving, ignorance of road, lake or ice conditions, or drunk driving is involved.
Running totals: 13 incidents, 8 deaths, 4 injuries, 4 rescued from freezing lakes, and quite a few near misses.

Avalanches
This is another danger in the west. You can see, this post shows both 2008 and 2009 YouTube videos how easily it can happen.

13. Snowmobilers survive Frisby Ridge avalanche
Snowmobiler in surgery after being crushed under avalanche at Deadman's Creek
Nov. 23, 2009
Survivor says sledder was not breathing, looked like "blue and purple corpse"
Four snowmobilers barely survived an avalanche in the Frisby Ridge area that left two of them trapped under the snow while their friends frantically tried to rescue them late Tuesday afternoon.
Buried over his head by a series of avalanches. Completely covered in snow for more than 10 minutes, he was close to death. Meanwhile, his friend Riley Tuplin was a metre away, screaming in pain as his leg was caught between a snowmobile and tree stump. Fortunately for the two of them, their two companions, Jeff Hodgson and Randy Kaup, emerged from the avalanche uncovered and were frantically working to dig them out.

12. Two snowmobilers found after spending the night
Nov. 10, 2009
Two snowmobilers were found safe and sound Tuesday morning after a mechanical breakdown forced them to spent Monday night on Frisby Ridge. The two men were eight to ten kilometres out on the trail when the breakdown occurred

11. Haliburton snowmobiler's body found drowned

2 Jan 2010 ... The body of a 43-year old was found in open water on Redstone Lake in Haliburton Friday night. The OPP, firefighters and paramedics searched Friday night and Saturday morning before finding the body. The OPP dive team recovered the body of the man just before noon January 2nd. Awful conditions for rescue teams. Imagine family members and friends sitting around waiting for the body to be recovered. It is an agony, as Victim Service teams tell us.
Police said the victim owned a cottage in the area, near Minden.
He was with a group of snowmobilers, police said. But he headed out on his own before the others were ready, just after 7 p.m. ET. in the dark. When he didn't come back, others in the group followed his tracks, and found him in a patch of open water, police said in a news release.

10. British woman dies when her snowmobile crashes down hill in eastern B.C. ...

Dec. 29, 2009 GOLDEN, B.C. —
A 58-year-old woman was snowmobiling with her husband, adult son, her daughter-in-law and a guide near Beaver Foot Forest Road area east of Golden when she failed to negotiate a treacherous turn and plunged down a 60-foot embankment. The woman struck a tree 60-feet below the ridge where she had been snowmobiling with her family.

9. Area snowmobilers urged to be patient until more snow arrives ...

Dec. 28, 2009 Four in near miss: near Peterborough. Four snowmobiles were travelling together in a group when their machines went into the water at Chandos Lake. All four people were removed from the water and no injuries were reported, however their snow machines were still in the lake. The ice simply isn't strong enough in many places. The warm temperatures we had in Ontario
Despite all the snow in Parry Sound, Muskoka Haliburton areas, trails there are closed because of the recent rain and warm conditions. We have a ton of snow, but the ground is not frozen yet. You can see from my photo of the lakeshore. The bogs and swamps are insulated, and they are not safe for a heavy machine. The snow melts at the edge of the lakeshore, and the ice is thin. With colder temperatures and more snow anticipated this week, more trails should be opening.
Trails in the Orillia District Snowmobile Club area are closed, ... "We get people coming up from other areas and they'll see what looks like a perfectly frozen lake,"

8. Snowmobile crash kills Esterhazy, Sask., man
Dec. 28, 2009 At around 1:35 p.m. CT on Monday, a 21-year-old man was driving a snowmobile on private property when he struck an embankment and was injured, the RCMP said.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation but alcohol was not a factor, the RCMP said.

7. Regina man dies in snowmobile crash
SASKATCHEWAN (CBC) - Dec. 21, 2009 The RCMP has identified Jason Lee Habinski as the man who died in a snowmobile crash northwest of Regina on the weekend. Habinski, 33, died when the snowmobile he was on collided with a pickup truck on the frozen surface of Last Mountain Lake Saturday afternoon. A second man, 32, who was also on the snowmobile survived. Neither man was wearing a helmet, the RCMP said.

6. Sledder hurt in crash near Orillia

Sunday, Dec. 20
A 30-year-old man was taken to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries after the snowmobile he was driving collided with a pickup truck late Sunday afternoon, said Orillia OPP Const. Addison Hunter.
In small towns we often see them drive on sidewalks and in the streets. Terribly dangerous.
The Orillia Packet writes:
"NO CHARGES LAID IN SNOWMOBILE CRASH"
Yet, you'd think careless driving laws apply to snowmobiles, too. It seems to happen often, with people operating vehicles in large groups...

Like this one:

5. Fatal Snowmobile Accident ...(see video)

One man was killed after falling off a snowmobile Saturday afternoon, and getting struck by another machine. The accident happened in Oro Medonte Saturday afternoon. Police call it a tragic accident, and say no charges will be laid.( I cannot view the video, and cannot determine the date of this news item, but I assume it was Dec. 12th!)

4. Hawk Junction Man Drowns in Snowmobile Accident

12 Dec 2009 ... Wawa-news has confirmed that a Hawk Junction man has drowned in a snowmobile accident yesterday. They confirm that the snowmobile went through the ice of Manitowik Lake, east of Lake Superior. The search had to be postponed due the the massive snowstorm that screamed through the province.

3. Sandy Lake searched for missing snowmobiler

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. Edmonton, Alberta, RCMP were called about Shane Verbeek, 30, who was last seen taking his machine onto the lake around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Such a tragedy.

2. Little Grand Rapids Man Dead After Snowmobile Accident

9 Dec 2009 ... Global News. A 43-year old Little Grand Rapids man is dead after he lost control of his snowmobile Tuesday morning.

1. Beeton/Loretto men injured in sled crash

Dec 01, 2008
A pair of young men from Beeton and Loretto are currently in hospital with serious injuries following a snowmobile crash late Friday night near Everett.
It was about 11 p.m. when emergency personnel were called to the scene on private property west of Everett after the snowmobile being operated by 20-year-old James Sledz of Loretto slammed into a hydro pole. Sledz had a passenger, 19-year-old Logan Tackaberry from Beeton who was also seriously injured in the crash. Two injuries.

Snowmobile pollution

2010-01-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

I first came across this concept when I happened to read Selling Muskoka by the Gallon, by Michael Enright. (As accessed 8/5/2006). Mr. Enright, a Muskoka cottager, and The Sunday Edition host, wrote that a PWC, a 2-stroke engine, for every day spent on the lake (100L of fuel), dumps 30 L of gasoline in the lake through inefficient burning of fuel. Curious, my research took me to Haliburton County Collection Highland Cooperative research paper list, which cites a number of research papers. Predicting the effects of snowmobiles [PDF] is another frightening study.

