Silver blades and wobbly ankles

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”

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?”

“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…”