A Fun Filled Weekend...

Some heavy rainfall on Saturday afternoon didn't prevent our guests from swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking or slime collecting (you had to be there!) Heavy rain during the week brought the lake up at least six inches, but the water is still plenty warm.

Fish Galore!

The fish were really biting on this short fishing trip to White’s Rock in Tanamakoon Lake. A total of 7 bass were landed in addition to the several others who bit but got away. Here Mathew, Molly and Derek pose with some of their catch. All the fish were safely returned to the water after a brief Kodak moment since this family practices catch and release.

Lake Monster

This giant snapping turtle floated up from beneath a rock ledge while we were fishing at White’s Rock and spent the next 10 minutes floating back and forth in front of us while he checked us out. His shell measured at least 18 inches end to end and if you click to enlarge, you can see green moss all over his head and shell.

Including the Kitchen Sink

The Rigby’s spent their annual weekend at Silly Island which required four or five tents, a screened in dining room and even a kitchen sink (see upper right hand corner) for the approximately 10 kids and 5 adults who camped out this year. Despite a heavy rainfall, everyone appeared to be dry and having fun when we stopped in for a visit.

A Weekend With Jamie

This weekend Carolyn was in Texas to visit her mother and so I spent the weekend at the cottage with my best friend of over 30 years Jamie Armstrong. It has been a long time since we spent a weekend together, and we had a great time doing all the things we love to do together – clockwise from top left – boating, eating, observing nature, and sharing meals (and a few drinks) with friends.

After the Storm

Two weekends ago Carolyn and I drove home just ahead of the major storm system that knocked out power in large parts of Ontario and Quebec. The storm roared through the Park, causing lots of damage as it went. We were relatively lucky on the island. The Rigby’s lost this tree on their point and branches were down all over the island.

APRA Annual General Meeting

It was a full house at the Two Rivers East Beach Pavillion – the new location for meetings and events following the demise of the Rec Hall. John Winters, Park Superintendant, updated leaseholders on fees, motor restrictions etc. and thanked leaseholders who jumped in to help during and after last week’s storm. Following was a very comprehensive report from the APRA chairman. Cache Lake leaseholders should remember to attend their own annual meeting Saturday, Aug. 5 at 10:00 to hear important information.

Our 1st Anniversary

It’s been a full year since our wedding (and since this blog was started) and we celebrated at the cottage, taking an extra day off so we could fully enjoy our anniversary day. Here we are on the point where we were married, having an intimate dinner for two the night before our anniversary.

Whiskey Rapids Trail

We started our anniversary day with breakfast in bed and opening cards from thoughtful friends, relatives and of course from each other. Then we got up and went for a walk at Whisky Rapids next to the Oxtongue River, followed by a trip to the old museum for their annual art show where we ran into cousins Barb and Rick and their guests.

A Lazy Afternoon

We went home, had lunch and then a lazy afternoon soaking up some sun on the dock, reading our books and magazines and then finished up with a swim and pre-dinner cocktails.

A Night Out

We changed our clothes and boated over to Bartlett Lodge for a romantic 4 star dinner in a lovely setting. Our hostess Marilyn Smith sent out dessert with a sparkler and some complementary truffles to help us celebrate.

A Final Surprise

We arrived home a little after around 10 to find the door of our sleeping cabin had been boarded up by cousin Rick. We had a great laugh and then went up the hill to congratulate Rick on his anniversary prank.

Nighty Night

A few glasses of wine and lots of laughs later Rick accompanied us down the hill and let us into our cabin.

A Walk Through the Forest - Head Lake

Sunday was a dry and breezy day at the Lake, and that meant ideal conditions for a walk through the mile-long Head Lake Portage. The light breeze ensured a virtually bug free stroll.

Shallow Roots

Two trees toppled at the side of the trail and ripped up a sizeable chunk of earth in the process. My wife took this picture and she pointed out how truly incredible it is that trees can grow at all with such a shallow root system.

Wild Rose of Algonquin?

It’s not the “Wild Rose of Texas” but my wife and our friend Daphne both think it’s in the wild rose family. Whatever they are, there were masses of them along the Portage. I guess I’ve never walked the trail at this time of year because I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before. If you know what they are, drop me a line and I’ll post it here.

Received by email from Libby Otto: From the look of the leaves and the flower (was the plant very prickly?), I'd say it might be a blackberry - a member of the Rosacea (rose) family.

It was definitely prickly. Thanks Libby - if you're right then I'll be going for another walk in a few weeks and collecting some yummy berries!

Woody Woodpecker

You’ll have to click to enlarge this picture and then look carefully in the centre to see it – but we did come across this downy woodpecker at the side of the trail. Other “wildlife spottings” included some wolf scat and some moose tracks.

Head Lake

And here is the view at the end of the trail. Head Lake was quiet – we only saw one couple the whole time we were on the trail. It was a lovely quiet spot where three of us rested in the shade while our friend Daphne swam all the way to the point you see in the right hand side of the picture.

Canada Day Weekend

We loved all the activities on the island as our friends joined us for a three day weekend jam packed with activities. There was fishing, swimming, moose hunting, dancing, painting, boating, singing, exploring and falling in the lake just to name a few. We enjoyed every one of them!

Hitchin' a ride

Mom and Dad got the biggest workout of anyone on a visit to the Pionner Logging Exhibit.

I'm kicking, I'm kicking

Amy's first swim in the lake went without a hitch as she kicked her way out into the channel and back to the dock with Mommy providing a reassuring hand and lots of encouragement.

Cruisin'

A boat ride around the lake wraps up a full day of outdoor activities.

A makeover

And when you've run out of things to do outside - there are always lots of activities to do in the cottage. For instance you can give your auntie a whole new look!

First steps

Or you can impress everyone by practicing your first steps just before bedtime!