Aside from the pollution, due to noise and chemical environmental affects, subnivean mammals are also impacted. These are small mammals such as rodents, shrews, squirrels and voles that inhabit the sub layer of snow during cold months through underground tunneling and nesting. An ecosystem is a fragile thing. As humans encroach on habitat, we loose the diversity that makes Muskoka special.

After contact with a new author, regarding Carol 'A Woman's Way, I became curious about snowmobile pollution. I know that PWCs are terrible noise and gas polluters, I wasn't sure about snowmobiles. I know that the smell of gas, after they fly by, is horrible. In one hour, a typical snowmobile emits as much hydrocarbon as a 2001 model auto emits in about two years (24,300 miles) of driving.

Amongst my research findings...

Two-stroke engines used in snowmobiles are sometimes the same engines used in personal water craft (PWC) like jet skis.
PWCs have modified air and exhaust systems to adapt for water use.
PWC seldom operate at temperatures below freezing (0° C) where snowmobiles typically operate at colder temperatures when all engines want to run rich.
Colder temperatures favor the production of carbon monoxide and warmer temperatures favor the production of unburned hydrocarbons (HC).
Two-stroke PWC engines dump 25 - 40% of uncombusted fuel in the lake, the air, or on the land
Snowmobiles emit a number of pollutants, including aldehydes, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, nitrogen oxides, fluoranthene, pyrene, and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The best estimates available comparing snowmobile emissions to average automobile emissions conclude that a traditional snowmobile produces 10 to 70 times more CO and between 45 and 89 times more unburned HC than an average car (National Park Service, 2001 report on Impacts of Snowmobiles in National Parks.)
Snowmobiling has been shown to have various impacts on water quality
Snowmobiling has an impact on aquatic ecosystems
Pollution from two-stroke snowmobile engines affects small lakes more than large.
Scientists studied crayfish finding that down stream had injested PCBs, DDT, DDE, PAHs
Snowmobile trails on farm land similarly leave emissions behind
Snowmobiles travelling over land transmit heat 5x's that of covered land.
Frost penetration allows pollutants to sink as much as 60 cm exploiting frost depths
A Quebec (1987) study found winter cereal crops affected by snowmobile pollution
When unburned fuel from snowmobiles accumulates in the snow, it is released into the ecosystem, primarily during spring thaw.
Lubricating oil goes straight through an engine without being burned, expelled as part of exhuast.

As with Kyoto, and the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen 200, progress is slow and negligible.
There is so much to do in Muskoka, aside from polluting.

Ethical Issues_with Snowmobiles [PDF]

The pollution from snowmobiles mostly consists of aromatic hydrocarbons, which are a class of chemicals that result from incomplete burning of oil, gas, wood, tobacco, garbage and other organic sources. PAHs are also emitted by inefficient wood furnaces, fireplaces, and leaf burning. The chemicals are of concern because they can affect health. The pollutants are linked to heart disease, breathing issues, and cancer.

The Pollution Prevention Information Center, Clean Snowmobiles: Background and Overview,
writes: On November 8, 2002, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated regulations limiting air emissions from snowmobiles. These regulations required a 30% reduction in emissions beginning in 2006, with more stringent standards (requiring 50% reductions) effective in 2010 and 2012. The standards were challenged in court by both the snowmobile manufacturers and environmental groups and were vacated in part and remanded to EPA in part by the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, June 1, 2004. EPA has not promulgated any standards for snowmobile noise.

Not all pollute as much as the old two-stroke engines, but old machines, like old cars, will likely be running a long time in this economic climate.

Area snowmobilers urged to be patient until more snow arrives ...

Anyone wanting to hit the trails and be green this year can climb aboard a more environmentally- conscious sled. The new Skidoo 600 H. O (high output) E-Tec is quieter and cleaner than your average snowmobile and "virtually smoke-free," according to Sean Ward, of St. Onge Recreation in Barrie.
The 120-horsepower sled uses the same technology that has been designed for boats requiring low emissions. "It's definitely better for the environment and it burns less fuel, so it's easier on the wallet," he said."We start it up in the showroom. We'd never do that with any other two-stroke."

In other international research: Pollution on Svalbard
And that slippery slope: do not take into account all machines, like Kyoto, you can buy your way out of caps through trade offs.

The reduction is a fleet average for each manufacturer depending on the number and type of engines used each year.
The regulations have allowances for minor producers and special use (racing) snowmobiles.
These cleaner, quieter snowmobiles have reduced audible noise by about half, reduced CO and HC by more than 80 percent, as measured using the EPA 5-mode emissions test protocol.

If only the noise would stop!

Further reading...

ET 10/02: Pollution reductions from off-road vehicles ... The final standards snowmobiles are particularly troubling because they fail
Animated Engines, Two Stroke Animated illustration and description of the two stroke engine
The Story of Smog Get rid of your gas-powered devices: Lawn mowers, chain saws and pretty much anything that runs on a two-stroke engine ...

Snowmobiles and avalanches

2010-01-02T13:38:00.002-05:00

It is an exciting sport...
Two people get caught in an avalanche when snowmobiling at Three Ladies, B.C Canada, March 22nd 2008. It apparently took an hour to dig one of the sleds out.

And this shows what happens...

as well as this one...

This took place in Valemount on Saturday April 4th/2009 at about 2:30 pm. Caution there is some swearing.
The video shows a snowmobiler climbing a steep face in the Monashee Mountains near Valemount, B.C. Taped just two days ago, the snowmobiler climbs past the high marks left by previous riders. Just after the machine reaches the top of its curve, the slope fractures and rider and machine are carried down in a very large avalanche. stated the Canadian Avalanche Centre press release.

14 avalanche deaths mark tragic start to year 2009
This was such a tragedy last year. Seven people gone in nearly an instant.

Snowmobiles give me that sinking feeling

2010-01-02T11:00:00.005-05:00

They sink from Muskoka to Quebec to Minnesota! Not only snowmobiles, but trucks on melted ice!
This seems to be the big draw for kids...

Aerators and Bubblers

The purpose of aerators and bubblers is to keep water from freezing around docks foundations. Supposedly, they keep ice melted.

But Do They Work? The short answer is no.
They do keep the water from freezing around the dock crib. But the most significant threat is in the spring...
"and it comes in a way that pretty much laughs at the small unfrozen areas around an aerated dock. As explained on our "Ice behaviors" page."

Yet, young people continue to play with danger.

What amazes me is that they post the video to show everyone how stupid their buddies were!

From snow machines to trucks, to pets running about.

Then there are pets in danger due to stupidity.

This snowmobile Sinks in Open Water

This one sinks, too....

