Midweek entertainment

It's not often that I've writen a midweek blog but as things are settling down for me I have a little more time. And as the week ahead was looking entertaining and enjoyable here it is!

My tumble down the stairs not only hurt my pride and knocked my confidence but it restricted my movement a bit more. As it would happen my left ankle bore the brunt of the fall. My right leg isn't all that great at the best of times but I figured that limping on both legs made me (sort of) even.

We've made good friends in Gravenhurst and thankfully Dianne was able to loan me an ice pack and compression bandage. Hmmmmmm I thought I was too old for  having to use R.I.C.E. (except for cooking) but here I was sitting, leg up, and reading a library book. This was the best option but I had things to do, places to go and people to see. At least using my walking sticks was going to make me a little more steady.

Julie's Principal, Sue, had planned to come and stay with us for a few days but with the changes at 460 Sarah St she had decided to stay at Bed and Breakfast. Sure Sue may get better tucker and conversation at Blaincroft http://www.bbmuskoka.com/blaincroft . But then there's nothing wrong with my staple breakfast of cereal, mueslie, fruit, almonds, sultanas and cranberries and everyone wants to talk about the Mighty Saints, Our Edmonton Oilers and Cadel's chances in the tour. Mmmmmmm maybe Sue's choice was the right one and Marcia and Brian at Blaincroft are great people and have a great place.

Sue walked around and after general catch up on what was happening in our respective lives and lot's of questions onn how Julie was managing we boarded the CuRVey and headed along Sarah, Brown, Greavette and Bay Streets and onto Wharf Rd to Grace and Speed (the Museum). Sounds like a long way but I think 500 metres (550yds) would have been the extent of my driving and navigation.

We spent a couple of pleasant hours at the Grace and Speed Boathouse with Sue gaining plenty of insight into the Muskoka and more knowledge of the information she gained on the trip on the Segwun. As ever the boats were glisting in the Boathouse and in the addition of the "Kittyhawk" (formerly owned by Orville Wright) was a bonus.

The other new addition to the collection was also nice.................

The Lego Segwun!

All that museuming (I think that's the word) was hungry and thirsty work so after a quick look in at the repair shop we went to the Sunset Grill for a coffee and a late lunch. The food was good, the coffee was plentyful and the view and conversation were great. A very pleasant day indeed, nice meeting nice people.....

Thursday was a different type of day entirely. I was collected by our neighbours John and Barbara Christensen and after we picked up their daughter Lisa who was to be the driver for the day. Lisa and her husband Rick were the people who'd taken Emma, Bea and I to the Canada Day fireworks.

We were heading to Huntsville to look at some paintings of friend of theirs who had an exhibition at the Algonquin theatre. The new Suburu had a different idea and it was thought neccessary to check an insistent warning light.

As you might expect it was a problem with the computer and after at first making the problem worse a different dignostic tool was tried and after the computer making ominous whirrrring and cluncing noises the problem was solved (for the time being).

Next stop, Huntsville's main street and the Algonquin Theatre where we saw an interesting exhibition by R.W. "Bobbi" Haviland. http://www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com/Members'_Studios/Members/Haviland/haviland.htm

Couldn't help noticing a sculpture of Tom Thompson and a canoe as we left the gallery, a tribute to him and the Group of Seven artists who painted extensively in the area.

We headed north in the which was by now running perfectly again. I think I understand what Grumbles is muttering when he mentions computers in new cars, mind you I'm glad I wasn't the driver. After we passed Katrine I had now headed to my most northerly point on Highway 11 (Yonge St) in 2011 however we turned into Burk's Falls and Bobbi's studio so it wasn't a long way north, never mind. While Bobbi was happy see John, Barbara and Lisa and pleased to meet me she was expecting a workman and a suppy of art supplies so she suggested that we go and have lunch and come back to look at the studio after that.

Back onto the Highway to one of the most delightful and unusually placed restuarants I have ever been to. The food, ambience and service at Danny's Justa Pasta http://www.restaurantica.com/on/sundridge/dannys-justa-pasta/23414133/ was stunning. Definately on my list of must go agains.....

