Cottage Country Lifestyle - Fall 2023

Welcome to the Fall Issue

I’s officially wear a sweater in the morning, and regret it in the afternoon weather. Crisp nights, and sunny days leave lots of time for play in the fall!

I know we love summer here in Cottage Country, but with the leaves changing and cooler weather creeping in, it’s not hard to say ‘oh hey fall, I’ve been waiting for you.’ Cozy sweaters and outings to places like the pumpkin patch, the apple orchard and fall fairs fill our weekends. Hikes we’ve taken all summer long seem new and exciting again with the trees changing colours, offering up some of the best views our region has to offer yearround! Even the flavours of fall hit different after a summer of BBQ, hearty comfort foods are back in the oven as evenings get short, and staples like pumpkin, apple and spices take center stage in the dessert realm. Everything just screams ‘warm and cozy’.

This fall we bring you a magazine packed with interesting reads. We have Abbey Gardens on the cover – our favourite place to celebrate all things fall! Check out their robust list of October events coming up, and make plans to visit them during their busiest month of harvest.

We caught up with singers Tim Hicks and Teigen Gayse as they got ready for local music festival Boots and Hearts. We shine a spotlight on local builders RWH Construction, and suppliers Monaghan Lumber as well as lots of fall design inspiration with exciting articles throughout the magazine. We are bringing you something new with ‘Meet the Writer’, where we include bios on some of our regular contributors.

Haliburton Highlands welcomes you this fall for their Hike Haliburton Festival; adventure is waiting, and so are the amazing panoramic views! Craig Nicholson our Intrepid Cottager talks about fall PWC riding, and we have fishing advice from both Mike Williams of Williams Outfitters, and Mike Quesnelle of GOAT Angling Adventures.

Fall goes fast Cottage Country! So get out there and enjoy all the wonderful events and cuisine that our lovely little region offers.

Wrap your fingers around a cup of something warm, curl up and enjoy this fall issue of Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine.

A Rock-Solid Dream Home

First, they had a dream, then they had a home, and now they have a legacy – thanks to the superior workman ship of RWH Construction.

Wayne’s vision began with a plot of land overlooking Haas Lake which he and his wife had owned for five years prior to building on it. Their primary residence was in Toronto, but they longed for a second home in cottage country. One where their extended family could comfortably gather together to create lasting memories.

It’s where they envisioned their ultimate dream home.

On the recommendation of a friend, Wayne contacted Ryan Hayter at RWH Construction in Fenelon Falls and they had their first consultation. Wayne says, “I come from a design background and my wife and I had plenty of ideas. We had gathered images and made sketches but we needed someone with the knowledge and skills to make it real.”

Under Ryan’s expert guidance, their dream would soon become a reality. The team at RWH worked closely with them to take their vision to the next level. As a full-service custom build and design company RWH took care of every detail, offering both architectural and interior design services.

The house was built using post and beam construction, the mechanics of which fascinated Wayne, “The quality of the workmanship is really outstanding, and the workers were always a delight - they would stop to tour us around whenever we came

to check the progress.”

He adds, “And the interior design team was fantastic at helping with cabinet colours, trim, and flooring – this was a collaboration, but they pulled it all together with their expertise.”

A key part of the couple’s dream was to find a way to connect the indoors with the outdoors. RWH blended the kitchen and dining room with the living room into one large area, allowing for a dining table big enough to seat 12 people. Adjoining this is a spacious 3-season room accessible through huge 18-ft wide sliding doors that fold up into a cove near the gas fireplace.

No country home would be complete without a wood fire as well, so they decided to install a second fireplace in the 3-season room. Since there is no basement, for added comfort they installed heated slab flooring throughout.

Continued on page 10

Cozy, bright, and welcoming, this area has become the heart of their home and it’s where the family spends most of its time. It brings them all so much joy to spend time together in one place while also having enough room to enjoy their own space. Wayne says, “As soon as you step in the door you get a sense of inner peace.”

The care and attention to detail shown by RWH left Wayne and his wife extremely satisfied with their experience,

“This was a different level of engagement, the team was so supportive – they are really conscientious builders.”

Nestled in the trees, with its stunning view and granite steps leading to the water, this home is a majestic sight to behold and leaves a legacy to be proud of. Wayne says, “It really is a dream come true to be living here.”

RWH Construction has 40 years of experience designing and building homes and cottages and they serve the Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Peterborough, North Kawartha, Trent Lakes, and South Durham region. Visit their website to view their portfolio and learn more about the comprehensive services they offer.

RWH Construction

13 Lindsay Street, Fenelon Falls 705 887 4773

www.rwhconstruction.ca

Family Fall Adventures in the

Charming Cottage Country

As the warm embrace of summer slowly fades, the enchanting allure of fall paints the landscapes of Cottage Country with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. Nestled in the heart of Cottage Country, I feel an exciting anticipation for the autumn escapades that lie ahead for my family. Autumn, sweet autumn, oh, how it's my favourite season! Exploring our community's surroundings brings a sense of joy and wonder. From family hikes and breathtaking lookouts to savoury local farm delights, autumn captures the true essence of cottage living.

Seeking a touch of activity? Well, we adore a classic climb up the Dorset Tower. This 30-meter tower, tucked away in the charming village of Dorset, gives us panoramic views of lakes, forests, and the mesmerizing fall foliage. Up top, vibrant colours weave a spell that's hard to resist.

Then one of our absolute favourites, the beloved Doube’s Trestle Bridge. Close to Omemee, it’s a stroll made easy on the Trans Canada Trail. Just as the name implies, Doube’s is an old train trestle bridge that now gracefully blends with the trail. Access is a breeze, and oh, the view! Wetlands below, farmland rolling out, and forests embracing all around. It's a leisurely walk, accommodating all ages. Littles can hitch a ride in wagons or strollers, or if speed's your

fancy, pedal through on bikes.

Next stop, the Panorama Lookout Park. Outstanding views and a quaint picnic spot with Minden unfolding below, a vista worth cherishing. Maple trees dance around the park, their colors cascading down the hill. And those trees, scattered like confetti throughout the town, by the river, and across the lakes—every bit a breathtaking sight.

One of the things I love most about the Cottage Country is that we’re blessed with bountiful farms, eager to embrace families with playful activities and mouth-watering harvest delights. From crisp produce to choosing pumpkins for decoration, or chasing through corn mazes, our region offers an array of sun-kissed delights perfect for a sunny afternoon.

Autumn wouldn't be the same without immersing in the joyful harvest celebrations and Fall Fairs. From farmer's market treasures to indulging in the warmth of freshly baked pies and apple cider, we savor each bite of the season. Our little ones jump into hayrides, giggle at petting zoos, and weave through corn mazes, crafting memories that'll last a lifetime.

The fall palette paints a stunning backdrop,

marrying tranquil farmlands to shimmering lakes, weaving a tapestry of wonder. As summer takes its bow, we eagerly welcome the enchanting beauty of autumn, ready to script new tales in our cherished Cottage Country.

By Danielle McNelly, Nortech Windows, Doors & Sunrooms www.nortechwindows.com

Your Local Build Support

We understand that building or renovating your home is an exciting experience, but also comes with a lot of work and tough choices along the way (possibly hundreds depending on the size!).

There are many moving parts, often determined by budget, timelines, and goals to accomplish. This responsibility may be that of the homeowner and let’s be honest – your time is very valuable! The market is saturated with so many products and as a customer it is very hard to be knowledgeable about it all. How will this perform? Do these finishes look good together? What is the installation process? What are my options!?

Monaghan Lumber Specialties carries an extensive range of products for your renovation or new build, making it a one stop shop to develop your selections. We help clients curate an exterior package, including siding, stone, doors, windows, decks and even your soffits! Meeting with clients often, our team of experienced associates are able to help gather sample options, laying them out to consider finishes and colours to see how they all mix together.

Let’s talk interior finishes!  Monaghan Lumber has one of the most extensive showrooms in the Kawarthas, offering flooring in a variety of materials, widths, lengths, and finishes! Flooring can be one of the biggest choices we make in the home. It covers the largest surface, taking the most wear in the home and impacting the overall design. Once the flooring finish is determined, you are ready to select your baseboard, casing, interior doors, and hardware. We can supply hollow, solid, or beautiful wood doors

(in several species) - in pre-hung, slab and pocket options, pairing with hardware from Taymor or Emtek.

Have you thought about your accent tiles, for the foyer, backsplash, or full bathroom? We can mix these samples into the whole home design to see how it will all come together! If you are looking to add a wood ceiling or wall finish, perhaps a shiplap or slat wall, maybe even a chunky beam or fireplace mantel to bring extra character. Another big step to get you to the next level – stair selections. We offer solid unfinished treads or premade treads to match your flooring (*brand specific) along with spindles, railing, and of course the structure. Finish it off with one of our many stains from Saman, Sansin, Rubio or Osmo to complete the look and you are almost there. After an appointment with Monaghan Lumber team members, we are confident we can check off most of the items you will need to pick, in one spot! From there we can ensure that the materials meet your budget, lead times will work and even bring it all to site for you.

Monaghan Lumber, 2129 Davis Rd., Cavan Monaghan (Peterborough)

Toll Free: 1-800-354-3195    Phone: 705-742-9353

www.monaghanlumber.com   info@monaghanlumber.com

FB @monaghanlumber    IG @monaghan_lumber

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

“How’s The Weather”

When I accepted a position and moved my family to this area, we were greeted and welcomed by one of the cities officials. We had relocated from Windsor where both my wife and I were born to Millgrove just north of Hamilton and then to Ennismore. In Windsor Dad used to plant radish seeds and harvest a good crop by the end of April so I was somewhat surprised and amused when he described Kawartha’s weather as being “six months of winter and six months of poor skiing”. When it snowed on May 14th our first year of residence, I was still surprised but no longer amused.

One of my employees used to refer to where I purchased our home as the “holy land”. When he spoke those words there was a hint of snide in his voice and I had no idea why. While at the local library I discovered “The Holy Land”, the history of Ennismore written by Clare Galvin. I liked the book but more so, I received quite an education. Apparently, there was hostility between the Catholics and Protestants going way back to the original settlements, Protestants colonized the Bridgenorth side of Chemong Lake and Catholics occupied Ennismore, known as the holy land, separated by a rickety old wooden bridge that washed out every spring.

Our daily activities were affected by the weather and since the only affordable house for us to buy was several miles from my main office and he lived only steps away from the business; if there was any drastic change in the weather I would have him call me so I could make the necessary decisions. One morning he called and informed me it was snowing. I apologized and said I am sorry but I did not understand. “Snow, snow,” he said, “you know the little white stuff that falls from the sky.” “Oh,” I replied, “in the holy land we refer to it as immaculate precipitation.”