Then there are the trucks

Trains games and bored cats

2010-01-02T08:29:00.022-05:00

Trains are a common thing in Muskoka. We are on a long route to the north and access to western Canada. Parry Sound is the place to be for trains.

Josephine, our delightful granddaughter loved to listen for them across the lake. She could identify the sound!

I bought Brian a train set a few years ago. It is a Christmas tradition to bring it out.

Now, a Christmas ritual, we set it up every year. All of us are amused. It requires some patience to get it on the track and running smoothly. Good lessons, once I haven't mastered!.

The train's tracks, like many of us, are wearing with age. You go around and around in that rat race, and things seem to squeak. There are noises never before heard, and moan and groans as we bend over. Things just don't look as they used to. We droop and must become adjusted with the new look.

There is a solution for the train tracks.
Brian toddled up to Bracebridge to replace the tracks. Oliver, for one, is glad he did! A cheap toy, and one that is sure to amuse.
For more Camera Critters, #91

Muskoka Authors and Illustrators

2010-01-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

All links will take you to the specific book at the Muskoka Lakes Library system!

Authors and Illustrators (Fiction)

Bonnie Bews in her studio

Authors and Illustrators (Non-Fiction)

Jack Hutton, retired mayor/author Susan Pryke, Linda Hutton

at the Muskoka Lakes volunteer awards ceremony

Signs of the times II: Requiem for Lola

2009-12-31T10:27:00.001-05:00

A great tool, the GPS can help folks navigate their way through dangerous territory, finding streets, places of business, restaurants and gas stations when you feel lost and gone forever. In Muskoka it is a great tool. Roads, apparently going NE end up going NW. It can be confusing with Lake Muskoka in the centre and Bracebridge, Port Carling, Bala, Torrance, Gravenhurst surrounding it. You'll notice, those who know our region, that GPS & Google seems to feel that Southwood Rd. is a better route than Highway #169 from Gravenhurst up to Glen Orchard. They believed the GPS...

For those who travel, it can be a good thing, a GPS. But humankind has invented other tools, which utilised in conjunction with a GPS, make travel much better: snow tires, common sense, activated intuition, maps, emergency kits, a trusted co-pilot! (See a previous post: Driving in Winter in Muskoka!)

Yes, there are issues with the GPS...

Following GPS device's directions strands couple for three days - The Globe and Mail
Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009

Bound for Reno from the Pacific Northwest, grandparents follow alternate route that directs them to a snowy, remote part of Oregon. They are stranded sans snow tires, gas, food...

Their mistakes? We won't call them errors...because that would imply that they might learn from their mistakes... They didn't fill up with gas before they left, ignored the signs saying, 'This road is not maintained in Winter', refrained from using snow tires or bringing chains.
The article goes on to mention other horror stories...

In June, 2009, an Atlanta man's three-bedroom home was mistakenly torn down by a demolition crew following GPS co-ordinates.
A month later, a Swedish couple on holiday in Italy misspelled their destination on a rental car's GPS. They were hoping to visit the island of Capri, but arrived instead in the town of Carpi, 660 kilometres to the north.
And in 2007, a British woman drove her $200,000 Mercedes into a river while following GPS directions to a christening. She was pulled from the car before it was swept away.

Signs are important in Muskoka, even if they appear a bit tipsy...I posted a previous 'SIGNS on the times article. They struck me as quite drunk, due to the snowplows that zoom merrily along in the dark at 4:00 a.m.! But heed them, nonetheless.

The first of the 12 steps is admitting you have a problem!

Rick, a family friend and regular solitary escapee to warmer climes in the south, wrote about their GPS event. Usually he travels alone, stopping in meeting up with friends in the US. This is their guest post...
Hi

For those of you who don't remember Lola, she was my trusted companion on many journeys over the last few years. Yes I admit she was a GPS machine but much more than that when you spend 10 days alone in a car driving to Arizona and back. She was always there with handy keep left directions, arrival times and turn right directions. Without her I never would have made it to Arizona, Florida and so many other places.

Sadly, on this trip Lola started acting strangely as we drove on the I 81. Suddenly, and without reason, she kept asking us to leave the I 81 and take mysterious side roads . We were puzzled and luckily for me Sandy [Rick's newly retired wife!] was there to say ignore Lola. If I had been alone I would as always have simply gone on these new exciting roads because Lola was never wrong.

As we progressed we noticed other strange occurrences, shutting down and saying there were no roads while we were still on the I 81 , losing the satellite repeatedly and then not accepting any new Touch screen commands. Something was definitely wrong and I of course, moved to panic mode. Sandy reassured me and reminded me that she could read a map and we would be ok . This helped but my concern for Lola remained.

Later we removed an extra memory card thinking this may be the problem. It was, and Lola seemed to be functioning again. A few hours later, new problems began.

Suddenly we were in Baltimore's suburbs in an area that did not look too safe. That was it. We turned around and Sandy took over. Lola was shut off for the rest of that day.

The next day we tried again but Lola completely broke down and could not function at all. This was it Lola, 5 year old technology, was done.

On arrival in Florida, we purchased a new GPS. We have named it Glenda after the wicked witch of the North. She has an assertive, aggressive American tone. This new technology works better even diverts around traffic jams automatically, etc.

Alas it will not be the same. Me: a very directionally challenged individual alone all the way to Arizona, totally dependent on Lola in getting there and back safely. This cannot be replaced and all I have are those memories.

Now, thankfully, I have Sandy with me and am not such a hopelessly dependent GPS individual. If Lola cannot be saved she will rest on a basement shelf with a home made plaque testifying to her amazing service .

Rick

Lotsa movin' and shakin' goin' on!

2009-12-29T15:57:00.001-05:00

The birds and squirrels are frantically raiding the bird feeders.

The woodpeckers, especially, like the new Lee Valley bird feeder. (A present from my daughter!) It collapses and has a wire outer edge.

I'm sure, once the 'coons arise from slumber, I shall be forced to retrieve it nocturnally, during last call for cats in the spring!

My favourite squirrel posed for me. His ear tufts are so adorable! But he is a bit skittish and runs when I open the door. I could clean the sliding glass doors, but it is so cold!

Margy write of Boats, Floats and Mountain Goats. None here, I am afraid.

Carolyn responding to a previous post, reminds us of snowmobiles and avalanches out west. (She is visiting Ottawa, where I lived for 25 years!) My darling granddaughter was baking cookies with her other grandma. We had great summer visits!

It being the anniversary (is there a better word?) of the deaths of snowmobilers I scan our frozen lake with dubious confidence. The Globe celebrated the B.C. event by catching up on the small town ravaged by the horrific loss of 8 snowmobile riders. Another, who survived the tragedy, appears to have suffered PTSD and will never be the same.

One year later, B.C. town struggles to move on

Dec 26, 2009 ... After eight snowmobilers died in a back country avalanche three days after Christmas, 2008, survivors still feel guilt but ride on.

