Victoria Day Weekend, May 17-20, 2013, is only a few sleeps away.  For those who grew up at cottages here the anticipation of going north to “open the cottage” on the first long weekend of summer is a distinct memory; one that swirls around in your head with images of packing and unpacking the family car, getting the cottage opened up, plumbing functioning, boats in the water, property cleaned up, dock furniture out and barbecues fired up.  And while all that was going on kids were begging for the first boat ride, fishing trip or daring swim in the lake.  Although the activites might vary, the anticipation of, workload and family time together are all very similar to Christmas in many homes.

Moon River flooding

This year Muskoka has just gone through one of the biggest floods in  a century and for some the results were devastating.  For lakes and rivers that are part of the Muskoka River watershed it was a frightening time as many watched helplessly as water levels rose.  We had a displaced family who lives on the Muskoka River east of Bracebridge here with us for about 10 days.  Many of the lakes are still very high although docks are finally appearing after being completely submerged.  Roads collapsed in some places, others flooded.  Docks were displaced from their cribs or mooring points.  On the Muskoka River I saw staircases leading down to docks, still attached to those docks, floating down the river. The lumber yard at the south end of the main street in Bracebridge, on the shore of the river, was trying to rescue it’s inventory as it was carried away by the floodwaters.

We remained high and dry here at Tuktawayin for 2 reasons.  We are elevated and Gull Lake is not fed directly by the Muskoka River.  Gull Lake does drain into Lake Muskoka so our normal spring high water level was just an additional outlet into the big lake and one Lake Muskoka could have done without.

Levels are receding and the cleanup is well underway and Muskoka will, as usual, be ready to welcome seasonal visitors on the May long weekend, just a few sleeps from now.

World famous golf clubs like Taboo and Muskoka Bay Club will be open.  Marinas throughout the district are ready for business.  The Gravenhurst Opera House, the matriarch of Muskoka Theatres, has a full season of live entertainment lined up including a new added feature of afternoon matinees throughout July and August.  Check it out at www.gravenhurstoperahouse.ca.

Speaking of theatres, Gravenhurst boasts 2 unique music venues.  Peter’s Players, an intimate 88 seat music hall “puts music lovers within arms reach of music legends”.  The other unique Gravenhurst music venue is Music on the Barge. It stands right here in Gull Lake as the perfect Sunday night stage.  Locals often drift offshore in  canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats.  For those of us who live nearby, like us, the music can be heard from the dock, but it is best enjoyed from within Gull Lake Rotary Park.

While I’m talking about entertainment on the water I must also mention all the wonderful paddling experiences here in the Muskoka.  After all we are a district of waterways.  For those just wanting to explore a little bit you can rent canoes or kayaks at Paddle Shack and Swift Canoe, both just south of Gravenhurst on Highway 11.  Here at Tuktawayin we have a canoe and the necessary safety equipment available for our guests.  On a warm, quiet day exploring by paddleboat is a lovely way to discover the essence of Muskoka.

Cyclists can peddle to their heart’s content either on or off road.  When in Gravenhurst visit The Bike Shop to get your copy of the Gravenhurst and Muskoka Cycling Route Map. 

Walkers and hikers  can march to their own beat on numerous local urban and off road trails.  If time permits here at the bed and breakfast I will gladly guide you on an hour long mixed (both trail and road) hike.

And I haven’t even mentioned the world famous Bethune House National Historic Site or the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre, aka Grace and Speed or our wold famous steamboats, the three star attractions that attract visitors to Gravenhurst by the busload.  That will have to wait for another day.

Moon River flooding

It seems like just a couple of weeks ago that I was praying for spring temperatures to arrive so they would melt away the last of the snow.  In actuality it was likely a month ago, and then the record setting spring flood happened here in Muskoka. The newspapers  have been full of flood related stories and pictures for two weeks.  And while many thought the worst was over in just under a week there are others who are just trying to return to their homes now.  The last few days of hot summer-like temperatures have assisted with the drying up process not to mention lifting the hopes and spirits of many in Muskoka, Haliburton and the Kawartha Lakes; all are key cottage areas in Central Ontario.  The picture shown here was taken on April 28, 2013.  I was standing beside a pontoon boat and 2 canoes which were floating basically where the cottage owner had left them on dry land in October when they closed the cottage.

It’s May 4th today and the hot sun is beating down on us for the 4th or 5th day in a row which is something else we anxiously awaited. Boats are appearing on the lakes with more regularity, albeit many of them will be own by contractors who are working on island properties.  Others have taken their first dip in the lake.  Some will call it swimming but in all likelihood they got out of the water as fast as they got in.  I only managed to dip my foot into the deep water off the dock and I thought that was heart stopping.

Orphaned
red canoe

Great Blue Heron taking off

I’ve been out in the kayak twice this past week and posted a couple of pictures on Facebook.  For those of you who aren’t on FB I can tell you the highlights were discovering an orphaned red canoe that was somehow moved into position to form most of a dam and the beavers have begun to place debris behind it.  The other highlight was coming across one of my favourites, a Great Blue Heron, and I managed to photograph him in several poses including take-off.