It was a touché moment and he never mentioned the holy land again.

Windsor’s weather has always been erratic, snow one day, slush the second day and gone the third day. I remember when I was a young lad, one winter we had no snow at all. My wife and I were married in Windsor on March 27th, 1954. The day was gorgeous, the sun shone brightly, everyone wore their summer attire while the temperature teased the seventy-degree mark. We promised to drop in to see my Mom and Dad the following Sunday but were unable to. You guessed it, there was such a fierce snow storm that lashed out across the city that day no one was able to move let alone visit.

There are some dates etched into my mind not completely due to the weather but dates that affect me personally. The hottest recorded day in Windsor, Ontario is listed as June 25, 1988 when the thermometer reached 40 degrees Celsius. The second hottest day in Windsor was on July 14, 1995 when the temperature attained 39 degrees. Dad was welcomed into heaven in 1988 and Mom took her place among the angels in 1995.

Russ Sanders epigram@nexicom.net

Bring Cozinesstheof Fall Inside

Birchview Design

Another seasonal change will soon be upon us and many Canadians welcome the prospect of slowing down the social calendar, layering up our outfits and pumpkin spice…everything.

If this sounds like your vibe, you aren’t alone! Canada’s 3rd season is a definite fan-favourite of the four, but is also regarded as much too short. There are only so many days to get to all the markets, fairs, pumpkin patches and corn mazes before the weather changes seemingly out of nowhere, and we settle in for our long winter days. But, not to worry! At least in your own home or cottage, we can help to capture the cozy vibes of fall all year long. Read on for a few curated BDI tips and tricks that will keep you fallin’ in love (okay, we had to!) with your space, regardless of the season.

Curated for Cozy

When thinking about how to extend fabulous fall vibes into your interiors, space planning is key. What inside activities bring you joy? Who are you doing those things with? Examine your lifestyle and how you see yourself using the space from the begin -

ning moments of thinking about a renovation or a new build. This will help ensure you don’t need to make changes down the line; adding unnecessary stress, time and cost. Maybe you love to have friends over for football Sundays, showing off your latest bartending skills during a pre-dinner hang, or snuggling in and to watch your children’s favourite movie for the 42nd time, just because they love it so much. Whatever special moments light up your life; be intentional with your space and the planning it requires to make those moments the best they can be. A few ideas from our Juniper Bay project: a custom bartop table behind the couch for the best game-day views, a wall-to-wall wet bar with built-in appliances, glassware storage and durable finishes for the ultimate snack/drink station, and a fireplace with surround seating for the perfect movie or games night.

Layered Lounging feat. Texture + Tone

With the big-ticket items planned and plotted, you can focus on the finishes. Cue the cozy couches, chairs, and custom ottoman (this one is 4’ x 4’ that doubles as a soft landing for littles finding their footing, or a table for serving). Don’t forget a good sized

Birchview Design Inc. is an award-winning interior design team serving clientele in the Kawartha Lakes, GTA, and beyond. As a full-service studio, the firm offers an all-inclusive, simplified experience with elevated design expertise. www.birchviewdesign.com

Juniper Bay project in partnership with Timberline Custom Homes Inc.

area rug; this will add a layering effect that will warm both the physical and visual feel of the space. Lots of throws and toss pillows (try a down-alternative option if you have any allergy-prone folks around!) will create the perfect sprawling space - any extras can be kept in baskets for easy access and functional decor.

Selecting durable products that have earthier tones and organic textures will enrich the cozy aura and provide an effortless timelessness for years to come. If you love a more neutral version as opposed to the typical “fall colours”, try bringing in more blues and greens, whites and creams, wood tones, wools or velvets. Add a touch of plaid, and you will evoke the feeling of fall all year long through the coziness of your new space. Enjoy!

Photography: Ashley Adams @flashadams

Contributor Spotlight

Russ Sanders

Russ Sanders has been writing for this publication since it was the Causeway Connection in 1994. As our longest running contributor, Russ provides our readers with his interesting looks back on historical moments in time, while he shares his thoughts on the world today with his column ‘Those Were The Days’.

Russ Sanders was born in Windsor, Ontario in 1934, he will be eighty-nine years old in December, 2023. He met his lovely wife Catherine in Windsor where they were married seventy years ago. Together they have two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren and four great grand daughters.

Russ wrote his first article when he was twelve years old in grade nine bragging about our high school spirit and The Windsor Daily Star printed it. “Seeing something I had written and published for all to see was a life changing experience.” says Russ.

“Through the years I have written lyrics for country western songs, radio and television commercials, a published book ‘We Just Want To Sing The Songs’ that has been adopted by the War Amps Of Canada and placed in their Ottawa Library archives.

I began my twenty-three-year career in the Standardbred Racing industry in 1965 working part time with Windsor Raceway as Supervisor and after ten enjoyable years I accepted a position with Flamboro Downs, Dundas, Ontario as Operations Manager and Director of Mutuals for eleven years. Kawartha Downs was in financial trouble so I took on the General Manager position to get the track back on steadier grounds then, retired in 1985.”

Over a span of fifty odd years Russ has written for Windsor Daily Star, both Peterborough Examiner and Peterborough This week, Forever Young/Todays Seniors magazines, The Lakefield Herald, The Connection and presently the Cottage Country Lifestyle and What’s Happening magazines.

Russ says, “I have been honoured to have been invited as guest speaker for dozens of organizations, clubs and meetings and to read my poem Remembrance Day at cenotaphs on November elevens.”

He also has a successful small business called “Let Me Write It” specializing in low-cost mini biographies for senior men and women, or elderly couples.

“Life is an adventure, I have had my successes and failures but as long as my right foot follows my left, I will continue on.” – Russ

Sanders

Nik Manojlovich

Weekend at the Cottage has been sharing delicious recipes with Cottage Country Connections readers for a few years now. First launched as a recipe website over 5 years ago, weekendatthecottage.com also offers super-tasty food products that elevate the flavour of recipes from simple to amazing. They include barbecue sauces, spice blends, rubs and a dip. The company is the brainchild of Nik Manojlovich who’s no stranger to the food and beverage scene. Having worked in the restaurant and hotel industry Nik also created HGTV’s hit series Savoir Faire for which Nik received a Gemini award. Nowadays you’ll find him hanging out at the cottage where he creates memorable food, entertaining and lifestyle posts. He’s also developing even more delicious products coming to market soon. Stay tuned!

“Life is an adventure, I have had my successes and failures but as long as my right foot follows my left, I will continue on.”

A Year ‘round Destination

As the seasons change, so does Lockside – always offering one-of-a-kind shopping for you, your friends and family to experience. With a plentiful mix of home décor, Lockside insists helping to create living spaces in which to sit back, relax, and entertain throughout the year. With selections constantly changing throughout the seasons, they offer a multitude of choices from furniture, lighting, giftware, bedding, clothing and so much more.

Lockside has three shopping locations to serve you from. The original, in Young’s Point offers over 7,000 square feet of shopping, the second location in downtown Haliburton with over 5,000 square feet. The third location – online with website as well as social media e-commerce stores, offers consumer convenience and enables Lockside to serve customers from anywhere.

Created in 1987 in the heart of Cottage Country, Lockside is a multi award winning small business that operates year-round and offers a constantly changing selection. Visiting Lockside is more an experience than just plain shopping, and for this reason has become a favorite destination for locals and out-of-town visitors alike; attracting more than 100,000 visitors a year, so many in fact, that it is classified as an Ontario Major Attraction.

Design by Lockside

With an award-winning design service that complements the retail side of the business, Lockside is able to set itself apart from the rest with top-notch customer service from the beginning

of the shopping experience to the end. They want their design services to help with everything from buying the right piece of furniture to helping with turnkey projects. Renowned for their service that includes in-store, on-site and virtual consultations, they work alongside clients, giving guidance, and their services cover everything for your home, cottage, and commercial spaces. Lockside aims to make dreams into reality, and with their qualified staff catering to customers on any budget, in any location, with any look and style they get the job done. Staff are well versed in product knowledge, building floor plans, creating trending options for customers with color and fabric selections and more. Plus, their design service is complimentary with your purchase, and comparable to services that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars - at no charge!

Supporting Local and Buying Canadian Made

Lockside is always dedicated to supporting our communities by creating fundraisers and special events for local charities. Also, to our fellow Canadians by sourcing Canadian-made products and companies. Offering competitive pricing, superior quality, and specializing in custom Canadian-made furniture, Lockside wants you to know that by supporting our community and fellow Canadians, we make where we live stronger.

For more information, upcoming events, and promotions, please visit www.lockside.com and find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Meet the Board Behind the Association

Peterborough & The Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) is a non-profit organization, which is organized as a network of local professionals. PKHBA has represented the professional home building industry in Peterborough & The Kawarthas since 1956. Members include new home builders, renovators, sub-trade contractors, service professionals, manufacturers and suppliers of building products and government agencies.

Our mission is to associate the residential construction industry to create a collaborative, supportive forum to:

• Facilitate the development of sustainable businesses for our members

• Advocate for effective government policy

• Maintain positive consumer experiences

• Exchange experiences, information and best practices

MITCH CLEARY, President - Century 21 United Realty Inc.

Mitch grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, and his want to learn was greatly fueled by his upbringing. He spent his youth working for the second generation family home building business, Cleary Homes, charging his love in the technical fields of carpentry, new home construction, and building science.

Mitch’s grandfather, Leo Cleary, was integral in the early formation of PKHBA, and the Cleary’s have been active members from day one, including Leo, Pat, and Monique Cleary having the roles of President through the years.

Mitch is a Realtor and Partner with The Kamar | Cleary Team in Peterborough, which is a top producing team out of the Century 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage. Mitch and the team provide an innovative, full coverage approach to all things real estate. He is known for his Peterborough market updates and deep discussions and local interviews about anything real estate and housing related. You can find Mitch’s insights and interviews on the housing market on YouTube, but also on all major podcast platforms under The PTBO Housing Show.

Mitch joined the PKHBA Board of Directors in 2021, but has been an active member of the home building and real estate industries for many years. He is passionate about helping our community progress with its housing needs by using the power of market insights to help make better real estate decisions.

GARNET NORTHEY, Past President - Spotlight Home and Lifestyle Inc.