It is sad that many horrible things happened on Dec. 26th; Boxing Day to Canadians, my birthday to me and my family! The tsunami was written about, as well as this horrible event.

In the meantime, I took the cats down to the lake for a bit of walkies. They are so grouchy and play fight indoors, whinging in the sunlight in the window, whining to come back in shaking snow off frozen paws. You can see the fox prints at Sady's feet. Animals continue their fight for food.

Hubby, doing errands, and walking our client's dog, usually does this. I figured it was my turn.

The ice was nice and solid close to the shore, after night-time double-digit negative temperatures.

I noticed that large snowflakes had fallen, and were shining and sparkling like beacons, drawing me and my camera. They were hard to capture. But they caught my eye.
I was somewhat frozen and the cats weren't up to a full walk. I may not see them again, as the wind has covered them since with snow. Carpe Diem!!!!

This one looked like a maple leaf! Isn't that a hoot?

I trod on through the snow, feeling akin to Good King Wenceslas, but not inclined to sing. I deigned to wear socks, and was grateful for lined boots.

My scarf I was too cold to wrestle with. Hastening my trip I trod on, camera in hand. The sun, out for a time, has since been hidden by Lake Effect Snow Clouds.

Yes, they deserve capitals letters. They are an entity in and of themselves. Well worthy of respect and salutation. We seem to be christened with a several cm a day by these winds. Once Georgian Bay freezes up a bit more they will lessen. In the meantime we simply dress for it. I, for one, am grateful not to have yard duty any more. Stupidvising intermediate teens (hormones on legs!) wearing little clothing, and not much sense, made me feel the cold in my heart, when I was not cold in my body.

The grasses I bought have survived a 2nd year, and true to their claims in my gardening magazines, they look as spectacular in winter as in summer. As long as I prop them with a collar!

The beautiful wine-coloured sumac berries have been shed, their red and orange leaves gone to death and decay beneath the snow. Their buds are ready for spring. A sign of hope.

The seasons, they change.

On that we can depend.

Which creature is this?

2009-12-28T15:16:00.001-05:00

One is usually a day or two behind in headers or posting, due to doing things other than blogging. (Laundry and dishes are done, which is why Brian is relaxing!)

You may notice I have changed my header a couple of times. This is because the temperatures have been fluctuating, and I like to reflect the scenery as it looks. Being here daily, our neighbours and my readers, can see what the weather has been like and make travel decisions based on the view from here!!

A new critter has reared its ugly head lately...yet the weather contraindicates such...

The sunshine we had on Saturday, after the overnight storm. The photo (left) is from the 24th. Friday night's snowcovered the puddles and with only single digit freezing temperatures, I am not sure that the lake is safe.

On the right was the lake on the 26th . Then, more snow and sub-zero (C.) temps overnight, and voila. The lake looks frozen.

Now, I was down at the frog pond, only thigh deep, and it was still soggy. After all, ice is an accident waiting to happen. And we had several accidents, and near drownings last year even midwinter.

I was able to dig down into the frog pond today and found some water. This isn't a deep pond, either. It was positively brown on the 25th, and had melted in the last few days.

I stood on the ice on Saturday, and I could hear the wind sending the water rolling under the ice, crashing and bashing away. The water level is down and the water is lower than the level of the ice. Very interesting!

The wind is very powerful on a lake, even a frozen one. It pushes the water underneath the layer of ice. With water staying an even temperature, the churning waves even out the temperature, preventing freezing or thawing depending on the season.

We have been graced with another blizzard today, Monday. Lake Effect snow means that the other side of the lake has disappeared. I love my weather maps!

Just before I settled in for a long winter's nap, I took a walk as I saw some strange creatures on the ice.

Then they had a meeting in the middle of the refrozen lake.

They made loud noises, and were passing much gas, as they gunned and raced their powerful bodies across barely frozen lakeshore. There was a race for top dog, and only one won! Maybe it was a battle to be the noisiest!

For more info: see this article on ice thickness. They suggest that 4" is required for 200 lb. (a person & gear), 5" for an 800 lb. snowmobile, 8" for a car. Unless you go out and test the ice, walk it and survey it you cannot be sure how thick it is. Ours is variable and I heard it creak much just yesterday.

When there is moving water the water flows under the ice at a constant temperature, melting the underlying layer of ice.
Do not walk in a group as this might be too much weight.
Daredevils, show offs and speed demons bother other users, and cause a hazard, as well as underwater currents that jostle the ice.
If the ice look smooth, it may have thawed and frozen over night. It is more of a danger

I hope we don't lose any of our motorized critters this week. (But I hope I'm the one to capture it on film!) One of the neighbours has been cruising across private property (lawns, stairs), perhaps being on the ice will open up their territory.

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

TIme to estivate

2009-12-27T19:23:00.000-05:00

Each Muskoka critter does something different to make it through our winters. Currently, our raccoons are hibernating. They spent the summer and fall building up a thick layer of body fat. The ducks are gone to warmer climes. Migration being the better part of valour. Our water isn't open, but they do stay about where there is open water and some food. I remember seeing ducks all winter around th frozen waters of Manotick Mill, near Ottawa.

The raccoons went from this...skinny in June

to chubby in October...

Depending upon the temperatures, they curl up and have a wee nap to make it through the winter. Once the paw prints in the snow cease, we know they are down for the count.

Eventually, they stop attacking our bird feeders. You can see from a photo before Thanksgiving (I was still wearing my clogs!), that our visitors came by.

The physiological changes are interesting, with decreased heart rate (by 95% in some animals), and generally lowered metabolic rates.
Bears and raccoons give birth while still in their dens in winter. Snugs as bugs in their rugs.

Access to food is the issue here. The lake is frozen. There is knee-deep snow covering the land.

Black bears, for example, get 75% of their nutrition from vegetable matter, 25% comes from smaller mammals, squirrels, birds (and their eggs), insects and amphibians. For the most part their protein comes from insects. We've all seen the videos of bears who use their claws to dig out ant hills and to break open hornets' nests. They fish and climb, using their great claws to get salmon from rivers and honey from wild bees nests. This bear had just run across the road in front of us, north of Gravenhurst.

It is the insectivores who are most susceptible to winter changes in Muskoka. Some insects hide in bark, in their nests, or under the debris on the ground, making them accessible to woodpeckers, but not the less armed creatures. The woodpeckers have been attacking my bird feeders, sitting in my bucket eating away.

Diapause, is common in insects, allowing them to suspend their normal life cycles between autumn and spring. The insect remains active, but they reduce their feeding, and reproductive development is slowed or halted. Insects may also undergo behavioural changes and begin to aggregate, migrate or search for suitable overwintering sites. Monarchs migrate far to the south, but it is very species specific behaviour. On a warm day in winter the flies flit about.

