Breakfast on the Dock

The weather was wonderful on our vacation and we had most of our breakfasts on the dock. What a great way to start the day!

Composting for Success

This year the Ministry ran a pilot composting project for the 10 days at the end of August and over the Labor Day weekend. Rick, Barb, Carolyn and I delivered these neat composting bags to all the cottages on the lake where we thought someone might be around during that period. The bags are made of corn starch and vegetable oil and decompose so that they can be tossed directly into a composting heap without any separation. The hope is that in the future we will be able to compost 60% of our waste, recyle 30% and have only 10% go to actual landfill. The Minsitry chose Cache Lake cottagers to start off the initial pilot and a quick peak at the garbage hut on our way out showed a pretty good pile of bags so hopefully we started off with a healthy participation and this project will be considered a success!

A Visit to the Bonds

People from Cache Lake will remember the Bonds from the cottage between the Turners and the Browns. David and I have kept in touch on and off over the years since the Bonds left Cache, and this summer Barb, Rick, Carolyn and I were invited to visit David and his wife Louise, at his family cottage now on Aylen Lake. David and Louise toured us around the large and beautiful lake which borders Algonquin, served us a lovely dinner and we all shared both memories and new stories during our visit. We're looking forward to more visits in both directions!

Cocktails on the Deck

The cottage has a wonderful deck that goes all across the front and it was great place to sit and sip our wine and nibble on veggies while we watched David grill the chicken for dinner. It was a great day with the Bonds, and it was then capped off by an very rare and close up sighting of a wolf on the road right beside us as we approached the Cache Lake entrance.

Fall is on it's Way

Here's a blaze of yellow shot along the Canisbay Lake Road. Spots of color appeared early during our vacation and by the time we left, there was color starting to appear all along the highway.

A New Activity

This vacation we tried a brand new activity. Several years ago the Ministry opened a bike trail that runs from Two Rivers to Mew Lake, to Whitefish and Rock Lake across the old Railway bed. Barb, Rick, Heather, Carolyn and I rented bikes and gave it a try. The trip was 25k, a lot of fun and the trail was quite beautiful. Despite some "saddle soreness", the ride was a success. In these shots you can see one of the information boards posted along the way describing the areas you ride through; Carolyn after her bike got away from her, an old trestle crossing a pond and the gravel road into Rock Lake

The Finish Line

The Rigbys cross the finish line - Heather in fine form, Richard doing his best imitation of Lance Armstrong, and Barb - cheerful to the end even as she was forced to finish on foot thanks to a flat tire near the end.

How I Spent my Summer Vacation - In Pictures

Here's my attempt at a pictorial souvenir of our vacation this summer. The first picture (top left) represents the Wolf Howl that Carolyn and I went to during the first week of our vacation. The Park has been holding public wolf howls since 1963 and people come from around the world to hear it. In a nutshell, it starts with a short slide show on wolves in an outdoor theatre. Then Park Naturalists take up to 2000 people in approximately 500 cars to a spot on the highway where if everyone is very quiet, they will hear a pack of wolves howl in response to the naturalist's howl. This year, for only the third time in the history of the event, the wolves were so close to the outdoor theatre that we all walked down the highway and up into the forest. It was surreal walking with about 1800 people up a path lit with glow sticks until we reached a clearing in the woods. The naturalists howled and a pack howled back - adults and pups - while we all stood in silent awe. It was an amazing experience - both the howling of the wolves, and the co-operation of so many people in making a magical experience. Other images on the fungus represent (clockwise from wolf) paddling, walking through the woods, exploring new lakes with Barb and Rick, biking and swimming. That's just in case you can't tell from the pictures:)

Mushroom Gallery

And here are other "fungal souvenirs" of our 2006 vacation - clockwise from top left - a walk on the Hemlock Bluff trail, our visit to Galeiry Lake and two from our bike ride - a map of the trail and a poem from Carolyn.

Heading Home in the Rain

When I saw this boat coming across the lake, I ran to get my camera. How many times have I crossed the lake on a rainy day and never thought to use an umbrella???

Misty Afternoon

Even gloomy weather can be beautiful. I shot this coming back from mainland at about 5 in the afternoon the day before our vacation ended.

A Ride on the River

Whenever we have first time guests, one of the things we love to do is take them for a ride around the whole lake, often starting with a trip up the Madawaska. Here the weather co-operated as we took our friends Eric and Pascale for a late afternoon cruise up the river and into White's Lake.