New Year’s Day snowshoe trek near Tuktawayin

Winter 2013 is finally here to stay in Muskoka.  Small lakes have frozen over and the larger lakes are in the process of becoming solid.  Outdoor skating rinks are opening as are cross country ski trails.  I skied at the Bracebridge Resource Managment Centre today just to check out their conditions and I found their groomed trails to be very good.  For those who prefer backcountry skiing and snowshoeing as I do, I can tell you I have been out in the bush on both snowshoes and skis here in Gravenhurst over the past few days and the snow coverage was sufficient to have a great ski.  Obviously, more snow will make it even better.

I also spent some time at Arrowhead Park  on New Year’s Eve afternoon.  They were very busy with skiers, snowshoers and skaters.  I was there to skate on their newly expanded skating path which winds it’s way through a couple of big loops of the campground roads.  The loop that has been added this year is many times longer than the one they had last year and  both are “Zamboni” maintained.  There is a fire going and several picnic tables set up at the junction of the two trails.  If you like skating but don’t like going around in circles then this is the place to go.

Winter at Robbins Tuktawayin BB – A Muskoka Winter Wonderland

While we don’t have this depth of snow yet here at Tuktawayin here is a sneak peak at what it does look like when winter really gets rolling.

If a winter weekend getaway is in your plans and the idea of staying in a lakefront home suits you then check us out here at Tuktawayin B&B.  We would be delighted to introduce you to Muskoka in winter.

Japanese Toad Lily

Waterfront homes and cottages all over Muskoka are being readied for the coming winter season and it’s no different here at Tuktawayin.  The gardens we enjoyed all summer are nearing the end of their cycle.  Only the Mums, Asters and Japanese Toad Lilies are still in bloom.  In fact this is the season for the Toad Lilies.  When everything else is ready to be cut down and raked off it’s just coming into bloom.

I love all 4 seasons here in Muskoka, so as much as I don’t like seeing the colourful summer garden come to an end, I do enjoy the leaf litter covering the ground and the leaves that are still left carefully clinging to branches.  Most of the vibrant red maple leaves have floated to earth but we still have quite a bit of orange and yellow painting our landscape and mirrored in the lakes and ponds.

Maple Reflections at Hardy Lake

A recent hike in Hardy Lake Provincial Park, about 15 minutes outside of Gravenhurst toward Bala, showed a stunning display of colour in one of my favourite places, a spot I affectionately call “Sarah’s Pond”, named after a young friend of mine who made it just this far the first time she was on the Hardy Lake Trail.

Throughout cottage country docks are being pulled up, set free of ramps, anchored to the bottom or pulled to shore.  For others, bubbler systems to keep docks surrounded by water instead of ice, are being prepared for the winter season.  At the same time cottages that don’t get used during the winter are being winterized.  Water lines are getting drained, fixtures and appliances inside are prepared with anti-freeze and water pumps are being pulled out of the water.  This whole procedure gets reversed in about 6 months.  For those waterfront dwellers who use their cottages and homes throughout the winter, snowmobiles and snow blowers are readied for the cold weather.

Even though this “changing of the guard” is taking place right now there is still plenty to enjoy here in Muskoka. Shops and restaurants remain open as do our concert halls.  Urban hiking trails give you a safe taste of the backcountry during hunting season.  Provincial and National Parks like Hardy Lake, Arrowhead and Algonquin provide longer distance hiking opportunities in a “no hunting” zone.

So if a weekend away before the busy Christmas season is on your “to do” list give us a call or send us an email.  Find another couple or some friends and bring your own party to Tuktawayin. Let us know what you want to do while you’re here and we will do our very best to make your wishes come true.

This glorious July sunrise was captured from the breakfast room of this waterfront B&B.

For guests here at Tuktawayin being able to cool off in the lake at the end of a day of touring has been a much appreciated break.  For others, an early morning swim and coffee on the dock in the quiet that is common at that time of day has been the perfect way to start their day.

We were fortunate to have some paddling guests here at the beginning of July.  They brought their kayaks and enjoyed paddling on different Muskoka lakes, as well as here on Gull Lake.  One evening, while we were experiencing a full moon, we went out for a paddle on the lake by the light of the moon….and yes we had headlamps with us.  It created a lovely Muskoka memory for all of us.

So far we have had the crowd pleasing annual Antique and Classic Boat and Ribfest along with the in-water boat and cottage show.  Gravenhurst, and Rotary Gull Lake Park and the waterfront there, hosted the premier Make a Splash event.  This opportunity provided all who attended with the chance to try rowing, stand up paddleboards and paddling a dragonboat, just to mention of few the activities that were available throughout the whole day.  There were also main street activities for families to enjoy.

We have had several groups of guests staying with us while attending a various weddings, 2 of which either had the ceremony on the Segwun or a 1 hour cruise for the weddings guests following the ceremony.  On one occasion wedding guests who were staying here managed to come back here to Tuktawayin to relax in the Muskoka Room with a glass of wine while the wedding party endured their photo session.