Reptiles generally begin brumation in late fall (specific times depend on the species). They become lethargic with sometimes minimal drops in temperature, finding a hibernaculum: a safe spot - burrows, rock crevices, caves and leaf litter.
I loved this snapper. He must be pretty sleepy about now. In a semi-frozen lake.
The Mother of all turtles in the summer, resting on a rock. All reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, with few powers of thermoregulation. The lake temperatures never go below 4º C. in the deepest spots, and I have often seen them swimming very late in the season.

Estivation [or Aestivation] is another form of torpor, dormancy, or sleep. It is common in invertebrates- those that estivate are trying to escape extreme heat or drought, and is a consequential dormancy in response to other conditions in their environment. I could go for that myself! Think of humans on their Muskoka lake front, in a summer heat wave, having docktails! Pleasant thought!

The fox continues to go by every day. I see its prints in the ice and snow on the lake.

Some call hibernation a winter torpor and estivation a summer torpor. The squirrels are quite active, with bird feeders about, they have a food source.

Of course, they have to send out Slow Eddy to dig out the feeders. He seems quite eager to do his part. Bats are no where to be seen, being insectivores in this part of the world.

When an animal is in torpor, its body slows down. Its heartbeat and temperature go down. In human sleep, a person can wake up instantly. With torpor, the animal doesn’t seem to see, hear, or feel things going on around it. It is groggy and it takes a little while for it to wake up. This is not as deep a ‘sleep’ as hibernation and can last a very short time. You can see the difference when animal control agencies are tagging hibernating bears, for example. They don't fully rouse.

Diurnal torpor is when creatures ‘deep sleep’ for only part of a day. The part of day depends on the animal, obviusly. Bats are sleepy in the day, hummingbirds active by day. Spring peepers, one of the most delightful wee frogs around here, peep much of the night. I love our creatures, nocturnal, diurnal, hibernating, migrating or otherwise. I love the changing lake and wildlife.

¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

Dec. 26 Alyce Gwyldfire

2009-12-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday and it was with great excitement I rose early. I knew that last night was the night that Alyce Gwyldfire (AKA Alice Wildfire) was coming. Brian, my husband, was teasing me by tapping on the wooden headboard imitating the sound of muskox on the roof. He warned me that I had to get to sleep or Alyce would not come. I was too excited to sleep. Even up here in Muskoka, we know that she will be here, despite rain, snow, sleet and hail (all delivered - often in one day - by Mother Nature - but that was one week's story).

Ms. Gwyldfire is the magical matron who brings presents to birthday boys and girls. Santa only works once a year and he has special powers that facilitate his work. Our Alyce rides on a covered wagon drawn by a set of 12 musk ox, the same number as the tribes of Israel. It is the best vehicle for her because she travels all over the world and, not possessing the special powers of Santa (being a regular mortal), she needs protection from the elements. Here we have photos of the team, plus the reserve ox for (Heaven forbid) accidents and emergencies.

Of course, Ms. Gwyldfire has so many birthdays to manage that she cannot possibly deliver presents to all. She has helpers – hordes of laid-off Welsh Coal Miners, no one really knows how many. The Welsh coal miners have two attributes: they are hard workers and, boy, can they sing Happy Birthday! Prince Charles is one of the official patrons: he is the Prince of Wales, you know.

We believe the tradition started in 4th century France by Alyce’s ancestor: Angylina Sauvage de Feu. By 1000 CE the descendants of Angylina had spread the tradition throughout Europe and much of Eurasia. However, it wasn’t until the 14th century CE that her descendants, named somewhat like Charlemagne’s: Philomena the Plump, Charlotte the Chaste, and Wilhelmina the Wonky (whose later descendant made a small fortune in chocolate factories), had firmly established the tradition.

By the late 1700s, the tradition had arrived in North, Central, and South America, with the French, English and Spanish conquerors. They spread the concepts of one religion, all land for Europeans and birthday surprises. However, it was not until the early 1900s that a direct descendant of Angylina, named Alyce, immigrated to North America where the unilingual authorities promptly renamed her Alice Wildfire. For 50 years the headquarters of this now worldwide operation was located roughly inside Connecticut, with much administration in Massachusetts.

Unfortunately, in the 1950s the current CEO, Alice the 65th, was accused by the McCarthy Commission of being a Communist subversive, as she was distributing goods without profit. Forced to flee the United States, she relocated in Wales as the Welsh Authorities not only welcomed her Socialist leanings, but also gave her tax incentives. Originally, her workforce was drawn from several parts of the United Kingdom, however, with the failure of the British Coal Mining Industry, virtually all of the labour force became Welsh Miners.

Over time, as is the case in many families, when Alyce’s family emigrated the local authorities (illiterate, uneducated ancient civil servants) made an error in her family name and it was changed from the original. In the big move to Wales, she decided to go back to her roots and was registered as Alyce Gwildfyre. She considered translating Gwyldfire into Welsh; however, no one could pronounce it (Gwyyd-ufel), so she held fast.

Since the 1970s the organization has remained fairly stable and, despite technological advances, still retains the traditional flying musk oxen for the transportation division. That is why on every boy and girl’s birthday, presents magically appear after the traditional serving of cake, which is a story for another time.

Original story by Brian Racine and Jennifer Jilks. Photos by wikipedia.org, public domain, and Jen Jilks

So this is Christmas

2009-12-24T21:05:00.002-05:00

New family circumstances require new family traditions.

I recall decorating the cat tower one year, or my house plants another.
Caitlin stands beside branches I dug out of one back yard!

Brian's train is kaput. The cats are so disappointed. We need new train tracks.

But we have lots of happy memories. Me and my dad.

He baked up a storm at Christmas.

Baby Caitlin on Santa's knee. (She just turned 30 this year!)

Or Me, Caitlin (me - trying to keep her finger out of her mouth for the photo!), and Serena, my day care child. She had CP and I babysat her.

OMG Barbie! I forgot I played with Barbie. Sets back the women's movement 45 years!

My dear brother, a happy Leaf fan on Christmas Day.
The best to you and yours.

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

Bala Hydro Project - letter to the editor

2009-12-23T16:08:00.002-05:00

I sent a letter to the editor, it was not published, so I publish it myself...

It is with great chagrin that I read yet another stall to the Bala Hydro Falls Project. I am losing faith that our counsellors can continue to uphold the Official Plan of the District Municipality Of Muskoka Lakes, they continue to bend to lobby groups like the Moon River Ratepayers, or the Muskoka Landowners, who fight progress and environmentally friendly development.

The Strategic Vision in the official plan states that Muskoka will create “land use designations, and environmental and infrastructure policies to help ensure the long-term economic, social and environmental health of Muskoka.” It is crucial, especially in the light of the talks in Copenhagen, that we show the region, the province, the nation, and the rest of the world, that Muskokans show respect for renewable energy sources, and thoughtful, carefully planned, environmental development of our region.