Garnet Northey is the president of Spotlight Home & Lifestyle. Garnet is also very involved in the home builder industry, from a local, provincial and federal level. Garnet is a passionate advocate for the building industry locally, provincial and nationally.

Here are some of his accomplishments:

PKHBA - President for 5 terms, Board Member

OHBA - Board Member

Chair, Governance Committee

Chair, Renovators’ Council

CHBA - Canadian Renovators’ Council Management Committee (Ontario Provincial Rep)

Fleming College - Program Advisory Committee, Carpentry

PAUL DIETRICH, Vice President - Dietrich Homes

Paul recognizes the need for high quality homes delivered for good value in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Paul understands the importance of superior workmanship, value and a client experience built on satisfaction and respect.

Dietrich Homes has been providing all of this and more for 35+ years. Paul credits his parents and family for his entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and dedication to his goals.

Paul is a strong supporter and advocate of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and is passionate about reinvesting in the communities he builds and develops in.

Paul is an active registered Homebuilder and Land Developer within The City of Peterborough and the Kawarthas since 1985. Paul has extensive experience in land development, new home and condominium development and construction, as well as expertise in Municipal Official Plans and Zoning By-Laws.

Registered and Qualified as a Building Practitioner with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul has been awarded an Excellent rating for 35 consecutive years by TARION Warranty Corporation.

Paul was recently awarded the prestigious Green member of the Year and Production Builder of the Year awards by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association.

JENNIFER HURD, Director - Reliance Home Comfort

Jennifer Hurd is the Key Account Manager for Reliance Home Comfort. She has been in the New Construction Industry as a Supplier for 15 years. Jennifer was the President for the Durham Home Builders Association 2013/14 and Director from 2007 to 2019. Jennifer has also been on the BILD Board of Directors in 2020 and now she is on the board of Directors for the Peterborough Home Builders Association. She takes great pride in her job and being a volunteer for our amazing Associations. She believes that the relationships you build in this industry is like no other. She is very proud to be in the New Home Construction Industry.

DON ARMITAGE, Director - Enbridge

Don Armitage was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. He’s enjoyed a long career at Enbridge Gas Inc., working in various roles throughout his 29 years with the company. Presently, Don is the Residential New Construction representative for the entire Kawartha area, including Peterborough, Lindsay, Millbrook, Norwood and Campbellford, and the sales lead of the provincial community expansion program. Don works closely with area homebuilders, renovators, and the HVAC contractor community promoting energy efficiency and helping people get value for their energy dollars. Don has been an active member of numerous boards over the years, including HRAI, HPBAC, DRHBA and PKHBA. Don is committed to promoting the benefits of connecting to natural gas, and advocates for its use in the building industry as a key component of our collective path to net zero and Ontario’s evolving energy transition.

MIKE KINGDON, Director - Chemong Home Hardware Building Centers

Mike Kingdon has been involved with the building business since he was 14. Mike had spent time building roof truss systems for 5 summers while in high school. During that time, he also worked in the lumber yard serving customers and doing small deliveries to customers. Mike then moved inside onto the sales desk helping retail and contractor customers.

Mike has always had an interest in carpentry as both his grandfather and father were involved with building homes. Mike enjoys being outside and being able to see what he has done at the end of the day, so he pursued a career in carpentry. Mike apprenticed and became a Licensed General Carpenter. During that time he was part of building many custom homes and smaller commercial jobs. It wasn't until an opportunity at Chemong Home Hardware Building Center was offered to him that he decided to hang up his carpentry tool belt.

SUSAN ZAMBONIN, Director - Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, has been passionate about the mission of Habitat for Humanity for 19 years. She was previously chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region and Habitat for Humanity PEI, and also served as executive officer of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association in PEI.

A Rotarian and volunteer, Zambonin has won several awards, including a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Charlottetown and an International Outstanding Contribution Award, Mentorship Award, and Award of Excellence from Habitat for Humanity Canada. She has been a board member, Global Village team leader, Affiliate Coach, and recipient of Habitat Canada’s first Mentorship Award.

ALEX DUKETOW, Director - Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board

Alex is a Student Success and Applied Technology Education consultant with the PVNC school board. He supports applied trades and innovative career-path programming for over 2,000 students, working with 80 staff, in high schools in the Cobourg, Clarington, Peterborough, and Kawartha Regions. Alex works in close partnership, on a monthly basis, with Fleming, Durham, Seneca and Loyalist College as well as the Kawartha Pine Ridge, Trillium Lakelands, Durham District, and Durham Catholic School Boards. He considers collaboration with industry to be the most important part of his work for the sake of student inspiration and readiness for the workplace. Alex, his wife, Miriam, and their family live just east of the town of Lakefield.

PKHBA’s vision is to build a progressive, diverse, local community where quality of life is supported through housing. Our members are community builders.

Winterizing Made for Canadian Winters

Fall has arrived, and with it comes cooler nights and crisp mornings. While the fall weather still leaves room for enjoyment of our seasonal retreats and recreational travel vehicles, it will soon be time to get them ready for the immanent freezing temperatures. Winterizing plumbing can be a stressful chore, draining water pipes and waterbased appliances can get tricky if any water is left behind.

Did you know merely draining your water lines will not stop water from settling in low points to freeze? Another go-to of ‘blowing lines out’ can result in water and condensation settling which can still cause your pipes to freeze and break – the safest way to protect your pipes is to fill them with plumbing antifreeze.

Canadian plumber Brian Feeney has years of hands-on experience and saw a need for an easier way to winterize; and so, he created a genius system to help get the job done. The Clozer is a flow-activated electric pump that is designed to pump non-toxic plumbing antifreeze into your water system to prevent freezing and rupturing of the pipes and lines. The remarkably user-friendly Clozer helps home and cottage owners protect against the costly damage frozen and burst waterlines can cause over the winter when properties are not being used.

How does it work? The Clozer connects to valves that are spliced into the hot and cold lines at your hot water tank. By simply operating the taps and fixtures the valves to the hot and cold lines are opened allowing The Clozer to pump non-toxic plumbing antifreeze through all the water supply lines; when the flow from fixtures turns from clear to pink you know you are done with that section of plumbing. No pre-draining or blowing out the water pipes is needed when using The Clozer.

“We had our Clozer installed in our seasonal cottage last summer and are 100% satisfied. It has reduced opening and closing time enormously, making both opening and closing quick, reliable and easy. Short winter visits to the cottage are now an even greater pleasure and a lot less work, since the pump is already primed when we arrive, and there are never any frozen pipes, popped elbows or broken faucets. We have no hesitation in recommending this product.” – N&T Wiles

If you are looking to simplify your winterization process in your cottage or RV this fall, call Brian and let him walk you through your easiest winterizing yet with The Clozer.

www.theclozer.ca 1-855-592-5888

In-between It’s

Sure, we’re no longer floating, bellies to the sky in our swimming hole or soaking up rays in the garden, but the sun, on the days it decides to put on a show, is much sweeter now. We appreciate it more.  We haven’t had a fire since last spring, so we appreciate it more too.

Autumn is the melting point of the life we’ve built since January and the darkness we’re headed towards; it’s the time to both reap the rewards and tie up the loose ends. It brings both shadow and richness with the in-between.

The simple pleasures of autumn in our home involve the peeling of many apples, the work shared by all available hands, the sweet smell of cinnamon, crustless pumpkin pie (for the gluten-free members), and piping hot cups of coffee enjoyed between my husband and I. It also involves the last-minute hustle to fill the woodshed with wood we should have prepared sooner and to pluck the carrots and potatoes before the ground traps them in until spring. We used to do these tasks alone, just he and I, but now

we appreciate the extra hands.

There is a rhythm to the work in a cyclical honouring of life, so I’ve been here before, many times over. I’ve tasted the sweetness of apple cider on my lips and watched as our wide-eyed little ones felt its spark. With a babe on my back and hand in each of mine, I’d caution them “not to spill” over their cup half-full, always close to my last nerve.

Now I pour them each warm mugs full to the brim because they’re older now, their hands still a bit too big for their bodies, but their bellies never satisfied. Truthfully, I know that many of these autumn rituals have lived out their sweetness in our home, and that the ones that remain are extra rich. And while this in-between, rolls far too quickly into the next, it’s not all bad, the change in season.

Jacquelyn Toupin is a birthkeeper & intuitive healer supporting women to evolve into their truest selves. You can follow along on her Instagram @the.art.of.mothering

not all bad, the change in season.

Rules of Design

Some rules are meant to be broken: occasionally playing hooky, having breakfast for dinner, or skipping the work-out once in a blue moon, in favour of an indulgence. On the other hand, certain rules should be followed at all costs, including some rules of design. As a designer, these are the three rules I always follow and why you should, too.

Always put function first. There’s no arguing the appeal of aesthetically pleasing pieces, but if they don’t serve a purpose, they are just “filler.” Don’t get me wrong, sometimes that function is to adorn, or to serve a more practical purpose. But at the end of the day, if it doesn’t contribute to the space in a clear way, it’s what I call “clutter.”

Before you bring anything new into your home, or make the call to hold onto an existing item, ask yourself: Does it work? Does it fit within the style and space parameters? Do I need it/love it/want it? If the answer is “yes” to all three, then by all means, find a great place for it. But if you’re on the fence, then consider whether this particular item might be better suited in another room, or perhaps in another home!

Measure twice, buy once. I’ve adapted this golden rule a bit from its original form, but the meaning holds true. Do your prep work. Measuring is a small but meaningful step, and when it comes to spending your hardearned money, it’s worth repeating: measure

before you buy anything. Not doing so can result in having to spend more than is required – or desired – on a given item.

Measure your space, and have these standard specs on hand as you plan your space:

• Seating is typically about 18 inches high. The dimensions of your sofa and chairs will factor into your choice of coffee table and side tables.

• The length of your coffee table should measure approximately two-thirds the length of the sofa.

• When arranging furniture in a sitting area, leave a gap of about three to 10 feet between seats.

• The dining table should allow 30 inches per diner.

• Hang artwork at eye-level, about 56 inches from the floor, or six to 12 inches above a surface, like a fireplace mantel.

• Leave a one- to two-foot gap between the area rug and wall.

When measuring, look beyond the walls of the room and consider how the piece of furniture will need to move through the home, in order to reach its final resting place. Measure doorways, hallways, the elevator and ceiling height, taking note of windows, doorways and any other large-scale furnishings or focal points that may affect its positioning.

Don’t fill every inch. I can’t stress this rule enough. Negative space, or those areas strategically left empty, bring balance to your “stuff” and create breathing room for your furniture, accessories and art to shine. Too much furniture, tchotchkes on every surface, and shelves crammed creates the appearance of clutter. Aesthetically speaking, less really is more. From a practical perspective, leaving strategic gaps between furnishings gives you room to move through the home.