Whether you’re an athlete, a tourist, a wedding guest or just someone seeking a couple of days away, Tuktawayin can be your home away from home.

Mirror image through early morning mist on Muskoka lake

Muskoka is one of those places on Earth where great family memories are made, and for most people who experience this, the majority of those memories occur in the summer. After all, Muskoka has been designated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the #1 place to be on the planet this summer. Let me explain why this place is so well known around the world.
1. Muskoka, in Central Ontario, is the heart of Ontario cottage country.
2. Cottages, or cottage country, is where people go to relax and unwind.
3. This is one of those places people look forward to going to all year.
4. This land of lakes is where generation after generation gather together.
5. This tourism mecca is where families congregate and play together.
6. This is where people start and end their day on the dock.
7. This is where kids play with the same water toys their parents used.
8. This is where burgers and corn on the cob are a staple dinner any summer evening.
9. Muskoka cottages are where kids see their parents at their very best because “the kid” in those parents comes back to life with some R&R.
10. Muskoka is where families really connect through play…usually on the water.
Do you remember that feeling you get when you see your parents and grandparents laughing together about fun, cherished family times together? You just can’t help but think “I hope that happens again because it sure sounds like fun.” When your mom describes how she wasn’t allowed to take out the little boat on her own when she was little until Grandpa saw her swim across the bay, makes you think, “Could she every swim that far?” And then you look across that very same bay and realize what a big deal it was, but want to strive for that yourself. Or when Grandma tells you how proud she was of your aunt when she saw her win her first prize at the lake association summer regatta…and you think “I hope we go to that this summer because that sounds like a blast”. Or maybe you sit quietly and listen to your dad talk with the buddies he grew up with at the cottage share the fun and memorable stories of their youth…and you can’t help but laugh along with them because the things they did were crazy…and now you want to do them too.
These things that families laugh about, remember with joy, and pass along to younger generations, happen here on a regular basis at Muskoka cottages and waterfront homes. In fact, we have year round waterfront homes because thousands of cottagers strive to be able to live and work here or retire here just so they can have that lifestyle every day. And here in Muskoka it is all possible. Now that summer is here it’s all happening. Check this list out!
1. Swimming and all sorts of water play
2. Wakeboarding
3. Tubing
4. Waterskiing
5. Kayaking
6. Canoeing
7. Stand-up paddleboarding
8. Camping
9. Campfires
10. Rowing
11. Fireworks
12. Fishing
13. Summer theatre and other festivals of the arts
14. Shopping trips in town on rainy days
15. Rainy days in the cottage playing games and reading
16. Burgers, burgers and more burgers
17. Boating
18. Days at the beach
19. Beach volleyball
20. Waterfront regattas
And the list goes on.

May sunrise in the mist on Gull Lake

Last weekend marked the beginning of the Muskoka summer season here in God’s country and those fortunate enough to be here were blessed with mid-summer like temperature, non-stop sunshine and endless hours of opportunity for fun on the water, the dock, the golf course, the mountain bike trail or whatever other activity you could possibly enjoy here.

This summer, Gravenhurst’s  legendary floating icon, the RMS Segwun, is celebrating her 125^th anniversary. The celebration kicks off with a parade on June 29^th with Saturday, June 30^th providing additional festive opportunities for people to experience what it would have been like to be here 125 years ago.  For the first time ever, 1 hour cruises will be available on the Segwun throughout the day Saturday, for the cost of a voluntary donation.  While partygoers are on shore the festivities will continue throughout the day including all day live entertainment, games and crafts provided by the new Gravenhurst YMCA, a building workshop from Home Depot and presentations from the Muskoka Wildlife Centre.  The live entertainment will wrap up for the day with a performance by Les Stroud and his band. (yes…the Les Stroud of Survivorman…he does call this area home)

Here at Robbins’ Tuktawayin the availability calendar is filling in.  We started the summer season a bit early on Mother’s Day weekend with a lovely mother-daughter team as our guests.  Mom was visiting daughter in Toronto and they managed to find time for a couple of days in Muskoka.  As luck would have it the sun shone for them all weekend and they were able to enjoy a lot of time in the canoe and on the dock quietly enjoying the pre-season solitude.  We, that would be Dave and I, spent most of last weekend in the yard or garden putting the finishing touches on a few projects.

The boats are at the dock, we’ve all had our first of the season ski, I’ve been out rowing or kayaking several times and even took the canoe for a spin early one morning this week.  The canoe has beautiful new wooden gunwales this season and is ready for your enjoyment.

Purple iris blooming in Tuktawayin garden

The gardens are flourishing.  This is one of my favourite times in the garden when everything is fresh and new.  Our gardens here at Tuktawayin are quite extensive and one has been rebuilt on the lakeside this year.

For the next week or two the irises are in bloom as the Solomon Seal and Trilliums are  fading.  The Douglas Phlox is beginning to die off the but annuals are filling out.  Every day there is something new to enjoy and admire.  We have great garden views from both sides of the house, either from the breakfast room, Muskoka room or the front porch.