The weather is supposed to hold up as...'gorgeous' in all of cottage country Ontario! and for the whole weekend too! How would you like to stroll along the sandy shoreline of Lake Simcoe while doing some shopping, eating and people watching or take a swim, a carnival ride or play a game of chance? You're thinking it about it aren't you? When was the last time you had a corn dog on the beach?
The 6th annual Barrie Waterfront Festival is held in the downtown area on Kempenfelt Bay and is great for all ages. There's lots of parking, just pack your beach stuff, sunscreen, water and wallet etc ;) then head out to the blue skies and blue waters of Heritage Park. There will be lots of live entertainment, a B101 & FM93 stage, midway, buskers and street vendors galore!
Festivities kick off at noon on Saturday, May 29th and continue until 11:00pm. On Sunday, the events start off at noon and wrap up at 6:00pm.
At last year's festival we chowed down on the best Poutine ever (twice), lost money on the games, did get a bit of a sunburn, bought some trinkets and we all loved it especially the kids! Everything at the park is somewhat contained yet you're outside so it's spacious, it's also busy yet fun and if we get a chance to go this weekend we'll make a day of it.
Safe journey wherever you're headed and thanks for visiting; feel free to leave a comment!
If you've got children who believe in Santa Claus or simply love to have fun you are going to love Santa's Village!! It's been known as one of central Ontario's most popular amusement parks for over 50 years. As a child growing up near Ottawa I clearly remember the family vacation that took us there and we've also taken our own kids as a flashback to the past!
Santa's Village now also has Sportsland and Eaglecrest Aerial Parks plus camping so you can stay n' play. Bracebridge, Ontario has been Santa's summer home and he greets children and their parents daily from June 21st straight through till Labour Day.
There are Fallow Deer, goats and sheep to interact with or ride Rudolf's Roller Coaster rider and Santa's train. You could take a cruise along the Muskoka River or even send the kids to Santa's Village Day Camp so they can play all day long (without you ;) Test your driving skills in the Sportsland Grand Prix go cart track, take a swing in the batting cage, play miniature golf or even laser tag.
Eaglecrest Aerial Park also provides "The Ultimate Treetop Adventure" for the whole family, teams, groups and corporate training. Travel within a canopy of majestic pines along the Muskoka River.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Cottage country Ontario is a well known retirement zone for today's aging population of both baby boomers and their parents! As the aging process occurs and/or disabilities arise and take hold concern for one's well being, independence and safety tend to become major points for concern.
Living a full life is about not being limited and for the elderly or those with disabilities today's technologies make being actively mobile, independent and safe an absolute possibility. I wouldn't suggest you grab the first wheelchair in an online classified/auction site or garage sale though because, wheelchairs and other motorized transportation equipment have safety standards to adhere too. That's where NMEDA comes into play...
NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) is a Non-Profit trade association that does not sell anything instead it educates consumers about quality and health related safety issues with mobility products. NMEDA is the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people. Members of the association are required to adhere to safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
When purchasing for your elderly parents or for yourself it's imperative to keep safety a primary focus. Purchasing used or altered equipment can be inexpensive but also dangerous, there are no managed safety guidelines unless you are a member of the QAP.
- Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the adaptive mobility equipment industry and was developed to promote quality, safety, and reliability within the industry. There must be a systematic and documented approach to quality and QAP ensures this occurs.
- A Dealer Member is the actual business that sells safe adaptive mobility equipment. They have been appointed and certified in writing to be a representative of NMEDA.
Visit the NMEDA website to locate the nearest qualified NMEDA dealer in your area and to help answer any questions you may have.
Is there a dealer near you?
Please feel free to comment, thanks for visiting!
The thought of Ticks hanging latching onto me via their head and gorging on my blood is so gross that I'm finding it hard to do research on this topic! However, that's also exactly why I must let you know there are Ticks in Ontario and you, your pets and livestock could be affected.
Now, don't panic it's not like they're readily flying around the earth, in fact they don't even fly ;) They simply hang out on the tips vegetation like long grasses, bushes and leaves then move onto the 'host' as you walk by and brush up against their immediate area. Once on you they'll poke around to find the best spot to live then bam they'll bury their head inside the soft flesh!