Good design should be both beautiful and practical. It does not have to be complicated, and certainly not difficult to achieve. When decorating your space, do what feels right, and you can’t go wrong.

By Bren Petrunick

Bren Petrunick is the creative founder of award winning Simply White Interiors. For two decades this notable Niagara based design firm has become sought after for providing stylish and uniquely personal interiors. Servicing Niagara ,Cottage Country , GTA, Ontario swi.design @simplywhiteinterior

Is a Gaggle of Geese Causing You a Gaggle of Issues?

If you have a shoreline property and are having issues with Canada Geese and the amount of droppings they leave on your lawn, it could be that you are unintentionally inviting them. There is no doubt that Canada Geese are attracted to shoreline properties that have mowed grass to the water’s edge. Why? This offers ideal habitat. Manicured grass provides a preferred food source, it provides an unobstructed view of the lake so they can watch for predators, and it provides them with easy access in and out of the water.

Fortunately, there is an easy way for you to take back your lakefront –you just have to make it less attractive for Canada Geese. The easiest way to do this is to create a shoreline buffer – a strip of native vegetation on your land along your shoreline. Doing this removes their easy access in and out of the lake, takes away their unobstructed view of predators, and makes it so they cannot see that tasty, green grass on the other side of your buffer.

To create a buffer, you can simply stop mowing a section of your lawn along your shoreline. Seeds brought in by wind and wildlife will begin to grow. You can also plant native tall coarse grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildflowers. Your buffer should be tall enough so that geese cannot see over the vegetation and should be dense enough so that they cannot see through it. Having a buffer that is at least 10 m wide will also help protect your shoreline from erosion and help filter contaminants before they enter the lake. Including a narrow S-shaped path will provide an easy route for you and your family to access the water without making it visible to the geese. Soon you will have a beautiful swath of vegetation that will attract pollinators and songbirds yet will be unappealing to Canada Geese.

Canada Geese play important ecosystem roles as an essential part of the food chain and helping disperse seeds. They are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

For more information on how you can show your lake some love, visit LoveYourLake.ca. Love Your Lake

is a shoreline evaluation program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada.

Written by Terri-Lee Reid, Freshwater Researcher with the Canadian Wildlife Federation

Cottage Memories

Chronicles of A City Boy’s Life In The Country

FEEDING FRENZY

Labour Day is my signal to get to work losing extra weight gained over the summer. That happens because life at the cottage is full of gastronomic surprises. Such as multitude of ways to pig out. In other seasons, I control overeating by not dining out, not shopping too much, and by chasing escaped Huskies down my cottage road.

If all else fails, I practice my dubious culinary skills, which the wife says are why our dogs try to run away. Despite my other sure-fire diet techniques like forgetting the steaks, burning the burgers, getting flies in the salad and bugs in the baking, enough of the wife’s succulent creations make it through to choke the elephant I’ve morphed into by September.

Meanwhile, as if I can't be counted on to do enough damage of my own, folks are always trying to force feed me. Cottage summers abound with frequent socials, bounteous feasts and serious gorging. Simmering aromas and gourmet spreads only serve to tantalize taste buds in anticipation of each copious banquet. My overindulgent partaking requires therapeutic recovery in my reinforced lounge chair until the next dinner bell.

One bloated day, the wife noticed something in the local paper called a ‘Strawberry Social’. Never having met a berry socially, we attended the event at a nearby church in the hope that reverence would curb excess. Instead, we had discovered a veritable cornucopia of culinary delights. Laid out buffet style with no servers to slow down our collective gluttony. A paradise of casseroles, salads, roasts, and baked goods displayed for the more-than-once taking. It was all I could do to drag myself over to socialize with those strawberries for dessert. I'm nothing if not polite.

Once hooked, we ate our way through summer weekends of epicurean indulgence. A turkey supper here, a beef bar-b-cue there, here a pig roast, there a pancake breakfast. Bake sales. Corn roasts. Fish Fries, roadside snack shacks, veggie stands and chip trucks. It wasn’t for snow alone that I had to switch to four-wheel drive and heavy-duty suspension.

A 'wild life' bar-b-cue was another summer highlight. Expecting the rural

equivalent of a frat party, I arrived in my wildest attire. But my rowdiest moments were the game of horseshoes where I threw a ringer around some guy's ankle, and a sack race where I hopped out of my shorts. At the fire pit, several hunks revolved on a slow turning spit. Great sloppy paint brush strokes basted meat with mysterious marinade accompanied by frequent geysers of well-shaken beer. “Roast beef,” I inquired?  With relish, the basters identified the main course: “That big one's bear. That flank's venison and the small one is beaver. There's also squirrel and rabbit and coon. Wanna sample? Containing my enthusiasm, I declined, then hurried over to the wife who was also eyeing the meat. “Roast beef,” I confirmed. “Use lots of relish.”

By dinner, everything was cut and carved and burnt to a crispy sameness. So I never did learn whether I'd gnawed on Smokey or Bugs or Bambi. Maybe because I conjured an image of Elsie the Cow with every mouthful. The wife, connoisseur extraordinaire, commented on the subtle taste differences between each beefy bite. “Grain versus grass fed”, I reassured her, with even more relish.

When our smorgasbording free-for-all ended at Labour Day, I’d discovered that every groaning board had its delights and disasters, treats and terrors – and juggling my two heaping plates made it tough to differentiate between them. Also that, for every prize-winning family recipe, I’d always have to spit a bite or two into a handy napkin – usually from a dish that no one ever owned up to. I also discovered it's a challenge to socialize with your mouth full. Even if it’s with strawberries.

Inevitably, the wife realized wild life isn’t beef. Since she prefers to know exactly who's being eaten, we’ll be dining from our cottage kitchen until next summer. We may not have the choices or the bounty, but I’ll be able to get through doorways again – and the wife will be able to answer with confidence when anyone asks: “Where’s the beef?”

Craig Nicholson is a long-time Kawarthas cottager who also provides tips and tour info for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com and for PWC riders at intrepidcottager.com.

Neighbours Serving Neighbours

In today’s world, so many of us are looking for a rural retreat. The quiet coziness of rural living and cottaging provides our minds and souls with much-needed rest from the hustle and bustle of city life. Trees blowing in the wind, the way the sun sets on an uninhabited hillside, those are things you do not find among high-rise buildings. But there is one thing about rural life that many of us are not able to live without: reliable internet.

In today’s age of immediate information; web searches, and Google – we have come to rely on our connection with the internet to communicate with our social circle, stream and download our favourite binge-worthy shows, and even stream our brain-building podcasts and meditation music. A reliable connection to the web is a must-have, especially for those who opt not to commute, and work remotely among the trees.

Enter Cable Cable, the steadfast business built in 1983 in Fenelon Falls, who still work out of the same office! Cable Cable is a fullservice cable and fibre internet provider in the cottage country region. The company was acquired by Rogers in 2020 and this has allowed them to expand and offer premium services like Rogers Internet, TV, home phone and streaming, as well as the opportunity to serve more communities. Since 2020, they have grown to serve Kirkfield, Rosedale, Burnt River and Four Mile Lake, among many other rural areas.

Cable Cable is an active member in their community, and believes in supporting many resident initiatives that help the people who live, work, and play locally. Support is offered via donations and sponsorships to local hockey and baseball teams, more well-known organisations like Kawartha Lakes Food Source, Women’s Resources and The Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes, as well as many other deserving charities, educational facilities, and local groups and movements.

With the majority of its team members being folks who live and play in the region they serve; Cable Cable’s tagline says it all: ‘Neighbours Serving Neighbours!’

An ever-growing company, Cable Cable looks forward to launching new wireless internet products that will get more underserved communities connected, closing the digital divide, and bringing us closer together – while still living far apart amongst the trees.

www.cablecable.net 16 Cable Road, Fenelon Falls

Toll Free: 866-887-6434

Local: 705-887-6433

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

By Emily Ireland

2023 Boots & Hearts Festival

Summer festivals bring together a crowd not found at just any other concert. Weekend festival goers are there not just for the music, but for the experience that only a gathering of this sort can offer.

The Boots & Hearts Country Music Festival offers music lovers the chance to enjoy a fantastic collection of industry bests all in one place. The festival which takes place at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario began in 2012 and has grown into one of the biggest, most well-known outdoor music festivals in Canada.

This year the usual country music lineup saw a new blend in music, with the inclusion of rock favourites Nickleback, Big Wreck and JJ Wilde. Main stage country headliners included Boots alumni and fan favourite Keith Urban and country music superstar Tim McGraw headlined the main stage while Breland, and Tyler Joe Miller hit the Front Porch Stage for the very first time. Other acts that entertained fans all weekend included Riley Green, Hardy, Tim Hicks, Josh Ross, Lauren Alaina, Tim and the Glory Boys and so many more!

The festival brings together a wide-ranging crowd of people from young to old, all gathering, laughing and dancing together in the name of good music, and a good time. Music fans party through four days, enjoying live music and festival fun, with intimate performances at the Front Porch Stage, while dancing the night away with the larger-than-life talent rocking the main stage.

As the sun sets on Burl’s Creek your eyes are drawn to the lights which emanate from the enormous ferris wheel that gives you a top of the world view of the event grounds. There is a certain adrenaline that flows through the crowd as the moon comes up and everyone gears up for the party of the summer.

You always head home from Boots with new friends. While camping under the stars the party happens amongst all the tents and trailers. New weekend neighbors brought together by their love of country music leave as friends, with a cheers to beers and a plan to connect next year.

We had the chance to catch up with some Canadian favourites this year prior to making their Boots appearances. Check out our Q&A with Tim Hicks and Teigen Gayse.

Main Photo Credit: Chris Ashlee Tim Hicks Photo Credit: Corey Kelly

Teigen Gayse

In August I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with up-and-coming singer/songwriter Teigen Gayse as she got ready to play the Boots and Hearts music festival in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. We had a great chat about all things music career, scary movies, social media and dreams about Pug rescue farms – here are some of the Highlights.

Q: Who would you say you are most musically inspired by?

My biggest influences and inspirations growing up, my very first one from what I can remember thinking oh I wanna be like them was Taylor Swift of course, like I’ll never forget ‘Our Song’ coming on in my best friends room when I was in grade 4 and I was like ‘wow I want to be like her!’ Casey Musgraves, she’s the one who really got me into song writing you know, her song writing was just so cool and so she was a big inspiration growing up – so was Shania Twain. I love Morgan Wallens music right now; I am really big into Dan + Shays music right now – I feel like it’s always changing. I went through a big Thomas Rhett phase and Parker McCollum. All of these! I find artists and albums that I get fascinated and obsessed with and I kinda do my deep dive.

