With a tank full of gas and our cameras at the ready, we set off to discover the sights on Kiosk
Friday, September 11, 2009
Exploring Kiosk
With a tank full of gas and our cameras at the ready, we set off to discover the sights on Kiosk
How many ducks?
Either this was a very large family or a quacking big town hall meeting. We counted 21.
Portage
Our first stop was a portage around a set of rapids and into a pond. We tied up the boat at this end and went for a walk in the woods to see what we could find.
Ease on Down the Road
Next we found a dirt road used by the Ministry and possibly the odd lumber truck.Barb walked the trail with us, despite needing a cane for a sprained ankle. The cane was also handy for pointing out noteworthy sights as we walked along a dirt road.
Must have mushrooms
We are all trained (by Barb) to scan the woods for “the perfect fungus” so that we can use its surface to record our adventures. Barb spotted this fungus and Heather forged through the woods to retrieve it, only to discover it wasn’t the type you could write on.
A Very Big Tree
As we walked the portage we came across a stand of very old and very big pines. Between them Heather and Rick couldn’t get their arms around this one.
Looks Like a Dragonfly
But it’s not. I have no idea what this is, but dragonflies are supposed to have transparent wings. There were three of them flying around me as I stood taking pictures and I managed to snap off this quick close up. Anyone knows what it is, I would love to hear about it.
Lunchtime
After our walk through the woods we had all worked up an appetite so we found ourselves a lovely high picnic spot with a beautiful view and some comfortable log benches where we enjoyed our annual lobster sandwiches
Many campsites
Kiosk actually has cottages, but only three. The remaining shoreline is dotted with many beautiful campsites. Because the lake is large, many trips that leave from this lake spend their first night in a campsite like this.
Sermon from the Mount???
As we left Kiosk and headed back to our cabin on the Mattawa we drove past a sign on the road in the middle of absolutely nowhere that proclaimed "Calvin Shrine, 14 Stations of the Cross" We knew we had to explore further so Richard obligingly swung the car and the trailer around and drove into the dirt road which lead into a clearing with a hill and crosses on one side and a rudimentary building with a roof and no walls on the other. Immediately in front of us was a gate and a path which led up the side of a hill towards three very large crosses. Heather was determined to discover the mysterious fourteen stations and so set off to climb the hill. She was unable to identify all 14 stations, but she did arrive at these “crosses on the mount” where she gave us a wave before rejoining us at the bottom of the hill.
Me and My Buddy
In addition to the crosses on the hill there was also a building which consisted of a roof with no walls. And in the building we found among other things this bigger than life plywood rendition of You Know Who. I'll probably go to hell for this, but I thought it was a unique opportunity for me and JC to pose for a picture together!
Wolf Howl in the Park
Once we were back on Cache Lake, we took some friends who had rented a cabin on the lake to their first Wolf Howl. The public wolf howls are “wildly” popular and are held every year in August when the wolves leave their cubs in one spot for a prolonged period of time while they go off in search of food. If the park rangers are able to locate a pack they then hold a public wolf howl that begins with a presentation in the ampitheatre. As the sun goes down, the crowd gets into their cars and proceeds down the highway to a designated area where everyone parks by the side of the road and quietly gets out of their cars. The rangers howl and if you are very lucky first the adult wolves and then the cubs will answer.
Waiting for the Wolves...
With bated breath...There were close to 500 cars and nearly 2,000 people lined up on the road with Carolyn, Molly, Matthew, Nadia, Derek and I while we waited to see if the wolves would respond to the rangers howls. Unfortunately, there were unable to get a pack to howl back although we did think that perhaps we heard some cubs yipping at the very end.
Hoping for a Big One
On their last night, Mathew, Molly, Derek and I went out for a little evening fishing by the trestle.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Success
This one didn’t get away - Matthew caught this very respectable bass within minutes of lowering his worm into the water.
Annual Get Together
This year it was the Bonds turn to visit Cache Lake during our annual get together. As always we had a great time catching up our news and events of the past year.
Touring the Lake
As we took the Bonds on a cruise around the lake the sky filled with very dramatic clouds. Surprisingly it never rained a drop!
Evening Paddle
This could be one of my favorite shots of me ever. I love the blue light and the blurry motion.
Rainy Day of Rest
We somehow picked the very best two weeks of the entire summer, and had only one day of rain towards the end of our vacation. By this time we were happy to have an excuse to lie around inside the cottage reading our books and admiring the soft mists that rose through the trees.
Another happy vacation is over
Finally our two weeks were over and it was time to go home. I think our happy, rested faces say it all - it was another great vacation!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Lots of pictures
Monday, August 03, 2009
Regatta 2009
This may be my biggest blog posting ever, but it was a fun filled weekend with lots of "photo ops" for the blog. Our Annual General Meeting was the kickoff event and for the first time ever it started under the protective shade of a big white tent. The tent itself was a huge success and will stay on site for Float Night and trophies next week. This year's AGM was well attended and started off a weekend filled with friendly competitions and social time for leaseholders.
Burger Fest
In addition to the tent, we also threw a burger barbecue for anyone who wanted to stay after the meeting. It turned out to be a big hit, with over 100 burgers flipped and consumed.
For Sale
Leaseholders line up to buy Cache Lake Hats and Cache Lake Maps prior to the meeting. Both can still be obtained by contacting Barb or Rick Rigby.
Cardboard Canoe Race
A weekend of community competitions began with the cardboard canoe race. Contestants are provided with cardboard and tape and given 30 minutes to design and build their watercraft. They are then judged on presentation, design and of course the results of the race itself.
They're off
There was lots of enthusiasm from all five crews and the newly launched vessels began to race.
Best floater
This boat proved to be the most seaworthy of all, but it's captain had a little navigation trouble along the way.
Roundng the Buoy
Despite what appears to be a close race while these boats round the buoy, neither of these boats floated long enough to cross the finish line - in fact only two of the five stayed above the water line!
Fair Winds
Last but not least of Saturday's activities is the sailing race - and what a race it was. Winds were high and several boats dumped more than once. Here the boats jockey for position before the final flag.
Staying afloat
Cousin Rick and friend Dick entered this year's regatta. Despite high winds and some serious heeling they managed to stay high and keep dry throughout the race.
Rick and Dick go sailing!
Looking pretty happy with their sail, Rick and Dick cross the finish line second overall and first in their class!
Ready, set, GO!
Sunday morning's events began with swimming and short course canoe races. This year's regatta was well attended with lots of competition in all age groups. This group of girls was quick off the mark!
Crab Race
The crab race is one of the "short course" events - no paddles allowed, these canoes are paddled by hands only.
Blind steering
The person is the stern still has more leverage but steering is a problem when you're facing the wrong way!
Finishing the Guides
The final push at the end of a long and arduous race that takes participants across the lake to the old trestle where they leap out and run with their canoes along the old railroad bed before tossing their canoes back in the water for a final sprint across the finish line.
Afternoon Races
Spectators spectate, paddlers paddle and judges judge while others get ready for the next race
Architectural achievement
This is the best woodpile ever - constructed over the last week courtesy of our friend Andrew with hauling help from his family and supervision from various children!
Feeding Time
Snapped this little hummingbird about 2 minutes after filling the feeder. I guess it was past his lunchtime
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