I can't be 100% positive but I'm pretty sure our cat Spooky had a Tick embedded into his body which is why this whole topic surfaced. It looked like a huge pimple ready to pop! After doing some research regarding bugs and pets I came across this picture from the U of N ...and I think it looks just like 'it', eewww, gross!
We removed 'it' from Spooky and a small, circular mark was left behind. The mark is healing nicely (with no other signs or symptoms) but where the heck did it come from? We have untouched bush nearby with plenty of deer and cattle so I guess 'it' is from there? But, I thought Ticks were in the more southern or northern regions. My family has lived in cottage country for decades and have never come across them before, perhaps they are closing in?!.
How to avoid Ticks...
- Stay on the trails and when bushwacking keep bare skin covered with long pants, shirts and socks tucked in wherever possible. Ticks need to attach themselves to the skin in order to feed.
- Use an insect/tick bug repellent that contains DEET on yourself and put a tick and flea collar on your pets. Be sure to check yourself and them periodically once indoors. Ticks love fur, hair, groins, armpits, dark moist areas and the scalp!
I found a Tick!...
- immediate removal helps prevent infection (it generally takes about 24hrs. to transmit Lyme Disease).
- use tweezers to pull the Tick straight out (don't squeeze it's head off leaving it inside, this could lead to infection). Do not squeeze the area or the Tick! Once removed be sure to clean the immediate area with soap, water and rubbing alcohol.
- save the Tick and take it to your doctor who can then test it for Lyme Disease etc. (unfortunately, we flushed our cat's little friend without realising we should've taken it to the vet).
Mother nature blessed cottage country Ontario over the past May 24, 2010 long weekend with amazing weather...sunny, hot & dry! Many popular beach areas like Wasaga Beach, Barrie's downtown waterfront on Simcoe and Orillia's beaches on Lake Couchiching were a buzz with both pale and burnt people of all ages.
With record breaking, humid temperatures in the 30's it seems as though you're doing (or hoping to do) one of three things either escape into the water, find refuge in the shade or hide indoors with the a/c.
We don't have air conditioning at home nor are we lakeside so shade is where it's at and with this humidity my hair goes poof, thankfully I'm not made of sugar or I'd melt! ...far from the days of intentionally baking myself on the beach.
Lake Dalrymple, Ontario sunset, fire pit and home of the instant S'moresfest! Giant marshmallows, milk chocolate and graham squares. I love the later two but those big, gummy white blobs don't do it for me ;) ...there were fireworks too but, those pics didn't work out. Hope you had a safe and happy long weekend and cheers to the next one in July!!
For those who've made tracks up to the cottage or you live in cottage country all year long the Victoria Day May 24 weekend is always charged with excitement. I was hoping to find quite a few fireworks venues for you to consider but have only managed to turn up a couple of ideas.
With both weather and budget being a factor to having a successful event perhaps not many wish to take on the task. So, you could attend one of the following events or buy your own fireworks and have a display of your own!
Fireworks
The Village at Blue Mountain
There are activities planned all May long weekend up at Blue Mountain with music, hiking, scavenger hunts, face painting, Rusty’s Rib Eating contest and yes, there will be fireworks...tonite at 9:30ish!!
Port McNichol
Portorama is a weekend long festival on the waters of Georgian Bay. Boats will be launching for the first time in 2010 and fireworks finale on Saturday, May 22!! ...tonite too!!
Victoria Day - What's Closed on Monday, May 24 2010...?
- liquor and beer stores
- government offices
- schools
- banks
- post offices
Wishing you all a safe and happy Victoria Day long weekend!!
I'm just getting back inside and the traffic en route to cottage country is crazy thick, back to back to back ...safe journey from point a to point b folks.
- Fireworks will be set off this weekend in various towns around cottage country. I'll look into where you can watch them and post back here tomorrow'ish'. In the meantime, clouds seem to be rolling in but that doesn't scare me ;)
Cheers to an awesome long weekend in cottage country Ontario, Canada!!