By now we were plenty full of plenty good food and with pleasantly full bellies we headed back to Bobbi's studio. John had spoken previously spoken of Bobbi's interesting house and studio and they certainly looked interesting when I'd looked at them from the road earlier in the day. Up close they exceeded John's description!

Even though we spent a couple of hours looking and listening I could have easily stayed and listened for much longer. Everyone there ad interesting views and lots of knowledge which was shared in an easy relaxed manner. So nice!!!

Sun was just starting to wane as we left and we arrived home later than we thought we would but my hunger was still satisfied with the Justa Pasta meal and my brain was still processing all the information I had gained during a wonderful day. 

A good weekend finishes with a crunch, bump and thump

As is normal my day started early but the mornings have been wonderful and warm so I sat on the front porch of 460 Sarah reading and responding to emails as well as checking important things like banking, finance and Supercoach. I was joined by one of the common animals we see around here. While I see chipmunks and squirrels as cute little creatures others see them in the same light that Julie sees rabbits. Rodents is how Hank describes them. This description is technically true but they're still pretty cute.   

After the excitment of Canada Day, was the rest of the long weekend going to be drab and boring? No way! After all I am living in Gravenhurst, the Gateway to the Muskoka And did I mention at any stage that the National Geographic Travel Magazine rated the Muskoka Region as the best summer distination for 2011? If I didn't here is the article. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-summer-2011-photos/ 

Oh well enough of the gloating and smirking it was time to get on with the day's adventures. I had received an dinner invitation from Ron and Barb and when I mentioned Belinda and Emma they were happy to extend the guest list by 2 Aussies. We would be following Hank and Barb so that meant being home by 4.30pm.

Our plan for the day was to take the drive around Muskoka Lake and along the way explore the towns of Bala, Port Carling and possibly Bracebridge. We made bread rolls in anticipation of a picnic lunch at some time during the day and headed off with no huge plan apart from stopping at interesting places along the way.

Interestingly the carparks at the Gravenhurst Wharf and at Grace and Speed looked nearly full as we drove by on Highway 169 so maybe the stories of of the business of the area were going to be true. When we arrived at the normally sleepy village of Bala I was astounded. Car parking was at an absolute premium but the chauffer (Belinda) was an experienced Sydney driver and appeared at ease in finding a carpark right near the Bala Falls. It would have been a nightmare if it was me driving.

Bala is a place that seems different to a lot of the places around the lake but I can't really understand why. It's worth looking more deeply in the future and as it's only 25 minutes from home that could easily be a project while I am alone in the coming months.

We parked right next to the Bala Falls and the old Church where we parked caught my eye, but not for the Service nor for the sale of art, collectables and souveniers that was going on inside it. For me it was just the building. As I said there is a lot at Bala that is interesting which will certainly bring me back. 

Where we next stopped will certainly be one of the places I'll return to, on a number of occassions. Iroquois Artisans http://www.iroquoisartisans.com/index.html  has an amazing feel. This visit was made even better with the owner, Carol, being there. Emma, Bea and I left with not only a few lovely souvenirs but with far greater knowledge that we had when we entered the gallery.

Right next door is another Bala Tradition and we stocked up on a little sweetness at the Don's Bakery. http://www.donsbakery.ca/ After we looked and drooled we waited for our number to be called and left with some delicious cinnamon buns. mmmmmmmmm!

Off then to enjoy not only the cinnamon bun but also our salad rolls at the picnic table outside Johnston's Cranberries. http://www.cranberry.ca/Farm/festival.html Cranberry marshes don't look that spectacular at the moment but they look a lot different than when Julie and I saw them under a blanket of snow during January. Lunch was fun and very satisifying.

We forgo the opportunity to taste the variety of Cranberry wines and headed further around Lake Muskoka to Port Carling where we were confronted by a Canadian version of Byron Bay. Beautiful (and some not so beautiful) people were out in force in this very upmarket summer destination. Unlike when I had been here in January the place was packed. No one appeared to be wearing a shirt, bikinis were everywhere, every second car was a convertable (roof down of course) and people were even arguing about parking!!!