Q: What is your favourite part about playing live?

You know I think, you get such a high such a rush and I always get a little bit of nerves before I go on, and I know its just because I care so much and I love what I do and I hope that that never goes away –but it’s like a drug, its so fascinating the high you get being on stage there’s nothing quite like it when people are singing your song back to you; you’re giving people a good time, and they came there to see you – what a rush! It’s amazing, the best feeling in the world.

Q: What do you do with your downtime when you aren’t on tour? And what would you be doing if you weren’t pursuing music? Well, I love, to Hike. I live in Kelowna (British Columbia) and there is just the most beautiful hiking in that area, so that’s fun. I love working out, I try to make it to the gym as much as I possibly can. I am a big scary movie fan, people probably wouldn’t expect that – if I am going to watch anything its going to be scary movies, so if were going to be friends you have to watch scary movies with me.

Q: If you weren’t playing music on a professional level what would you be doing?

Oh, I love acting. If I could be an actress that would be so cool and fun; but honestly, I would probably be running a Pug farm somewhere, saving all of the Pugs in the world. I love Pugs, I have a Pug tattoo, I have a pug myself – I’d be running a pug shelter!

Q: You are from a small town in BC, Canada – and I read that you are of Metis descent, how does your culture play a role in your music and career?

I grew up in a small town in Northwern BC, in the most wonderful Indigenous community, they believed In me so much and they helped me get through college and have been some of my biggest supporters. Funny that you asked, I was on a billboard this morning in Toronto for Spotify because Spotify asked me to curate this months (August) Indigenous playlist which was really exciting. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to hone in and discover new Indigenous artists in Canada, because it wasn’t just country music it was all genres, so I got to really dive in and do some digging and I found so many incredible artists that are Indigenous that I hadn’t heard before so that was really exciting. Ultimately, I just want to make the Indigenous community proud, I want to make my family proud, so I am just really grateful that I have my Indigenous community back home to thank, because if I didn’t have them I wouldn’t be here today.

Photo Credit: Kayla Bowie Creative www.teigengayse.com

Tim Hicks

I had the chance to catch up with Canadian country music star Tim Hicks before he got on stage at this year's Boots and Hearts Festival, and though we chatted for some time – here are a few of the highlights

Q: Who Inspires you? Musically, or otherwise?

I’ve had a lot of people who have supported me and believed in me on the way. I would say especially my wife, who at my lowest point you know, before any of this happened, I remember it like it was yesterday – her coming home from work and I was so sick of playing bars and dealing with bars owners who were nickel and diming; and I asked her if she could get me an interview with the region (She’s a public health nurse) and she said If you don’t mind me asking why? And I said, I’m sick of working nights and dealing with drunk people, and she said ‘oh boo-hoo you get to go out every night and do what you love to do, how many people can say that? I think you need to find value in that. I don’t care what you do as long as you’re holding up your end of the bargain’, that sort of energised me at a time when I was thinking about hanging it up. It sorta just gave me the push to keep going, and it wasn’t too long after that that I got the call that we were headed to Nashville. So, I would say that she is my biggest cheerleader and a huge inspiration for me and obviously a muse for my creativity –especially those love songs.

Musically I listen to all kinds of stuff, I love Canadian stuff – uniquely Canadian stuff like the Hip and Blue Rodeo, those guys they’re part of the reason I only every dreamed about being a star - for lack of better terms - in Canada you know, that’s why I haven’t gone after the thing in the States – its enough for me to be able to tour and keep the lights on doing that. I see people in the produce section at Zehrs and they’re like ‘hey great record!’ and that’s enough for me.

Q: You are from the Niagara region is that still home base? Yes, I was born and raised in Niagara Falls and live in St Catherines now, and have for a long time. We’re in the same house we were before I got a record deal with the same Neighbours who are very protective of us. We love it, we have a great school very close by that my kids go to with great teachers. We tried Nashville, we moved there for 6 months when I was working on the 3rd record and there’s lots about Nashville that I love – but at the end of that we looked at each other and said ‘time to go home’.

Q: What has been your most memorable show to date? That’s a good question because its like a blur now, but there is one and I’ve been talking about this a lot today and I think that’s why it comes to mind. 10 years ago today it was the first time ever that I was introduced as a recording artist, which sounds inconsequential but in the moment it was emotional. For working all those years and not seeing any success, and then all of a sudden standing backstage at Boots and Hearts at the kickoff party and listening to 15,000 people chant your name, and then they said ‘ladies and gentleman, Open Road recording artist Tim Hicks!’ I couldn’t help but well up it was emotional, and I still think about that show to this day – and I’m still playing with the same guys I am about to headline it with which makes it extra special – I still play in the band that we played the bar scene with 15 years ago, it’s special to get to that with those guys.

Photo Credit: Lee Zavitz www.timhicksmusic.com

10 Tips for Safely Transporting Your Boat

If you love spending time with your boat out on the water, then it's important to take the proper steps to ensure a safe transportation experience. Whether you're driving to the lake for a weekend of fishing or hauling your boat across the country for a summer vacation, following these ten tips will help make the process go smoothly. From properly securing your boat to using the right transportation gear, we have everything you need to know to get from point A to point B with your boat in tow!

#1. Make Sure Your Boat Is Adequately Secured

Before you even think of hitting the road, it's important to ensure that your boat is properly secured. Start by making sure that the straps used to tie down your boat are in good condition and that they're placed correctly around the hull. Make sure you use ratchet straps so they can be easily tightened and won't come undone during transit.

#2. Choose The Right Trailer For Your Boat

Knowing which type of trailer is best suited for your particular

make and model of the boat will help to guarantee a safe journey. Selecting an appropriate size and weight capacity for the trailer is essential; this includes checking the brakes, tires, lights and other components to ensure they work properly before loading your boat.

#3. Inspect The Boat For Signs Of Damage

Before loading your boat onto the trailer, take a good look around to make sure there are no signs of wear and tear or any other damage that may need to be addressed before transporting it. Inspecting your boat in this way will help you avoid any surprises while on the road, and reduce the chances that something could happen during transport.

#4. Pack Essential Items For Transportation

Make sure to have all your necessary supplies with you before hitting the road- this includes safety equipment such as flares, a first aid kit, tools to help make repairs and extra fuel in case of any hiccups while out on the road.

BUYING OR SELLING HOME OR COTTAGE

Buying or Selling a home or cottage can be a stressful process if you don’t have the right real estate agent. Let me show you the difference of working with a local professional agent can make.

705.868.4239

tcoons@ballrealestate.ca www.taracoons.ca

#5. Understand Trailer Towing Laws

It's important to know the laws surrounding trailer towing, as they vary. Make sure you check with your local laws before taking off in order to understand what is required of you while driving with a trailer attached. This includes weight limits, length regulations, and other applicable rules that must be followed.

#6. Avoid Overloading Your Boat And Trailer Combination

It's essential that you don't overload the capacity of your boat and trailer combination when transporting it; this can lead to serious safety issues and may result in costly fines if caught. Always make sure you don't exceed the maximum weight limit of your towing vehicle, as this can cause stress on both the trailer and its contents.

#7. Take Frequent Breaks During Long Trips

When hauling your boat over a substantial distance, it's important that you take frequent breaks in order to reduce the chances of fatigue or an accident occurring. Ensure you're well-rested before taking off each day and take the opportunity to check your boat and trailer during breaks to make sure everything is still secure.

#8. Have Boat Insurance

It is important to have boat insurance before transporting your boat. Boat insurance will cover any damages that may occur during transportation and can come in handy if you're ever involved in an accident. Make sure to double-check what is covered by the policy prior to taking off to understand exactly how you are protected.

#9. Use Caution When Driving Through Inclement Weather

When hauling a boat, extra caution should be taken when driving through bad weather conditions such as heavy rain, sleet or snow. Make sure you drive at a safe speed with your headlights on so other drivers can spot you and give you enough room to maneuver safely if needed.

#10. Regularly Check All Straps And Equipment

Finally, it's always a good idea to check all straps and equipment regularly throughout the journey, even if you've performed a pre-trip inspection. This will ensure that everything is secure and reduce the chances of any accidents occurring due to loose or faulty equipment.

MD Marine Insurance. We have a team of experienced professionals ready to provide you with the protection you need while out on the water. www.mdmarine.ca today for more information.

Weekend at the Cottage Recipes

THE PERFECT FRENCH TOAST

secret to this French Toast recipe is the bread. Trust us and use challah and you will taste the difference. www.weekendatthecottage.com/perfect-french-toast-recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 challah loaf, 8 slices

• ½ cup whole milk

• ½ cup 35% cream

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 pinch of nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 4 teaspoons butter

• 4 teaspoons canola, vegetable, or corn oil

SERVE

• butter

• pure maple syrup

• assorted fresh berries

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare bread: Slice challah into 1- to 1½-inch slices.

2. Prepare sugar and spice mix, if using: 1 teaspoon of mixed spices to sugar, stir to combine.

3. Prepare egg batter: Place eggs in a medium-sized liquid measure or bowl. Add honey, cinnamon, vanilla and salt and whisk to combine, making sure there are no streaks of egg white within the mixture. Add the milk and cream and whisk again to combine. Pour the egg mixture into a pie plate or shallow dish.

4. Cook the French toast: Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large non-stick skillet to temperature on moderate heat.

5. Place 2 slices of bread into the egg mixture letting it soak for about 2 minutes. Flip the bread and soak the other side for 2 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the hot skillet and melt, then add 1 teaspoon of oil and stir or move pan to combine. Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Total cook time will be 4 minutes. Place the cooked French toast on the sheet pan and keep it warm in the oven. Fry the remaining soaked bread slices, wiping the pan and adding new butter and oil each time.

6. Serve hot with butter and maple syrup or berries and cream.

CHICKEN WALDORF SALAD

Moist tender chicken, crunchy Granny Smith apples, sweet grapes and crunchy walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad combination is a classic for a reason. www.weekendatthecottage.com/chicken-waldorf-salad

INGREDIENTS

For the dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• juice of half a lemon

For the salad:

• 5 ribs celery, chopped

• 2 cups red grapes, quartered

• 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped

• 2 cups roast chicken, chilled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped

• 1 cup walnuts, rough-chopped or broken by hand

• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and lemon juice in a small bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

2. Place prepared celery, grapes, apple, chicken and mint in a medium-sized bowl. Add dressing and toss. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Transfer portions to plates and sprinkle with walnuts. Serve immediately.

