A Shout to Paddlers & Campers Everywhere We just returned from a few glorious days paddling in Algonquin. We needed forest recovery; the balm of sparkling lakes, fresh trout, cold beer and woodsmoke in our eyes. Makes me understand why there is an Algonquin Park sign on the 401. A national treasure in the backyard […]
Spring is in the Air Hoot ‘Spring is in the air’ – truly. We just heard the first woodcocks chirping over the swamp – leading to the obvious question – what on earth do the poor things eat? There’s no bugs that we can see flying about. The situation is sort of like a country […]
Cole Lake Location Opens April 1 Yup, the old paddling centre is stuffed to the gunnels with gear and boats, and we’ll be turning on the heat to start up on that most foolish of days. We’re usually open 9-5, 7 days a week but do appreciate you calling (705-203-2955) or setting up […]
Boat & Sport Show Dreams Wandering the hallways of big city boat & sport shows is a fine late-winter thing to do. Wafts of hot popcorn with make-believe butter, bright lights and shiny new boats with new things ’round every corner. A getaway from everyday life, stealing time to just walk and wander. In your […]
A Hoot and Holler as we round the far reach of our romp ’round the sun on this wild carousel of life! Winter Sales Our town shop at 19 James has deals galore as we keep the lights on through a dark winter. Every time you shop, we give you Squaller Dollars – a […]
Hi Folks Just had to have one last kick at the Christmas can. In the honour of underwear and making it brief, please hang on to your shorts and hope these thoughts are top drawer. If not, just giddyup and gird your loins, like a backwoods logger heading out the cabin on a frosty morn. Cute […]
Hi Everyone Quick update – thanks for listening, hang onto your shorts and away we go! Outer Island Poopy Project The thunderbox season is in the hole for another year:) We happily dug a lot this summer – and I say ‘happily’ as any day on the Bay is a fine one. Things are moving […]
Hi ho, hi ho. The path around the sun brings reflection both on the water and in our hearts. Reflections are a dazzling union of declining rays and still waters. Kathy and I were lucky to paddle in Quetico with our family recently and here is what danced in front of us as we paddled along… I find […]
September Days Big winds, lonesome sound of crickets, warm waters, the return of school and lost summer love. At once melancholy yet full of hope for paddling adventures still to come. September – a time of less folks, cool evenings, warm waters and stunning sunsets. Years ago, a singer-songwriter from Manitoulin Isle, Kevin Closs, visited the Squall […]
Dog Days of Summer Are Doggone by a Hair Did ya ever wonder what the “dog days of summer’ were? My bet is many of you likely know and maybe forgot. For those who don’t – it’s that blissful time when bars and theme parks let dogs in for half price. No? Oh ok – […]
A short epistle to help you live your best paddling life?! Outdoor Learning in Canada We have been asked to contribute a few paragraphs to an open-sourced project called Outdoor Learning in Canada (olic.ca) Specifically, they are interested in personal thoughts on the importance of lakes and oceans in how you learn and appreciate the […]
G’day from the Bay! We’re fast coming into the very best time in our lives ~ the one where we get to wander sweet water seas, sheltered by spectacular islands with sun-warmed rock inviting us to lie down and dream with the scent of summer pine… then jump into crystal clear waters unlike anywhere else […]