I have to admit that that it was a georgous day and the Port Carling looked great. Emma and Belinda did enjoy the browsing through shops that were selling clothes that wouldn't have been out of place at Torquay, Narooma, Bondi, Manly, Coffs or Coolangatta. Just a little surreal.....I sat in the shade with another guy who was waiting on his wife, daughter and grandaughter and watched the passing parade.

The main attraction to Port Carling is still the water and there were boats galore and this time the lock was a bit more than a block of ice. The girls may have been dreaming a little about that wealthy cottager with his Greavette, Duke or Ditchburn heading toward Lake Rosseau and the "cottage". I was interested that the LCBO (bottle shop to Aussies) had an entrance direct to the wharf. Hmmmmm????

Those comments shouldn't hide the fact that Port Carling is a lovely place and abounds with Art and beauty. Just another gem in the delight that is "The Muskoka".

However there was a very important dinner to attend and were cut short our tour and left Bracebridge for another day and arrived home just in time to follow Hank and Barbara to fellow volunteers Ron and Barb's place where we were joined by their friends John & Mary and Joanne. Hank, Ron, Barb and John have been friends since they were all working at a summer camp many years ago and knowing them now it would have been a fun p[lace to go as a 10 year old.............

This was a good way to finish a great day surrounded by lovely people. All those that were there were delighted to have the input from the Aussies and Emma was certainly in good form. Memorable for all involved!!!!!

As both Emma and Belinda had early flights to catch  (to Vancouver and to New Orleans) on Wednesday morning they had decided to head home on Sunday but before they left we  headed across Sarah St to visit Barb and Hank one more time and they were introduced to another IDENTITY of the neighbourhood.

"Duke"!!!

My weekend wasn't quite at an end and after I did a bit of housework I relaxed and read before I headed back to Gull Lake for the next of the Sunday night Music on the Barge concert. This time the band was the Linconaires which featured a band some of whom had been playing together for up to 50 years. Good fun music in a nice place as they were back on the "Barge" this time. This enabled a variety of transport to be used to get there.

Given the weekend I had enjoyed sleep came easily and for once I managed to sleep until around 9am. Unbelievable but nice.

Totally refreshed I headed off for both a bike ride and then after lunch a walk. Life was good and I was feeling fit and when I got a call to say that Julie's Aussie boss, Sue, had arrived at a friends B&B and "would I like to come around for a drink" I answered in the affirmative. Don't know whether it was the invite or the thirst or the feeling good but............... me and the stairs had a bit of a falling out!!!!!!!

 "No animals were harmed in this replay"..

I must be a slow learner but I forgot that it is not a good idea at all for me to rush when stairs are involved even if it is for an important occasion, i.e. to have a drink with friends. I will learn one day. Maybe!!!

Oh Canada

Oh Canada

Today was to be the start of our summer oddysey but more important things had altered our focus for the summer. This had not altered the fact that July the first is Canada Day.

Wikepedia says. "Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada), formerly Dominion Day (French: Le Jour de la Confédération), is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act, 1867), which united three British colonies into a single country, called Canada, within the British Empire.^[1][2][3] Originally called Dominion Day, the name was changed in 1982, the year the Canada Act was passed. Canada Day observances take place throughout Canada as well as internationally".

Our home and native land!

Well I know it wasn't my native land but it is my home for 2011 and I was set to celebrate Canada's national day. To help celebrate the day I had been joined by two Australian exchange teachers who had arrived the night before and we spending the weekend in the "Princess Suite".

Julie and I had seen Belinda (Bea) and Emma at a number of the CLEE weekend activities and they have always been entertaining to say the least. They were going to be staying for the weekend before heading off to their summer destinations. There was no doubt they would liven up what was always going to be a busy weekend.

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

Compared to me the girls were late risers. Though that isn't unusual, as compared to me, almost all people are late risers!!! Our weekend started with a walk to Lookout Park to give Emma and Bea some idea of the beauty of our area.

Actually this view is a little bit better...