It is most disturbing that the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference has resulted in Canadians being targeted for exploiting our precious non renewable resources, while many locally seek to halt the development of the hydro dam to harness the power of the water. Come election time, I am one who will be remember who chose to stand up for the land and the water, and not for lobbyists, and non-residents, who protest this development and the wise use of our land.

There are only three seasons in Muskoka; bugs, snow, construction.

We are familiar with these barriers, and yet, Muskoka has managed to make it through all sorts of developments: new roads in Gravenhurst, bridge repairs in Port Carling, Port Carling demolition, road repaving on Highway #11, and the multi-year plan of Streetscape development in Port Carling and Bala. I suspect that there will be some impact when construction begins in November, but the seasonal tourists have gone home.

Seasonal tourists, and residents, have learned to adapt to these situations. Traffic comes to a standstill during Bala's Cranberry Festival, yet the tourists all come to visit.
I feel that many are finding new and different objections to this project, none of which create a strong enough barrier to redoing to dam, and reducing our dependence upon non-renewable resources. The reports are in regarding the impact to the environment, the flora, fauna, and residents. It is time for those protesting to determine how to ensure that this development meets the town, and the municipalities Strategic Vision, while creating jobs, and providing an avenue for a renewable resources, like hydro.

Bala Falls walk on the wild side in winter.

ice heaves and cracks

2009-12-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

Tripping around town has been hilarious. Many are piling snow where they can. Driving along highway #118, I spotted a fender across my lane. Dueling snow plows?! I hopped out and moved, after watching car after care in front of me swerve to avoid it. One nice oncoming truck flashed his high beams to let me know to be careful. I was prepared to stop, despite being passed by speeding motorists!

I visited the grocery store. What a picture!

Then, on to the LCBO. Anticipating guests, you see!

There is danger everywhere...travel is difficult for some.

The ice continues to shift and heave.

As the water level lowers, you can hear it moan, crack and break.

Glad I have no one interested in being farther out on the ice!

At least not too far out!

Cat walkies have begun.

Photo ops are plentiful!

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

The gift of the Magi

2009-12-22T09:29:00.000-05:00

Now, most of us in Muskoka have pets. They tend to be rather amusing at the best of times. I remember one year putting the tree in the playpen for safety.

With family and friends around, space is at a premium.

This year, the creche scene is up. Finished one year (1992?), on Christmas Eve. I made a video of the story, onceuponatime.
One year...the year before we moved to Muskoka, there were issues.

The shepherds, no longer abiding in the fields.

The Magi arrived with their gifts.

But later that day,
someone knocked one faithful shepherd flat.

This one took a header on the manger.
He needed stitches.

It was chaos.

Mary was slapped silly. Quick reflexes, by a nearby Persian, caught her. But what a scene.
After picked themselves up they wondered: "Who could have been responsible for it all?
"Last year Max, the other cat, ate the last sheep.", said a king.

"Two years before it was Sable!" said a shepherd.

"Who me?", said Sady-the-Innocent, -new to the flock. Sitting beside her friend Frosty, who might also need a quick cuff...

The angel's light shone down. I will be a good girl, she promised.

And they all lived
*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

Happy Winter Solstice!

2009-12-21T09:55:00.002-05:00

Muskoka is a place where families travel to be with grandparents. But it is not without its difficulties. Small towns, without access to larger support services can result in socioeconomic and emotional hardships. Many seasonal workers depend upon hourly wages. Funds raised by groups are limited by the financial resources of a community, unlike Toronto's Santa Fund, which.

Yes, most of us bare our souls more in this season. We are gentler, kinder, even if more frazzled. Over the years my classrooms have been filled with a rainbow of December festivals. With December parent/teacher interviews over, report cards digested, we had established a classroom community and trusted one another.

What I love about Muskoka, is that our population is becoming more integrated. Not by much, and very slowly, but it is happening. There is more respect for one another's differences, while we embrace our similarities. With China accepting us as a tourist destination, we can anticipate many more visitors to Bethune House in Gravenhurst.
Not all are able to accept differences, but I hope we become more understanding as society evolves.

We loved and respected those in my classroom who were setting new traditions, in the spirit of divided families, due to divorce, or those who had lost loved ones. We embraced them and honoured their old or new traditions, e.g., pizza with dad on Xmas Eve, or a movie with mom on Xmas Day. I could empathise. I remember my first Christmas Day, with children gone to their father's house, I was alone. The parents of one of my students took me in. It was such a blessing.

Zahra and her mom created this Eid poster for our classroom. She explained the foods I should choose when I planned a visit to a Lebanese restaurant! The others were so delighted.

My joyful students shared their experiences of family traditions: fasting, feasting, festivals, fun, fanfare, food, and family.
And symbols: light, candles, stars, trees, the moon, Eid-Ul-Fitr, the lighting of the Menorah. And stories.

My favourite memory was my student, from a not so successful family. He didn't have much self-esteem until he bravely explained what Hanukkah meant to him. He felt so proud. We clapped in honour.
And the crafts we made. So much fun!

Remember those around you. Many get together during this season, but more may be alone due to circumstances: poverty, dysfunctional families, transportation issues, mental or physical health issues, addictions, snow storms, and any other complications of life.

Happy Pagan Festival, Shalom, Asalaam 'Alaykum, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Merry Yuletide and Merry Festivus to the rest of us: to you and yours. Here is a tongue-in-cheek Happy Holiday message.

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

December Videos worth watching!

2009-12-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

With the joy of the season, laughter is the best medicine. Everyone is cheerful in Muskoka these days, having dug out of the snow. Back to business, but first a laugh or two.

Here is a witty, non-exclusive, nondenominational Happy Holiday message.

And a silly story:
Pastafarianism's Holiday
Pastafarianism began as a spoof aimed at the Kansas Board of Education's decision to include the teaching of intelligent design. Incensed, Bobby Henderson created the parody religion, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (aka Pastafarianism). What started as a spoof quickly reached full-blown internet meme status. Some would argue it has attained religion status - as pirate-garbed evangelists preach the gospel of the Flying Spaghetti monster.

Remember these?

Camera Critters

2009-12-19T17:03:00.002-05:00

Here birdy, birdy...

Bored cats. Meantime,

and Oliver climbs the wall, errrr, branches.

Visit more Camera Critters!

Know the law, the land and water

2009-12-19T09:43:00.003-05:00

I post the most recent photos of the lake as it begins its freezeover. You can see from the series of shots that in 4 days (Dec. 15, 16, 18) the lake appeared frozen. Walking on the lakeshore ice, it is only a couple of inches deep at the shore, there were cracks and shifts.

The OPP and OFSC are vigilant in promoting safe snowmobiling.