Black bears have awoken from their winter slumber and they're both hungry, extremely cranky and on the move! So, despite how cute and cuddly they appear to be, under no circumstances is it okay to approach nor encourage them...Imagine yourself sleeping in some dark hole for months on end without eating, how would you feel when you woke up? ;)
There have been numerous Black Bears sightings in Ramara, Severn, Tay, Tiny and the Lake of Bays townships along with a recent attack in Coldwater, Ontario!
Some residents who have lived in these areas for decades report having seen Black Bears for the first time this season. Yesterday, a Black bear took a stroll across the golf course at Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst and people were on the green golfing x#yards away!!
- Keep your household waste, garbage and compost in sealed receptacles or containers designed for the job. Plastic bags are not considered a sufficient barrier where animals are concerned.
- Bird seed, suet and nectar left out for the birds will also attract the Bears.
- BBQ's, Hibachi and any outdoor cooking surface needs to be cleaned after each use. The remaining tidbits of food and grease left in the trap rings the dinner bell.
- Try to remain in a group and on the trails when you're outside hiking. A large, loud group is far less appealing to a hungry Bear than a single person strolling with a chicken wing!
- Fast moving waters make it difficult to hear a bear and for it to hear you as well, if it's a windy day the may not smell you until it's in front of you!
- Avoid or leave trails that broach on a bears food supply such as berries, dead animals or fish along the shorelines.
- Stay in wide open areas and be on alert for bear tracks, droppings, shredded logs and scratched tree trunks which indicate they are in the area.
- Keep your dog on a leash because they may just run back to you when being chased by a bear!
- Never allow young children to wander off ahead of the pack or stray behind nor leave them unattended.
- When you see cute Bear cubs romping around that means their protective Momma is nearby. She will stop at absolutely nothing to protect her young so please don't assume otherwise.
- Make noise while you're on the trails and in while tromping through bushes and forest areas. Bears don't want to make your acquaintance so, let them know you're coming!
TO REPORT BEAR PROBLEMS
Contact the Bear Reporting Line
Phone# 1-866-514-2327
In a life-threatening emergency, call your local police or 911.
It's not snowing in cottage country anymore but one feathered friend, known as the Snow Bunting, doesn't seem to know that. The pretty white bird landed in our yard a couple of weeks ago when the temperatures were hovering around zero plus it was very wet and windy. I guess he must like it here though because he hasn't left, yet.
The stark white feathers of the Snow Bunting stood out against the bright green grass and actually, the poor little birdie looked downright uncomfortable. He was bouncing around all nervous like maybe looking for a... polar bear? I've lived in Ontario's cottage country for almost 12 years but I've never seen a Snow Bunting before, I wonder if he's seen a cat before?
Generally, Snow Buntings nest in the north arctic regions where there's plenty of snow and frozen tundra and they only come down to the southern regions of Canada for warmth...lol, imagine coming to Canada for warmth in the winter!? I'll keep my eyes open for the female version, assuming we've got the male version with the extra pretty plumage.
Whether planning a long weekend getaway or a full summer vacation inspiration and information regarding what to do, how to get there and what's it going to cost, all become pertinent. That's where the Ontario Travel website and free written documentation comes to the rescue!
Ontario Travel offers full colour, informative travel guides that are available for download or you can request a physical copy to be sent to you for free.
- Summer Getaways
- Festivals & Events
- Official Road Map of Ontario
- Great Ontario Outdoor Adventure Calendar
- Ontario: The Land of the Great Freshwater Seas
- Ontario Snowmobiling Trail Guide
- Ontario Snowmobiling Tour Planner
They allow one copy of each guide to be requested, if you require more or have further inquiries give them a call at 1-800-ONTARIO
I'm sure those residing in cottage country can judge by the recent weather that all fire bans within the central Ontario area have been lifted. So, feel free to responsibly torch away! For those coming up, over or down to this little piece of paradise you've now been enlightened ;)
Firewood will be wet, if it was left uncovered, which is when people tend to get creative with their fire starting skills. What ever do I mean? Well my friend, I'm talking about gasoline or any flammable product. It's dangerous, so please don't do it, talk your buddies out of it too! With the winds kicking up the way they do makes this form of entertainment/firestarting doubly dangerous!!