2023 Autumn Studio Tours

Fall is here and it is the perfect time for a drive; the leaves are putting on a show and so are local artists! Fall brings with it the season for Autumn Studio Tours, beginning in September. Plan a self guided tour every weekend up to and including Thanksgiving weekend and experience some of the most creative studios and curated artistic experiences our region has to offer.

If you have not had the experience of a planned studio tour before, we encourage you to plan a day on the road; the joy of fall in Cottage Country is that there are

so many sights to see while you travel from studio to studio. The Studio Tour experience is not like visiting a gallery or a gift shop. Juried artists from six different Studio Tours are ready to welcome you into their creative worlds, where you can learn about their inspiration, their process and why they love what they do. Artists are on site to walk you through their spaces, and tell the stories that accompany their inspired work.

Some artists open their space to guest artists, this creates an interesting dynamic for the visitor where you get to experience multiple mediums in one space. Be sure

to check out each tour website for a complete list of artists and maps to get you on the road.

Consider checking off your gift-giving list by purchasing beautiful pieces of art for your loved ones or treating yourself to something special in support of local artists whose works include painting, woodworking, jewellery, glass blowing, fibre art, photography, metal art, stained glass, pottery and so much more. You will find decorative art, functional art, outdoor art, wearable art, and perhaps even art which defies definition.

Apsley Studio Tour

Sept. 17 – 18 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Download map → www.apsleystudiotour.com

Northumberland Hills Studio Tour

Sept. 9 - 10 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Download map → www.northumberlandstudiotour.ca

Bancroft & Area Autumn Studio Tour

Sept. 16 – 17 & Sept. 23 – 24 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Download map → www.bancroftstudiotour.org

Victoria County Studio Tour

Sept. 23 – 24 & Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Download map → www.victoriacountystudiotour.com

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour

Sept. 23 – 24 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Download map → www.agp.on.ca/kast

The Studio Tour – Haliburton Highlands

Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 & Oct. 7 - 8 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Download map → www.thestudiotour.ca

Daytripping Feature

Fall is here Cottage Country – and what better way to celebrate than by getting outdoors and getting to know this great region!

With so many small towns and quaint villages in Cottage Country, there is always something happening in our region. Fall Fairs, harvest festivals, farmers markets and community dinners are all abundant. Hiking in the fall draws a whole new crowd, eager to see the Canadian shield burst with the vibrant blazing colour of the leaves changing colour; and there is no shortage of curated trails and adventures available to visitors in our region.

In this issue we have some suggestions for fall daytripping –and

we would love to direct you to a few of the great attractions, events and businesses here in Cottage Country.

We invite you to travel the area we call home; make a stop in every small town dotting the countryside. Along one of the many beautiful roads leading through charming towns and villages you will find amazing food, inns and resorts, events and glorious Cottage Country sunsets from a new perspective.

We love to hear from our readers – connect with us anytime to share your stories, photos and comments at  cottagecountrylifestyle@gmail.com

Photo credit: Abbey Gardens

October Happenings at Abbey Gardens

At Abbey Gardens, October is one of our favourite times of the year. Not only is October our busiest month for harvesting our two-acre vegetable garden, it is also a month where our property has a hub of activity!

Abbey Gardens is charitable organization with a mission to re-green our site - 380 acres of former gravel pit! - into a space for recreational, educational, ecological and economic development opportunities for our community to live more sustainably. Abbey Gardens is a community destination in Haliburton County, and there is always something fun happening for the whole family.

One of the biggest events we celebrate in October is our annual Fall Festival, a family-friendly event that takes place on Sunday, October 1st from 12pm - 4pm. This year festival activities will wind throughout the property, with wagon rides to move between the main festival space at the gardens, the snacks and treats at the Food Hub, our handsome (and very photogenic!) ponies at the pony paddock, and of course our pumpkin patch! Guests can take pictures with our festival cutouts, pose with their prized pumpkin, or even catch the blooms at our sunflower patch!

Guests can refuel with wood fired pizza from the Into The Blue food truck or gourmet poutine and mac and cheese at the Food Hub, plus hit up the snack bar for festival favourites like caramel apples, cotton candy, popcorn, and more! We’ll also have a full day of activity stations for the kids, including face painting, cookie decorating, pumpkin crafts, and more, PLUS a scavenger hunt throughout the garden (perfect for running off some snack bar induced energy!). This year we’re adding even more fun with midway games and some fun inflatable surprises. Festival tickets are $20 and are available on our website at abbeygardens.ca.

For the adults, the Little Pit Drive In - Canada’s first off grid drive in! - screens Halloween movies all month long, including classic horror movies, thrillers, and family favourites like Hocus Pocus. We’re also hosting our second annual Haunted Trail Experience! Last year we took guests on a wagon wide through our haunted trail, and this year we’re extending the scares by doing trail walks instead - a dark, winding route through the woods with plenty of surprises along the way. On October 28th we’re closing out spooky season with a costume party featuring live music, our friends at Haliburton Highlands Brewing, and delicious treats.

With so much to do, it’s easy to forget that Abbey Gardens also has many amenities year-round that visitors can enjoy at

their own pace. Our public trails wind throughout the entire property, and our NEW 18-hole disc golf course includes a trail system that explores a whole new area of the property, including a secret meadow and a historic log chute!

No matter what activities you explore at Abbey Gardens this October, you’re guaranteed to make some family memories! Celebrate the season with us all month long - we can’t wait to see you!

Abbey Gardens

www.abbeygardens.ca

705 754 GROW (4769)

info@abbeygardens.ca

Stupendous Smallmouth Bass

Shorter days and longer cool nights signal the beginning of my favorite time of year - fall.

Many cottages have been closed up for the season, docks pulled out of the water and BBQ's stored away in the shed. The lakes are quieter now, the crisp air filled only with the rustle of drying leaves on the trees.

overnight become a bit more predictable. Here is a list of some of the things I do to take advantage of this fantastic time of year in the Kawartha's.

1. FISH THE WEATHER - Almost all of the bigger smallmouth I catch in the fall come after a few stable days of sunshine. Shallow rocks absorb the suns rays and that is all it takes to warm up the surrounding area a few degrees. This weather pattern draws baitfish back into the shallows and allows for easy meals. Ideally, I look for large outcroppings of granite particularly those with a lot of surface area above the water line. The numerous rocky islands and shorelines are also key areas.  As the water levels start to drop throughout most of the Kawartha lakes due to manipulation of the Trent-Severn Waterway, navigation can be a little trickier so pay attention to your surroundings.

2. BIGGER IS BETTER - Most of the baitfish tend to run slightly bigger come the fall, so I usually throw larger lures than I do during the Summer. Remember these big fish are getting ready for a long winter ahead. Larger prey provides more nutrition and it makes sense to fish a larger profile lure. Over-sized Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits and Crankbaits are all parts of the fall arsenal. Of course, there will still be those days when cold over-cast conditions dictate downsizing but for the most part, I go big - it's not a numbers game for me, I am looking for that trophy fish.

3. DON'T FORGET THE TOPWATERS - I will always have an assortment of Topwater baits with me ready to go in the fall. Walking type baits, as well as Poppers and Buzzbaits are all great producers. Don't dismiss throwing those heavy cover frogs either. The frog migration is a phenomenon that occurs every fall where literally thousands of frogs are entering the water to hibernate. This hibernation occurs in water deep enough not to freeze and many species of fish take advantage of this valuable food source entering the water; it's like meals on wheels!

It's not that I dislike hot summer weather, but there is something magical brewing in cottage country this time of year, and for those anglers who are seeking trophy Smallmouth Bass, put on your game face, it's about to get real.

The once warm, shallow waters have been drained of their heat by the cold nights and overcast days of fall which in turn, has signalled those big Smallmouth Bass to get eating in preparation for the coming winter. These giant, cold-water loving beasts that have proven to be elusive to most anglers during the heatwaves of summer, now move back into the shallower water and almost

4. GO GREEN - Typically baitfish will still relate to some kind of structure in the fall. Finding areas with some remaining green weed growth is paramount in my success when I fish later in the season. In particular, I concentrate on those areas that may be somewhat sheltered from strong winds that are closer to rocky shorelines or islands.

This fall, when everyone else has packed up and gone home, make the best of your opportunity to catch a fish of a lifetime. Your trophy Smallmouth is waiting!

Good luck and get outside!

Mike Quesnelle, GOAT Angling Adventures

www.goatanglingadventures.ca  705-934-1450

Hiking in the Haliburton Highlands

North of Hwy. #7, east of Hwy. #11 and just south of Heaven is the Haliburton Highlands, a destination where residents and visitors celebrate the essence of Canada’s outdoor and creative spirit.

As the hustle and bustle of modern life continues to engulf us, it's easy to forget the wonders that lie just beyond our doorsteps. In the Haliburton Highlands, a breathtaking oasis of nature awaits, inviting us to rekindle our connection with the great outdoors. This is where hiking becomes a gateway to experiencing the extraordinary beauty and benefits of the great outdoors. Amidst the rugged landscapes, tranquil lakes, and lush forests, the joys of hiking are abundant, offering incredible physical, mental, and emotional rewards that leave hikers with a lasting sense of fulfillment.

At its core, hiking is a liberating activity that breaks free from the confines of city life, immersing you in the natural wonders of Haliburton Highlands. As you traverse the diverse network of trails, your rhythmic footsteps synchronize with the heartbeat of nature, grounding you in the present moment. The sights, sounds, and scents of the wilderness envelop your senses, and each step becomes a meditative journey; reducing stress and providing clarity of mind. The physical benefits of hiking are undeniable. Whether you're conquering challenging ascents or taking leisurely walks, the movement engages your muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall fitness. The region's topography offers trails for all levels of hikers, from gentle paths for beginners to more demanding routes for seasoned adventurers.

Beyond the physical advantages, hiking in the Haliburton Highlands nourishes the soul. Amidst nature's splendor, you can find solace, fostering a deeper connection

with yourself and the environment. Away from the constant buzz of technology, hikers can unplug and savor moments of introspection and self-discovery. Nature's therapeutic effect uplifts moods and instills a sense of peace, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.