For more information on the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, visit e-laws.gov.on.ca for more laws!

To help educate Ontario snowmobilers, the OPP and the OFSC are providing the following checklist. A compliant snowmobile operator must always have on their person or sled:

- Valid driver's licence (or if under age 16, a Snow Vehicle Operator's Licence)

- Proof of snowmobile ownership

- Sled registration (including properly placed registration numbers and validation sticker on sled)

- Proof of sled insurance (pink slip)

- Approved snowmobile helmet (for each rider)

- 2010 Snowmobile Trail Permit (properly displayed on the sled) with permit receipt

In addition, the rules of the road apply to this sport:

speeding,
failing to stop at a road crossing and
driving with blood/alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit.

Failure to comply with the law carries penalties including fines, loss of driver's licence, criminal charges and/or imprisonment.

I have found that the snowmobile clubs give specific information about Muskoka trails, whether they are open, or closed, safe and groomed. They do a fine job of this! Yet, with the huge amount of snow we had (between 60 and 140 cm in places) grooming has been very difficult. There are those who do not pay attention, and they take risks. "It won't happen to me!"

Many volunteers put time in to ensure that trails are safe. The (Muskoka) Snowcrest Club says on its website:

"With special thanks to our Groomer-Operators, Club Volunteers, Permit Distributors for all your hard work and dedication and especially to our Landowners, without whom our trails would not exist!!!".

Yet accidents continue to occur.

The first incidents of this season total 4. The prairies have seen terribly cold weather, yet the lakes are not frozen. It takes time for the land and the water to totally freeze over.

Other Muskoka Snowmobile Resources:

Muskoka snow but how cold is cold?

2009-12-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

After days of shovelling, and many of you cheering me on, I finished doing to poor 47 year-old roof. Thanks to hot baths, and muscle relaxants, my back is no worse than 'normal'!
Hubby has been cheering me on, too. I should explain that after 3 years of physio and massage therapy his back is fragile and the worse for wear (lifting my ill, late father).

You can see the pile of snow beside the cottage. I paced myself. I took it over a few days. If I can survive sitting for an anticipated 3-hour Board meeting tonight, that will be the worst of it!

We woke to -20 C. temperatures, nothing compared to those in the prairies, with Guy D, who reported -37 at his place!

You can see by my new header that the lake has just about given up its fight. The frost in the cottage window was a perfect mirror for the rising sun. One of those unexpected surprise photos!

The fog dances on the last of the open water. Soon it will freeze over. It is very thin ice right now!

The cats are totally bored, used to being outdoors for most of the day, and sometimes in the bush at night! They regularly pick fights with each other. We keep finding new toys. A box with crinkled up paper - we throw toys in and Oliver chases them. He loves boxes, as most cats do, here he is in Feb., 2008!

But Oliver decided to hide under the carpet, Sady was a bit confused. She is more dignified than he.

On a note of safety, with many building fires in wood stoves, be very careful. Remember to ensure that door steps are clean for easy entry and exiting, but also clear out around intake and other vents. Read more on my Ontario Seniors blog! My most recent post is about being prepared for taking a loved one into emergency. Many seniors are housebound in winter weather, as walking is treacherous.

New Note To Self

2009-12-16T13:13:00.010-05:00

Don't give up! Don't ever give up!

After shovelling the roof- it snowed again last night, with more on the way!
Take it easy out there, people.
The lake has a lovely layer of snow on top, with -10º C. temperatures last night. But it won't last for long. The lake stays at 4º all winter underneath the ice.

My cottage roof has another layer of snow.You can see the left side that I cleared yesterday, with another fresh layer of snow.
Good thing I'm young and strong [*wink, wink*]...I only have a little more to do of the deep stuff.
["Don't criticize the coffee, you may be old and weak some day!"]

In trying to find total snowfall, I came across this article from Apr. 2, 2008:
"At 546 centimetres, or just under 18 feet, this year’s snowfall is now the second highest on record for the area and the most since the winter of 1942-1943. With only 20 cm separating 2007-2008 from the all-time record, Phillips said this may end up being the snowiest winter ever recorded in Muskoka."

Minden had 140 cm = 1.4 metres (55") in two days this December. Records are made to be broken!

Thanks for the Shout Out, Ed! People were fabulous! We still have people without hydro, mostly where the dump was worst (Minden = 140+ cm). The lone line of snow went dead east. See it in the radar!

It's fine if you have your driveway plowed, but the sidewalks are another issue.

The main roads are good, the side roads OK. But there are many cottages that do not have winter snow removal. The contractors are a week behind with 'regular' contracts as I tried to refer someone to my guy!.

For a moment, just a brief moment the sun shone between the clouds. You can see the snow squalls in the dark clouds on the right. Thar' she blows!

In the towns, the big deal is parking, and the driving lanes aren't as wide as they should be until the snow is removed.

Back to work...This is what I am growing indoors, just to keep a little colour around!

Note to self

2009-12-16T06:17:00.041-05:00

This time remember to do up the handy quick ties on your boots! I went back up on the cottage roof (built in 1962!), to finish shovelling. Yesterday I forgot to tuck in my pants. I sunk below my boots tops. It was cold.

I am making progress.You can how far along the one side have dug!

The view is grand. I had to stop often, take a break, and have some water. It is good, honest work, though. There are many contractors in town who do this for cottagers who won't be back until spring.

Here is the satellite dish, quite buried! =>

Oh, look! A helper!

Nope. Inspector!

Sady did her inspection and left me to my own devices, somewhat bored.
They love going on the roof. She shook her head as I seemed to be moving rather slowly.

It was a daunting job. Until I realized the the snow comes off in big chunks, stabbing it with the shovel like a dagger. I could shovel it overboard with panache! And the sun is shining, it was a lovely sunny break between the next "Lake Effect Snow Squalls", and whatever else winter was bringing us.

The trick with all these is that you have to clear the deck off, then shovel or kick it off of the roof onto the deck, then...clear the deck again! I spoke to someone at the gas pump, as we watched the guys on the arena roof. He told me he had a 4000 sq' home which he was contracted out to shovel the roof.

I only have a little more to do. I left this section as I was rather weary. I was standing on the part I had already cleared. Sady's inspection went well, you see!

Brian took my photo, he'd just come back from doing errands.

I watched five men clearing off the arena roof. Oh my!

These guys were working Thursday and Friday during the worst of the storm! They did not have the roof on on Tuesday. They were working rather quickly. It had been tarped.

A new cottage that they began in October...

The old one was torn down to make room for this one. They have been working in rain, snow, sleet, hail and snow squalls!

Muskoka Radio Stations

2009-12-15T06:57:00.039-05:00

Snowy activities have started, like the Beauview Video shows. The kids, I'm sure, are happy! On these snow days, I like to head back inside, listen to some music and get warm.

