Spring is about to be Sprung

Hard to believe but after a short vacation away we returned to almost no snow.  How we could leave in early March with 3 feet snowbanks and return to bare front lawns is nothing short of spectacular, especially since all that melting occurred with very little flooding.  While winter in Muskoka is wonderful there is something exciting about the return of Spring.  Land formations that were hidden all winter have re-emerged virtually changing the landscape before your eyes.  Melting ice and snow provide wonderful photo opportunities especially with all the brilliant sunshine we have had of late.

Easter weekend is forcasted to be fantastic with lots of warmth and sunshine.  We expect many cottage owners to return and start the opening of their cottages early this year in anticipation of a better summer (hot and dry) than last (cool and wet).

Bring on the sun!

2010 Ontario Winter Games

Next weekend is the start of the 2010 Ontario Winter Games in Muskoka.  Beginning March 4th to the 7th, top Ontario athletes under the age of 22 will be competing in many areas of sport from snowboarding and skating to table tennis and Wrestling. 

Events are happening all over Muskoka in Bala, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Minett, Mount St. Louis, Rosseau and Sudbury. 

Huntsville will play host to Figure Skating (Jack Bionda Arena), Judo (Riverside Public School), Kickboxing (Deerhurst Resort), Table Tennis (Delta Grandview) and Wrestling (Deerhurst Resort).

For a complete list of events and schedule go to the 2010 Ontario Winter Game Website and come cheer on our up and coming athletes.

Winter Carnivals

More than half way through February and Winter Carnival season is upon us.  This weekend, Rosseau Lake College is holding its annual Winter Carnival.  They have everything from a Snow Jam competition, chili contest, snow sculpture competition, shinny hockey to the Polar Bear Jump.  If you dare, come prepared with your bathing suit and join the Polar Bear Members as they jump through a hole cut in Rosseau Lake.  The water may be cold but spirits are high. 

Come join the fun.

Family Day Weekend

Our first long weekend of the year is here and the weather is supposed to be fantastic gradually warming up from a -10 on Friday to -5 on Monday.  A few flurries here and there, but that adds to the winter fun.  If you are looking for some outdoor activities this weekend to keep the kids busy, Huntsville is the place to be.  You can choose from:


Downhill skiing at Hidden Valley; Cross country skiing at Arrowhead Provincial Park or Algonquin Provincial Park; Snow Tubing at Rock Ridge Park; or Snowshoeing and sleigh rides at Deerhurst Resort.

If none of these activities interest you, there is also skating on the lakes, snowmobiling on our many trails or ice fishing.  You decide and come make some Family Day Weekend memories!!!

Snow, Snow and More Snow

Nature graciously delivered lots of fresh snow this week, so winter activities are in full swing.  The good news is that this weekend, forcasted to be -9 and sunny, is not anticipated to be as cold as last.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, why not come out to Kearney (http://www.kearneydogsled.com/) and take part in the 16th Annual Dog Sled Races.  There is lots to see and do from family skating, bonfires, snow sculptures, to watching the races.  You might even learn a new word or two from the lingo that the Mushers speak!!!

How To Enjoy Winter When It is Minus 19 or More

Today is one of the colder January days we have had this year, although with the colder weather comes the brilliant sunshine which is an added bonus.  Today's forecasted high is -19 C, and a low overnight of -26C.  Certainly not for the faint hearted but this weather is necessary for local events to occur.

For the next few weekends (January 29-31, 2010 and February 5-7, 2010) the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championship are happening at Deerhurst Resort, http://www.canadapondhockey.ca/ 

Come out and see how Canadians have fun in the winter!