Do you remember what it was like waiting for Christmas to arrive when you were a kid? Perhaps recalling these memories floods you with a warm, fuzzy feeling or brings a smile to your face. The same things happen to thousands of people who have Muskoka in their blood. While it is a geographical location on a map it is also a world renowned playground and paradise. And it is the water that brings everything and everyone together.
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.