I have been having trouble finding a radio station I like. Problem is, the signal is weak in the western area of radio stations in Muskoka. Parry Sound and Muskoka have so much geological rock that anything but a larger electronic system cannot find a signal.
CBC has a wide range of 'local' signals: Barrie 91.5, Haliburton 92.3, Huntsville 94.3, but none of these have local content.
They are becoming more 'popular', with shows (like Q).

I am discouraged. I want adult conversation and meaty programs, like The Current. I don't want to hear about what they did last night, or anything else of their personal lives!

What are our choices for Radio in Muskoka?

I have found three FM stations so far. They all play rock, and/or classic rock, and there seems little difference in that respect. It varies throughout the day, but I have liked most of the music. Their web sites all feature the current song they are playing, and the DJ who stands on guard for thee!

All of these stations do a fabulous job in the communities; fundraising and giving freebies at dockside festivals. I truly laud them for that.

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸❤¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪♪♫

Moose FM CFBG 99.5 - Muskoka

Haliburton Broadcasting Group Ontario Local Community Radio Stations: 105.5 CFBK Huntsville, Moose 99.5 FM in Bracebridge, Ontario. A quiet webpage, and a station with a lot of music. They had information about the snowfall. Explaining that Barrie loaned Bracebridge a snow removal crew, 3 plows, 1 loader and a snow blower. We didn't have to call in the army! During the storm, the broadcast feautured Xmas music and a fundraiser. They featured local school kid's choirs and it was a delightful show!

"A heartfelt Thank-You to all of Muskoka for your kind generosity and support of The Moose Kids Christmas Radio-Thon in support of the Salvation Army of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Together you raised $58,457.00 for children and families."

Hunters Bay Radio is a newer local station - broadcasting over the Internet. I wasn't thrilled with the language, there were a crude discussion about dog flatulence. The news was good. The Internet is a great way to go. We cannot use a transister radio here. It just doesn't have enough power.

A robust website, they have a variety of items: sports, entertainment, International news, and those ubiquitous flash ads that eat up bandwidth.But they all overdo these!

The news is up to date, but they are centred in Huntsville. Not as navel-gazing as CBC, they do cover the region.

Then there is The Dock FM- 104.1, in Barrie. I have found The Dock to have decent coverage of closures. They have a wide coverage, (Simcoe to Muskoka) a stronger signal. The morning featured stories of road closures of that fateful Dec. 12th w/e, as well as accidents from Barrie, to Huntsville to MacTier. (Logo used with permission!)

They have a 'dock club', and by filling a number of surveys, you can earn points and redeem them on the site. Interesting concept, if you are prepared to spend 15 minutes filling in endless consumer surveys of varying products.

They have a 'gas watch' page, featuring the best pump prices from Barrie to Georgian Bay! Courtesy of: GasBuddy.com and Ontario Gas Prices
Now, THE DOCK, I cannot listen to on the dock. I have a terrific solar-powered/wind-up radio, a gift from the kids, and if I sit it in the right place, holding onto the antenna with one hand, lifting the other up in hope and praise to the air waves, I can get a signal. But it is sketchy at best.
~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE:
Q92 you can listen to on-line, as well as, Q107, and any other station you might find at home. But isn't the cottage about playing board games, swimming and other fun?!

BTW
Jian Ghomeshi's recent interview, a blow-up with American Billy Bob Thornton -featured on Q's YouTube channel, made him famous! That is a video to watch if you have a bit of time!

CBC radio
Jun 25, 2008
I podcast many shows. these days I find that I am behind the times. DNTO was interviewing some dude from facebook fame, now a musician, who was regaling us with horror stories about setting off firecrackers and running from the police. ...

ThisAmericanLife.org, and All In The Mind (AU) are favourite podcasts of mine, too.

The Suspect Society
Sep 14, 2008
cbc's ideas is a show I podcast. I like to listen to my iPod during those times when reflection just revs up my brain. listening to some reliable information and learning something about the world appeals to me. ...

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·´ *Jenn

[P.S. Editor's Note: If you want a laugh, surf around the AM dial. I found some really interesting stations, some well to the south in the US, for example. My mom always listened to CFRB AM, and if I was making dinner she'd roar in, hear the channel I chose, and demand, "What's that station?" and make me change it back. (I was visiting, and in my 40's at the time!)]

Snow Recovery slow but steady

2009-12-14T13:42:00.001-05:00

Most people have taken the weekend to dig out. The roads are now cleared, with temperatures hovering around the freezing point. A lot of people have been helping one another.

One just has to take one's time, and pace oneself carefully. Trust me, I know!

Schools were closed for three days. Businesses in Bracebridge shut for the day on Friday. Both power outages, and people unable to get into town to work, were the issue!

There were stories of snowplows in the ditch. The roads were impassable. More snow (15 cm; 6") snow squalls and high winds are on their way, too!

Muskoka Online says that Minden (flagged on the map, right) had 140 cm of snowfall. Highway 11 was closed in places south of Gravenhurst, with Bracebridge being hard hit, too. There were 3000 people without hydro Saturday afternoon. No fun at all. Currently, 1200 do not have power in Bracebridge, 262 in Minden, and 192 homes in Baysville & Dorsett are without power. "The road block was just west of Minden near Bracebridge...5 hours sitting on the highway waiting for traffic be routed around." said one Facebook friend.
CBC Ottawa reports today:

60-vehicle pileup, truck collision shut Ottawa highway (CBC)

: Highway 416 is now closed in both directions in Ottawa's south end, due to pileups involving more than 60 vehicles during the foggy and icy morning rush, as well as a mid-morning collision involving a loaded tractor-trailer.

OPP say to ensure you have your car winter ready: all fluids topped up. Carrying a safety kit is a good idea, with water, snacks, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, hats & mitts, and a candle to keep you warm.

Ontario man found dead under snowbank (Globe & Mail)

One man died in Bracebridge. Such a shame. Greg Shepherd (60 years old). He leaves behind 6 children and his wife, who was on vacation at the time.

Body found in Cottage country snow bank(CTV)

Friday morning as he was attempting to clear away heavy snow from his vehicle. His body was found on Saturday afternoon buried under a 1.5-metre high snowdrift, which was at the foot of his driveway.

On a lighter note, I had to climb up and knock the snow off of the satellite dish. It was Football Sunday yesterday, you see, and while we lost power a couple of times, it came back in time for the games. Sady really depends upon afternoon football.

In other local news:
Skateboard reality show filmed in Muskoka
West 49 Ambition Skatecamp. All of the area’s three major towns have public skateparks. I don't think there will be much skateboarding this month. The reality show was filmed in an 80,000-square-foot facility at Muskoka Woods summer camp on Lake Rosseau.You can't see the parks right now. Better watch them on TV!