I don't know who let that Aussie get into the picture. They're a wierd mob after all.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise, 

Well after viewing what was our first destination for Canada Day 2012 we returned to 460 Sarah St boarded the CuRVy and then headed down to the Grace and Speed Boathouse where we were welcomed by the ever pleasant Anne. Would a museum be interesting to Emma and Bea?? After about two hours I think the answer was in the affirmative. And we even saw some of what I have been doing on Wednesday mornings.

Not that I actually did a lot in rebuilding this part of a brand new display but I did hold things while people that have some building skills made the new display.  I'm still looking for skills that would be of use to the Museum but I have not seen a beekeeping display at all. I guess if I can keep providing Aussie morning teas they may keep me on.

Of course I am listed as a Guide but I have to ask would you want to be guided around a Canadian Museum by someone with an accent like mine. "G'day I'm BRUCE and I'm yer guide, trust me I'm a Lifesaver". But if I'm guiding people like my Aussie guests it'll be OK!

The True North strong and free!

With  the thirst for history satisified for the time being it was back into the CuRVy press return home and lunch time in the ambiance of 460 Sarah. Lunch was in a word stunning, that is if you consider salad rolls stunning! Luckily all those that were here agreed with me and a salad roll on a sunny front porch was pretty good!!!

From far and wide, 

Well that part is true...But it was on to our next adventure and what could be better than a trip on the coal fired one hundred and twenty four year old RMS Segwun.

So it was alllllllllll aboaaaaaaaaaaaard for the two hour scenic cruise and the scenery was made even better by a day that was nothing short of fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

"Hmmmmmm, I wonder if there is a wealthy cottager hiding up there".........

 

God keep our land glorious and free!

 

As nice as the cruise was it had to end at some stage and as we steamed back into the Gravenhurst Steamship Wharf I for one was wondering how good it would be to be able sail in the Hundred Mile Cruise. Maybe when Julie returns...................

 

For now we were headed for dinner at the Regatta Restuarant. The restuarant has a similar situation to Taylor's at Narooma and on a sunny evening we enjoyed the good food, view and ambiance. Life is tough but luckily some people get through the tough times...

 

 

A great way to end a great day but that wasn't all and after all what is a nations birthday without fireworks. (Sorry Greg) Unfortunately there were no fireworks in Gravenhurst and we had to travelto Bracebridge where the Bracebridge Rotary Club promised a great show.

Our trip was made easier by following John and Barbara's daughter Lisa and son in law Rick. This was a real bonus as they knew where and how to find a park amongst a huge crowd.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwDvF0NtgdU



A BIG Gravenhurst Weekend !!!!!

Now I've got to be perfectly honest, my weekends have been extented by maybe 3 or 4 days. But this doesn't mean I just sit around and watch the Mighty Saints or our Edmonton Oilers on the TV!!! (And given their seasons of late, that's a good thing) I'm trying to develop a kind of Action Man persona hence the exercise classes, the bike riding and the walking.

And to round myself out a little more I have taken up Yoga.

So this weekend started with me in the CuRVy at 0630 (that's 6.30 am) heading towards Torrance and an Active Sun Salute yoga class.  https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=16183  The class was great though finding the place was interesting and although visions of Mrs Garmin and San Francisco came flooding back I think it may have been due to the location. I will be back! 

However the big weekend in Gravenhurst really started in the traditional manner with a quiet drink with Julie. Unfortunately we were separated by about 25,000 km http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl (what a trip that would be!) None the less SKYPE has made communication a lot easier although it is a long time until August 25.

The weekend proper started on Saturday morning with breakfast for the Wednesday Work Gang. This is the group that I was recruited into by our friend Dave and our neighbour Hank. Hank is a former primary school principal and with his wife Barb being a former kindergarten teacher there is an obvious connection with Julie and with Hank being an enthuiastic volunteer for many organisations in town there is an obvious connection for both Julie and I.

The breakfast featured the traditional Canadian breakfast fare of scrambled eggs, sausages, waffles and MAPLE SYRUP!! Not quite in the "frostylowsaturatedfat" diet but it was a special occassion and I did show some moderation..... And did I mention it was a special occasion!!!!!

And after all it's not everyday you get to have a singalong with a 92 year old tuba player.