Jack Pine

This Jack Pine towers above the other trees right across the channel from our cottage. It's a beautiful tree that creates a very distinctive skyline. You can see lots of good size trees to the right of it, but when I was little that whole area was a meadow and my sister and I used to go down to the dock after dinner to watch the deer feed there. It is amazing how little time it actually takes for a landscape to change.

On the Way to the Trestle

These are some of the rocks on the way to the first trestle. Carolyn liked the light and the compostion of the standing and fallen logs. The Park is in deep summer now, with lots of dark green in all the trees everywhere - but in a short time we should start to see color appearing as the nights are certainly starting to feel cooler. Carolyn and I start vacation this Friday and so my next posting won't be until after Labor Day. Look for lots of new pictures then!

Barron Canyon Canoe Trip - First Night

On Thursday afternoon, Carolyn and I left on the first leg of the Rigby, Kingsley et al Barron River Canoe Trip. We left Montreal and met up with Barb and Rick in Pembroke, Ontario where we set up our “campsite” at the Best Western Hotel. After a little trail mix in Barb and Rick's room, we set out to catch some fish for our dinner. We hauled in a very good catch at the Saffron Bistro.

The Trippers

Friday morning we met up with Heather and friends Erin and Melissa, who had canoe tripped for real (and over 27km of storm damaged portages) from Opeongo Lake in order to meet us at the top of the Barron River. After leaving a car at the bottom of the river and unloading our lunchbags, we 7 intrepid paddlers set off on our journey.

On Water

We set off in two canoes, Heather and friends in one; Barb, Rick, Carolyn and I in the other. We dined on lobster sandwiches floating through the canyon while a dragonfly hitched a free ride on Barb’s hat.

And on Land

There were a few portages along the way – here I carry the first portage, Heather and Rick set off on the second – and Carolyn carries the paddles and the grub in between taking many of the photos of this trip.

The Canyon

Sheer cliffs towered on either side as we paddled through the highest part of the canyon. Both lichen and tiny little fish that date from prehistoric times have survived here and the trees have found ways to cling precariously to bare rock faces.

The Journey Continues

After completing the river part of our trip, Rick and Heather loaded up the canoes and we all drove off to see the river from a new angle. We walked the Barron Canyon trail that took us up to the highest point and allowed us to view the river from a different perspective. After everyone had signed the visitor’s book at the end of the trail, Barb,Rick and Carolyn and I continued on to Grand Lake where we gazed at the exact same landscape that Tom Thompson painted in “The Jack Pine”. Finally we headed for home, stopping for an authentic Polish dinner of cabbage rolls, perogi and sausages at the Wilno Tavern outside of Barry’s Bay. If you want to see a slideshow of all the pictures from our trip, click here.

Cache Lake Leaseholders

The leaseholders association met in front of what’s left of the Rec Hall to discuss the many things that concern us as a group. There was a good turnout of members, several with good suggestions for the future of this Rec Hall site.

Family and Friends

More than anything, the cottage is a wonderful place to spend quality time with family and friends. We shared this weekend with my parents and their Austrian friends Heiner and Lisa.

Cache Lake Regatta

And of course Civic Holiday weekend means it’s time for the the annual Cache Lake Regatta. There is swimming in the morning and canoeing in the afternoon and the Guide’s Race during lunch. It was a warm and sunny day with just enough breeze to make managing the start lines for the canoeing interesting! Lots of leaseholders turned up to race, judge and/or cheer their family and friends across the finish line.

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!

Loon Nest

We found it! (see loon picture below). This nest is about 6 feet from where I shot the loon pictures several weeks ago. We're not sure if we can see eggs, but Mama loon is definitely sitting on the nest. We surprised her early Sunday morning when we came down the hill, and later when we showed it to our cousins, Mama floated by and tried to lead us away. There are no baby loons, so maybe the eggs are still to be laid. In the meantime - if you're a Cache Lake person reading this - please slow down in our channel in case we're having babies!

Fish nest

This is the second year we've had a bass nest next to the dock. If you look in the lower left hand corner of this picture you'll see a circular area that looks sandy and lighter than the rest of the picture. I am told that the fish sweep the area clean with their tail fins, lay their eggs and then guard the area until the babies are born. If you click on this image to enlarge it you can actually see Mom and Dad in the centre of the nest.

Spider Nest

This spider's nest was alongside the Cansibay Lake Road. If you look carefully, you can see that it actually forms a ball shape. We'd never seen one quite like this before and so here it is.