Check out these 'Redneck's Playing with Fire' and you'll see what I mean...
...and for each and every person that touches the ground when they walk (not just visitors), please don't forget to take your garbage with when you leave paradise! Stashing your junk on some sideroad doesn't count either!! I know garbage is gross and it's much easier to leave it for someone else but seriously, tsk tsk... Yes, I understand there aren't always garbage receptacles nearby so bring an extra bag already, it's not rocket science. Smokers too, just because ciggie butts are small doesn't mean it's okay. I'm not one to scold (well, yes I am ;) but I'm just trying to make a point.
The musical trio known as The Arrogant Worms originates from Ontario, Canada and began performing together back in 1991. The bands sense of humour shines through with their funny lyrics that poke fun at my/our/their country and it did have me chuckling! This comedic and musical group loves to make fun of us but it's all in good fun, check it out unless you're the sensitive type and take things too personally ;) ...
Canada's Really Big - Music Video
Canada's Really Big by... The Arrogant Worms
Lyrics
When I look around me
I can't believe what I see
It seems as if this country
Has lost its will to live
The economy is lousy
We barely have an army
But we can still stand proudly
'Cause Canada's really big
We're the second largest country
On this planet Earth
And if Russia
Keeps on shrinking
Then soon we'll be first
(as long as we keep Quebec)
The USA has tanks
And Switzerland has banks
They can keep them, thanks
They just don't amount
'Cause when you get down to it
You find out what the truth is
It isn't what you do with it
It's the size that counts!
Most people
Will tell you
That France is pretty large
But you can put
Fourteen Frances
Into this land of ours
(it'd take a lotta work, it'd take a whole lotta work)
We're larger than Malaysia
Almost as big as Asia
We're bigger than Australia
And it's a continent
So big we seldom bother
To go see one another
But we often go to other
Countries for vacations
Our mountains
Are very pointy
Our prairies are not
The rest is
Kinda bumpy
But, man, do we have a lot
(we gotta lot of land, we gotta whole lot of land)
So stand up and be proud
And sing out very loud
We stand out from the crowd 'cause
Canada's really big!
I'm a summer girl so living in cottage country right near Lake Simcoe is fantastic. No running the roads unless I'm headed over to Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay! However, thousands and thousands of cars travel both north and south daily during the summertime. From the GTA right up to Huntsville. It's those drivers who may want to consider an alternate route at least for the time being or at least just be aware there could be delays.
One of the newest highway construction projects currently underway for summer 2010 involves the Highway 12 Rehabilitation Project (repaving) which extends from Gamebridge to Atherly. Ramara township website will be posting notices and closures when necessary. As well, the Ministry of Transportation has information on all current and future road and highway projects if you have a completely different route.
As many are aware Highway 12 handles single lane traffic both ways so, for those travelling north or south getting onto Highway 169 or another sideroad will shorten your actual contact with that particular stretch of highway. Try to avoid some drastic, never before taken or seen on a map shortcut ;)
I love to get outdoors and go camping with family and friends. There's something about transporting tonnes of gear to the boonies just to enjoy fresh air and a roaring campfire that makes me smile! Depending on who's included, a camping excursion could range from roughing it with no amenties to deluxe with bathrooms and power. For the most part I prefer to rough it yet with little kids in tow this isn't the easiest task nor always the sanest option ;)
When our kids were younger we made a point of taking one whole summer to visit all of the provincial campgrounds within a two hour radius. We had such an amazing summer with a few camping mini drama's on the side but that's par for the course anytime one attempts to escape 'reality'.
If you haven't already discovered Ontario Provincial Parks has a website where you can view every campground within the province. You can then make online reservations in advance which is incredibly helpful. It's easy to do and sometimes the only chance you may have of securing a spot! Check out the birds eye view of each campground ie; the washrooms, playgrounds, water, garbage, firewood, parking, beaches etc. then pick your ideal spot according to your needs.
