At least once each winter we would take a family trip to Wahnuhke. Most times our method of following the frozen channels was by walking, skiing, horse-drawn sleigh or, when there was almost no snow on the ice, on skates. It was before the days of scoots, snowmobiles or ATVs. Most of we older membersContinue reading “Silver blades and wobbly ankles”
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Who used these ancient fireplaces?
Incurable cruisers. That describes Kenneth With, primarily, and his family, secondarily. The channels and islands between Honey Harbour and Parry Island, and even further to Pointe au Baril, were constantly beckoning to be explored. Those waters, however, have gaps that often must be crossed during high winds and formidable waves. Up to the limits ofContinue reading “Who used these ancient fireplaces?”
Boat building for War
Imagine a five-year-old boy whose father had gone overseas with the navy in World War 2. He might have become very interested in grey warships, despite his young age. If he had a chance to actually see one sliding into the water for the first time, it might have been a huge thrill. Such wasContinue reading “Boat building for War”
“Pipesmoke Of The Past”
How did the nearly 300 Metis, voyageurs, and others who quite suddenly populated Penetanguishene in the early 19th Century get there? Where did they come from? When the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States ended in 1814, Drummond Island in the St. Mary’s River was returned to the U.S. So Britain hadContinue reading ““Pipesmoke Of The Past””
Longevity on the Bruce
On a cliff above Georgian Bay at Lion’s Head is the oldest living tree in Ontario. It’s not a towering majestic pine or hardwood. It’s a lowly, twisted, gnarley white cedar that you probably wouldn’t give a second glance. Yet that tree has clung to its rocky perch for 1,316 years! Its remote and ruggedContinue reading “Longevity on the Bruce”
Catch and release, because you never know…
Does heredity make good anglers? I don’t know if Izaac Walton covered that topic in his fishing bible (The Compleat Angler, of 1653), but the Chisholm boys in the 20th Century cause me to wonder. If it’s true, Steve and Robin Chisholm came by their talent, first, through their father Sandy whom I remember asContinue reading “Catch and release, because you never know…”
The joys of small boats
The wonderful thing about small boats — 18′ or less — is that you can enjoy them in so many ways. And they are so economical compared to the shiny plastic brand name jobs in most marinas. Drop a 10 horsepower (or smaller) outboard motor on a 14′ aluminum boat, get youself a pleasure boatContinue reading “The joys of small boats”
Letting off steam
Back in the logging days on Georgian Bay and around the upper lakes, when the workers were paid off many gravitated to places where they could drink, laugh, and be merry — where there were wine, women and song. Two of the best known destinations were Midland and Parry Sound. Midland’s Dollartown, just east ofContinue reading “Letting off steam”
Puddleduck
Creating a memory after 75 years My father wanted a tender to use with the Blackduck. (This was even before the Egg.) So his boat-crazy son (myself, about 10) showed him a design in one of the catalogues I had collected. Dad sent away for the plans, ordered the wood, cut out the parts. ThenContinue reading “Puddleduck”
SWEETWATERS 