And I guess if you like volunteering (and I do) you may as well be stuck in a place like this

Our breakfast was enjoyed in the Grace and Speed Boathouse which is attached to the Museum and houses an amazing array of historic timber boats. Wonderful place !!!!

After the breakfast was enjoyed I got on with what was going to be a busy morning. The day include... the email read................

Our Members Day Cruises on Saturday June 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 are filling up very quickly. If you would like to reserve a spot on this free one hour cruise for members please call our ticket office at 705/687-6667.

On Saturday June 25 you are also invited to participate in the 5 year celebrations at the Muskoka boat & heritage Centre.

9:40 – 10:30 Flag pole dedication and raising of flags followed by coffee and timbits

11 – 2 BBQ outside $5.00 (burger, sausage or hotdog and pop)

1:00 Volunteer 5 year recognition pin presentation followed by birthday cake and ice-cream.

Members on the first cruise (10:00 – 11:00) will board and disembark from the Steamship docks

Members on the second cruise (2:30 – 3:30) will board and disembark from the dock beside the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre

Indeed it was a busy schedule but luckily I was in good hands. Thanks Hank, Barbara, Louise, Anne, the Wednesday Work Gang etc, etc, etc.....

There is little doubt that our neighbour (and my advisor on all things Gravenhurst) is a person of some significance in our town, it seems as if everyone knows Hank. It is an useful tool to use when I explain where I live. All I have to do to is to say I live across the road from him and my directions are understood.

Hank has too many roles at Grace and Speed for me to adequately describe them. But they all seem to involve fun....

I was in a very pleasant, though somewhat unusual, position to be at a function but not really being called on to do or know anything. I might try that when I get back home. From my point of view the Fifth Year Celebration went splendidly.

Our Member's Day frivolity was not an end and we were directed to a nearby dock where we were met by the Wenonah II http://segwun.com/about-segwun-the-real-muskoka-experience.html to say the cruise was good is an understatement. It was great!!!!

Was it a good trip? There is only one person that would make it better!!!

Just because we pulled into the wharf and disembarked didn't mean the end of Saturday's fun and frivolity. My next stop was at 460 Sarah Nth but this was only to freshen up and prepare for the evening.

Julie and I had been invited to a fundraising  dinner and silent auction at the Blue Willow Tea Room http://www.bluewillowteashop.ca/index.html at the Gravenhurst Wharf. We were invited by Elaine and Dave who are involved in the Meeting Place Centre for Growth and Healing  
http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/news/news/article/883102 .

Dinner was superb, the setting wonderful, the entertainment outstanding and the company memorable. Did I enjoy myself??? I'll leave that to your imagination....



Sat next to and enjoyed the company of Hilary and Alex it is not often you sit with people who are metal artists and millener's and it is even more unusual when they have a knowledge of bee venom therapy for people with MS. In addition to being very entertaining company Hilary and Alex's work is just a little bit amazing. www.hilaryclarkcole.com 
http://www.tilley.com/





Great day, great night but the weekend is only half over.............

Don't know whether I have mentioned that I have a neighbour called  Hank. Well Sunday happened to be "Doors Open Ontario" in the Muskoka and guess who was involved? Yes you're right....Hank, and by association me..... 




This was a good opportunity to have a look behind the scenes at a number of historic places http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/nts_1_13073_1.html . 

Although the weather was heating up and getting more and more humid I was able to look at and learn about the Gravenhurst Opera House, the original Gravenhurst "Carnegie" Library, the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge and the Lakeview Cemenary before the heat and the walking took their toll and I retired to the comfortably cool 460 Sarah St Nth.




There was one further item on the agenda and that was a trip to Gull Lake to enjoy a traditional Gravenhurst Sunday summer evening and Music on the Barge. http://www.gravenhurst.ca/visitors/music-on-the-barge  How did I get there and who did I go with? I'll leave it to you to guess but he was known to almost everyone in the crowd... The entertainment was provided by the Bifocals Concert Band. Good fun way to finish the  weekend. But where was the barge, well the Gravenhurst Council needs to do some repairs. And I'm sure the blonde playing the French Horn was singing last night......

Sleep wasn't a problem zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...........