The first camping spot we chose was Awenda Provincial Park located in Pentetanguishene, Ontario. With camping gear in check we headed off to nature's paradise... the shores of Georgian Bay overlooking the island known as Giant's Tomb!
Awenda was beautiful and I felt as though I had been transported back to British Columbia (where I'm from). The forest cover was incredibly lush, thick and green and the hills well, that leads me to a little story FYI...
Once settled we figured we'd head down to the water and be back up by dark. So, off we went and went ...it was the longest 'shortcut' we'd been on in awhile, or so we thought ;) Georgian Bay was stunning and the beach was perfect as you can see below our feet. But, downhill there means up hill to get back! Only this time we took the road...the second longest 'shortcut'! ...about 2 hours later we finally reached our campsite, the kids went to bed without a second thought and we hit the cooler for bevies and munchies. That's when we discovered our gigantic bag of M&M's (cracked open earlier and not put away) was now empty and jammed in to the bushes. Hmm, sneaky racoons! Beside's a few silly oversights on our part Awenda was a gorgeous place to camp and I'd recommend it to all nature lovers.
General camping tips...
- Read the map (more accurately than we did ;) or take the car first!
- Do bring enough water to accommodate little 'shortcuts'
- Don't leave food out for the critters, oops!
- Dress appropriately, it can get cool once the sun drops.
While camping at Awenda we did find Poison Ivy within the dry, grassy sand dune areas down at the beach. Stay on the trails or on the sand, don't wander into the bushes or off the beaten path.
Awenda Provincial Park
Phone # 705-549-2231
Penetanguishene, Ontario
...despite what just happened in Times Square, I'd still take this trip in a heartbeat! NYC shopping, people watching, wining, dining, dancing...wowsa, bring it on! ;)
As I look outside at my freckled lawn masses of Dandelions wink back at me snickering their heads off! ...and next it will be their offspring!!
What shall we do with all of these Dandelions that our 'green' society won't allow us to poison; must we must make like Marie Antoinette and cut off their heads?... or shall we harvest them!?
For the creative types a natural, dark red dye can be obtained from the root or for the hungry thirsty type you can make n' partake in Dandelion salad chased by some alcoholic Dandelion wine! Dandelions have health benefits too and are used in herbal teas both for pleasure and as a medicinal agent or tonic. Even the milky sap is used as a wart removal method. Who'd have thought such a bounty existed at our doorstep ;)
- Tear 1 cup young dandelion greens into bite sized pieces then eat!
Upon trying a leaf, I recommend trying the other option below and to top it with a generous portion of creamy garlic dressing and crispy bacon bits!
Deluxe Dandelion Salad Recipe
- 4 cups young Dandelion greens
- 2 cups fresh Spinach
- 1/2 cup Alfalfa Sprouts
- 1/2 Red Onion, thinly chopped in rings or half slices
- 1/4 cup fresh Parsley
- 2 chopped, ripened Tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp. fresh or dried Basil
- 1/4 cup Dandelion petals (sprinkle atop the salad as a finishing garnish)
- Bacon bits
Or...
You could kick the healthy salad and whoop up a party! Those Dandelion heads you wanna hack off make fine Dandelion Wine and for that you'll need these recipes and a party theme such as a Pig Roast BBQ. You'll also require loads of Dandelion flower heads with equal amounts of boiling water and sugar combined with lemons and oranges. Readily available ingredients and a fairly simple process makes this the option seem somewhat appealing, if only I liked wine!
I'm thinking your family will either love these creative approaches or they'll appreciate why 'they' need to cut the grass ;) ...my version of reverse psychology.
Tips...
- Do make sure young kids know and understand it's not safe to eat all flowers!
- Do use unfertilized Dandelions
- Do use the smaller, younger greens rather than older, large ones
- Do wash the greens thoroughly
- Do choose greens from a pet free zone (we don't want to taste their dislike of Dandelions)
- Do pick your greens (Dandelions, not your nose) before the flower blooms to lessen the bitterness