Twice a year, in the Fall and Winter, Haliburton Highlands offers a unique festival; the Hike Haliburton Festival. Awarded one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario in 2022, Hike Haliburton offers guided experiences that promises an array of captivating trails suitable for every adventurer. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping challenges or tranquil strolls, volunteer guides weave captivating tales of the region's past, sharing stories of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Traverse through lush forests adorned with vibrant foliage, witness cascading waterfalls that sing nature's melody, and be captivated by the mesmerizing views from atop rocky outcrops. Each step becomes a journey through time, connecting you to the land's heritage and leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the environment. The trails of Haliburton Highlands offer a tapestry of experiences, perfect for solo explorations, family outings, or bonding with friends. Beyond the captivating hikes, the festival boasts a vibrant lineup of events that celebrate the essence of Haliburton Highlands. Indulge in the region's delectable local cuisine, where farm-to-table delicacies showcase the bounty of the land. Be serenaded by talented musicians and feel the joy of camaraderie as you connect with like-minded nature enthusiasts. The Hike Haliburton Festival fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Fall edition of Hike Haliburton takes place September 21st – 24th, 2023 and registration starts August 10th.

The Winter edition of Hike Haliburton takes place in February 2024.

For more information visit: www.hikehaliburton.com

Fall in Love with Small Business This Season

In a world where e-commerce is at the forefront of the retail scene, shopping local is as important as ever. Shopping locally not only helps small businesses in our area but also makes the foundation of our communities stronger. We support the development of our area's economy when we make purchases from independent shops, artisans, and service providers. These companies, in turn, give back to the community by creating jobs, supporting events, and taking part in charitable initiatives.

As the busy summer season ends, we are excited to bring back our Coboconk, Norland, Rosedale, and Kirkfield Fall Shopping Passport! From September 25th – November 15th, customers receive a booklet in the style of a passport listing all the participating businesses. A stamp is placed on a customer's passport each time they make a purchase. Each completed passport will be entered into a draw to win some fantastic prizes. The more stamps you collect, the more you are entered in the draw!

The Fall shopping passport can be used as a guide to discover the various locally produced goods and services that are offered in the area, while also allowing you to support the businesses we know and love - but most importantly, this is a way to introduce a little bit of fun to your shopping experience! Experience the businesses that make our area so unique.

Shopping local through initiatives like the Fall Shopping Passport allows individuals to contribute to the success of the community. By embracing the charm of neighbourhood businesses, we not only stimulate the local economy but also build lasting connections with our fellow community members.

Grab your passport from the Chamber office or at participating businesses and embark on a journey of supporting and celebrating our local businesses!

By Katrina Bartley

Captain John Armstrong

An Unusual Peter Robinson Settler

Many of the 1825 Peter Robinson emigration settlers to present-day Peterborough County were poor tenant farmers looking for a better life outside of Ireland. Many had only basic education, and some spoke Irish Gaelic and little or no English. There were, however, some notable exceptions to this image.

John Armstrong was such an example. Born in 1788 in Torne, King’s County, Ireland, he was a great-grandson of the Reverend William Beresford, 1st Baron Decies, an Irish peer of County Waterford. The Baron’s daughter Lady Catherine Eleanor Beresford married the Reverend William Armstrong, and their son Thomas was John’s father; Thomas’ wife, John’s mother, was Frances (“Fannie”) Ann Wheeler.

In 1808, he married Elizabeth (“Eliza”) Frances Massey who also was descended from Irish nobility: her father was Lord Francis Hugh Massey, 2nd Baron of Duntrileague. Eliza was raised at the family’s Suir Castle, County Tipperary. John and Eliza had five (possibly seven) children in Ireland and five more in Canada.

John Armstrong enlisted in the British Army and served through the Napoleonic Wars, rising to the rank of Captain; he retired on half-pay at the end of hostilities in 1815.

In 1825, the Armstrong family left Ireland on the Emigrant Ship Resolution, and eventually settled on a land grant in Douro Township (Concession 8, Lot 10). Before establishing themselves in Douro, however, they were assigned a house in Scott’s Plains (now the City of Peterborough) for several months while John served as the Commissariat Officer for the newly-arrived emigrants. In this position he was responsible for issuing tools, cooking utensils, provisions, seeds, and other necessities to fellow Robinson settlers. He worked from an office in or near the downtown government storehouses. After moving to their homestead, the family suffered

some setbacks but gradually adjusted to life in “the backwoods” and prospered.

In 1837, Captain Armstrong temporarily returned to active military service with the local militia during the Upper Canada/Mackenzie Rebellion.

John Armstrong died on 24 April 1853, and Eliza passed away in 1875. Both are buried in Little Lake Cemetery, along with several of their children and grandchildren. An unusual settler family, indeed.

By: Don Willcock, The Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St E, Peterborough 705-743-5180 www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca

The image credit is: Images of Captain John and Aliza Armstrong from Carol Bennett’s book, Peter Robinson’s Settlers, 1823-1825

Extend Summer with Fall PWC Riding

Many cottagers hang up their PFD’s after Labour Day. Psychologically, this long weekend marks the end of summer for many folks. But anyone who puts their personal watercraft away this early misses fantastic fall Sea Doo riding in the Kawarthas. What’s so special about autumn on our waterways?

Fall Colours: Autumn simply has a different rhythm and ambience from summer, one that’s well worth experiencing by jet ski. Of course, the pièce de resistance is a tableau of changing colours. Our lush shores explode in a riot of red, orange and yellow, and the best seat in the house is on your PWC.

Colours typically peak in the first two weeks of October, but the transition is evident throughout September.

Autumn is also when some lakes undergo a major transformation that can “green” their surfaces, as water layers turnover thanks to cooling temperatures. Flocks of migrating birds and waterfowl are also a sight to behold as they gather to head south.

Autumn Weather: Summer temperatures don’t suddenly end at Labour Day. Fall offers many sunny and warm days at least until Thanksgiving – ideal conditions for Sea Doo touring. Yes, as the nights get cooler, mornings can be brisk. But heat and humidity don’t build throughout the day as happens in the heart of summer with more hours of daylight – and no bugs! So, fall weather can be even more pleasant for riding than those dog days of summer.

Easy Riding: Early fall Sea Doo riding is also highlighted by less boat traffic. Like their PWC brethren, many recreational boaters turn

off the ignition key for the season on Labour Day. Same goes for waterfront property owners who only show up again after the long weekend to put the boat and seasonal cottage away for the winter. Also, fewer anglers are out on the water. All of which makes our waterways less crowded, even on weekends.

The result is less wake and other boat turbulence to contend with while PWC riding, hardly any waiting at boat launches, and more available dock spaces at shoreline marinas, restaurants and other facilities. Through autumn, most shoreline accommodations also have more room choices and lower rates. Meanwhile, Trent Severn Waterway locks remain open until the end of Thanksgiving day (Monday, October 9), but switch to Fall Hours after Labour Day (M to F - 10 am to 3:30 pm / S & S - 9 am to 4:30 pm). Adjust your riding times accordingly so as not to miss that all-important last lock-thru of the day.

Dress For Fall: Autumn riders will quickly learn that cooler mornings and less extreme temperature can make bare skin uncomfortable during parts of the day. So cover up with long pants and sleeves, foot booties, full-finger gloves, and neck dickeys or bandanas. If needed, I also carry a wind and waterproof outer shell, sized large enough to fit comfortably over my PFD.

Snack stop amid fall splendour

Layering also adds to fall comfort on the water - more layers for warmth at the start of the ride and fewer for more comfort later in the day. The latest high tech materials are quick drying, moisture wicking and thermal retaining.

There’s one more good reason for fall Sea Doo riding –bragging rights. So before taking your personal watercraft to your dealer for winterizing, I recommend extending your season to get your full money’s worth from your PWC investment by trying autumn cruising.

Suggested Autumn Rides: 1. Peterborough (Rogers Park boat ramp, Little Lake) to Hastings (Village Marina) - 126 km return ride with one lock-thru at Scott’s Mills. 2. Burleigh Falls (lock station boat ramp) to Fenelon Falls – 130 km return ride with three lock-thrus at Lovesick, Buckhorn and Bobcaygeon. 3. Hastings (Village Marina boat ramp) to Healey Falls – 45 km return ride with one lock-thru at Hastings. Note: It’s always smart for each PWC in your group to start with a full gas tank and carry extra in a fuel caddy.

Want to learn more? Find everything you need to know about PWC riding at intrepidcottager.com.

By Craig Nicholson

Critters Corner Montana’s Garden Riverview

Park & Zoo

Here at the Riverview Park and Zoo we have several beautiful gardens and naturalized areas which help promote natural ecosystems and biodiversity in our park and zoo. Among these is Montana’s Garden, located right beside the North American River Otter exhibit.

In Montana’s Garden, beautiful flowers, vegetables, and fruits are grown that help feed our very own animals here at the zoo! The Garden is maintained by our wonderful Horticulture team through a system known as permaculture. Permaculture uses the natural ecosystem to ensure the garden is sustainable and eco-friendly. Some ways Montana’s Garden is maintained in a sustainable way include:

• Attracting birds to the garden through birdhouses to eat any plant-harming insects. This prevents the need to use harmful pesticides that can negatively affect other organisms.

• Planting flowers around the garden which help attract bees and other pollinators who are crucial to the growth of plants and production of crops.

• Cutting off plants at soil level during harvest time and leaving the roots in deeper soil untouched. The roots will decompose and supply nutrients to earthworms, helping to increase their population and thus increasing overall soil quality.

Our environment benefits greatly from the abundance of plants and flowers grown not only in Montana’s Garden, but all over the park and zoo. We are proud to be able to provide such wonderful areas where biodiversity and ecosystems can flourish. Make sure to check out Montana’s Garden on your next visit to the Riverview Park and Zoo!

Find out more about the species that live at the only free-admission accredited zoo in Canada by visiting our website www.riverviewparkandzoo.ca

Photo Credit: Craig Nicholson Caption: Setting out on fall group ride.

Photo Credit: Al Fletcher Caption: Fall colours and blue water.

Photo Credit: Al Fletcher Caption: Snack stop amid fall splendour.

Setting out on fall group ride

Buying the Perfect Canoe

When considering purchasing the ideal canoe, there are two questions you must ask yourself: how are you going to use the canoe and how much are you willing to spend? By answering these two questions, you are more likely to purchase something that will make you happy.

Regarding how you are going to use your canoe, consider things like: Is it sitting on the dock ready for day paddles at the cottage? Or are you going to strap it to your roof and take it to different destinations? Is it for day trips or multi-day backcountry paddling? Are you paddling with kids and/or a big dog? Answering these types of questions will help you figure out the best canoe for your needs.

Let’s look at the basic canoe design to see how the design affects performance.

Length: The common length of a tripping canoe is 16 feet. A longer canoe is faster, has more carrying capacity and tracks better, meaning it keeps a straight line with less corrective strokes needed. The trade off is that longer canoes do not manoeuvre as easily. In my conversation with Carmen Baum, Marketing Manager of Swift Canoe and Kayak, she recommends day trippers buy a 15-foot canoe or shorter as

unweighted, longer canoes will be more affected by the wind.

Beam or width: Wider canoes are more stable but less efficient. Typical beams are 33-36 inches.

Depth: A deeper canoe can carry more weight and rides well above the waterline but will be blown around more in windy conditions. Typical depth at the centre of the canoe is 13-14 inches.

Hull Profile: A cross section of the canoe’s hull will show you how it rests on the water. Flat bottomed canoes are stable and slow. Rounded bottoms are faster and feel more tippy. Commonly, most canoe manufacturers compromise and offer shallow arch or shallow vee designs which can be tweaked towards more stability or higher efficiency depending on the design.

Keel: Keels run the length of the canoe along the centre line and help the canoe track better, but they add more weight and reduce the turning ability of the canoe. If the canoe has three keels, it will be very stable, flat bottomed and sluggish. Most higher end canoes build good tracking into the design by sharpening the entry line at the bow and

modifying the hull profile, eliminating the need for a keel.

Canoe Profile: Look at the canoe from the front or back. If the sides flair out, they will deflect more water but will be more tiring to paddle as your arms need to extend out further to reach the water. If they are curling in, a feature called tumblehome, the canoe will be more comfortable to paddle but will stand more chance of taking in water from waves. Straight sides are a compromise between the two.

Step back and look how the canoe rests on a flat surface. If the ends of the canoe appear to ride up and not touch the ground, then the canoe has rocker. This feature will make the canoe more maneuverable needing more steering stokes to keep a straight line. The classic prospector design has a slight rocker.

Finally, the materials a canoe is made from will affect their weight, durability, and cost. Carbon fibre and Kevlar are light, strong, and expensive. Fiberglass is heavier, hardy, and less expensive. Many canoes are made from polyethylene, an inexpensive plastic product that can be heat-molded to any hull shape. They are very heavy and durable. White water canoes are usually made from composite materials that are both hardy and lighter than polyethylene.

Aluminum canoes are durable, loud to paddle, and are less expensive. Wood canoes, usually made with cedar and a variety of protective coverings are quiet and esthetically pleasing to paddle but need more maintenance and are more expensive as they are hand made. Sixteen-foot canoes can weigh anywhere from 35 to over 80 pounds depending on the construction materials.

There is much to consider when buying the ideal canoe. Reputable outfitters will be able to advise you on the best model for your needs,

and many canoe shops are on water so you can paddle before buying. There are also some great deals in used canoes, but take the time to inform yourself before buying. Happy paddling!

Submitted by Rick Whitteker. You can find Rick at home in the forest, as a seasoned trail guide, nature writer and passionate wildlife enthusiast in the Haliburton Highlands.

Photo credits: Canoe on beach, canoes on rack- photo credit to RickReflective dock scene, family walking with canoe- Swift Canoe and Kayak.

Elvis Stojko, Gladys Orzco & the KATVA Team

What do Elvis Stojko and his beautiful wife

Gladys Orzco and the KATVA team have in common?

Their love for animals!

It’s that love that has now brought us together to bring awareness and raise money for a great cause called The Kibble Project. Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) and our sister club Kawartha Off Road Motorcycle Association (KORMA) have teamed up with champion figure skater Elvis Stojko and his lovely wife, professional figure skater and model Gladys Orozco to raise funds for The Kibble Project.

Located in the City of Kawartha Lakes, The Kibble Project collects food and supplies for shelters, foster organizations and pet

rescue groups who need their help. This cause has become a personal mission for Gladys with the support of her husband Elvis. Gladys works tirelessly in her spare time collecting the food and supplies to distribute to those who need them to care for all types of animals from cats, rats, and dogs to raccoons. No animal will do without if Gladys has her way.

As an avid off-road vehicle and motorsports enthusiast it only made sense for us to team up with Elvis to hold an off road vehicle event and raise funds for The Kibble Project. Elvis has spent

time riding the KATVA trails over the years and has even done a promotional video in the past to promote the KATVA trails. On September 16th Elvis, Gladys and the KATVA team are holding the Kawartha Black Bear Run on the trails north of Fenelon Falls, Ontario. This will be the first time that KATVA has held one event that includes ATVs, SxS and dirt bikes all at the same time and we hope it won’t be the last. Riders will spend the day riding the KATVA and/or KORMA trails in the 5 points trail system and in the Somerville Forest. After the ride they’ll be treated to their choice of a roast beef or barbeque chicken dinner at the Burnt River Community Centre. One lucky participant will take home the door prize of $500 cash and there will be lots of other prizes to be won. Best of all, they will spend the day on the trails with Elvis and get a chance to meet and take photos with Elvis and Gladys throughout the day.

There is no need to own an ATV or dirt bike to participate. The event is open to the general public as well. Anyone can register and join us for dinner and get to spend time with Elvis and Gladys. There will also be a tent set up all afternoon for anyone to come by with their kids and their pets and meet Gladys. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to not only meet a

Kawartha ATV Association, PO Box 21, Lindsay   705-328-0931  www.katva.ca

Canadian Legend, but to contribute to a worthy cause. Details can be found at www.katva.ca under rides and events.

Lindsay Chamber

Another summer has come to a close and the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our partners, Kawartha Lakes Parks & Recreation, Lindsay Dodge and Linda Brown of iPinky Swear, for another successful summer of concerts in Victoria Park in Lindsay!

We are pleased to announce that the Bike Share program has launched in the town of Lindsay with 10 units located at Fleming College and 5 units at 180 Kent St behind Town Hall. This program was made possible thanks to a grant from Regional Tourism Ontario and is accessible to both locals and tourists alike! Why not take one for a spin and enjoy the colours of fall in Kawartha Lakes.

Don’t forget, the LDCC is your goto spot for visitor and community information! Stop by our new office at 180 Kent Street and grab all the info you need to enjoy the beauty of fall in CKL. You’ll be able to find us thanks to our beautiful new signage courtesy of LDCC member Cedar Spring Signs!

www.lindsaychamber.com

Fall in Fenelon Falls

As the warmth of summer bids its farewell, Fenelon Falls, undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis. The allure of Fenelon Falls in this season lies not only in its picturesque beauty but also in the myriad of activities and events that celebrate nature's radiant canvas.

The Grove Theatre, a local gem, becomes a delightful spot for visitors and locals alike to take in the seasonal beauty, while enjoying a professional comedic or musical performance. Creative inspiration comes alive at the Kawartha Arts Festival (Sept 2 & 3) where local makers, artists and artisans are showcased. Take the road less traveled down country lanes and cottage roads to see where local artists create their masterpieces during the Victoria County Studio Tour (Sept 23 & 24 | Sept 30 & Oct 1).

A leisurely boat cruise through Lock 34 and the Trent Severn waterway or a relaxing stroll along the Victoria Rail Trail offer unique views of the autumnal colours. After a day of outdoor adventure, indulge in another delightful aspect of autumn in Fenelon Falls – patio dining.

Local restaurants and cafes set up charming patios that allow patrons to bask in the crisp autumn air while savoring delicious seasonal dishes. These patios become the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and delight in the flavors of fall, surrounded by the captivating colors that envelop the town.

Fenelon Falls is the perfect destination for a day trip, weekend getaway or discovering treasures close to home. Come and make memories while spending quality time with family and friends in the “Jewel of the Kawarthas”.

Find out more about;

Kawartha Arts Festival - kawarthaartsfestival.com

Victoria County Studio Tour - victoriacountystudiotour.com

Scenic Fall Drives - explorekawarthalakes.com

Fenelon Falls - explorefenelonfalls.com

Jerking Their Chains

In the fall the population in cottage country starts to decrease as people start winding down their visits, the cooler water temperatures may mean less activities on the water, but the activity under water increases. Dropping water temps are a signal for the fish under water to start fattening up for the winter. This is a great time to get out there and target a multiple variety of species before the long winter months come and we have to put our poles away.

One of my favourite ways to fish in the fall is to cover water and target active fish with a jerk bait. What is a jerk bait you may ask? It is simply a straight minnow style bait that is twitched erratically to trigger reaction bites from fish. To get the erratic action you reel up the slack on your line, jerk your rod 2 to 3 times, then pause itreel up the slack again, then jerk rod 2 to 3 times. Finding the right cadence in this retrieve is important, and I like to vary the jerk-topause ratio to figure out how the fish best react on a particular day. These baits can trigger violent exciting strikes, but a lot of times the fish hit it on the pause and when you go to twitch the bait the fish will already have it and the twitch will set the hook. You can catch up a wide variety of fish using this technique, including bass, pike, musky, and even walleye.

Jerk baits come in many different sizes, running depth, and colours which can be a daunting task to decide which one to buy, to help you with this decision I can simplify things by giving you 2 to 3 of my favourite options.

The first jerk bait I started to use when I was younger, was just a straight four-inch gold Rapala original floater minnow. This bait is great for shallow water conditions

or coming over the top of weeds. It dives about 1.5 to 3 feet of water. Another great option for this water depth is a Bomber Long A which is also a floater.

The second option to have in your boat is a suspending jerk bait which will actually suspend in the water column in front of the fish when being paused and won't float up and away like the floaterssuspending action when paused absolutely drives a fish crazy. My favourite suspending jerk baits are the Livingston Lures Jerk Master 122C in a shad colour or a Rapala Husky Jerk.

The third option is a medium to deep diving suspending which has a bigger lip to get deeper in the water column.

As far as colour goes, I prefer more natural colours, such as perch, black and silver, black and gold, blue and silver. Bright baits like chartreuse in Fire Tiger colours can also be very productive especially on overcast days.

The rod and reel combination I normally use for this technique is a 7’2” medium to medium heavy action spinning rod with a fast tip. This is a rod that is very common and most people start out fishing with a similar rod. I spool it up with 10-15 lb braid and sometimes tip with a fluorocarbon leader, depending on the clarity of the water. The braid is essential because it is very low stretch and allows you to get a good high percentage hookset.

So, get out and enjoy the fall scenery, add this technique to your fishing arsenal, and start jerking their chains to catch a multitude of species!

Happy Hooksets!! see you on the water!!

Mike Williams Williams Outfitters www.williamsoutfitters.com

Warm Cinnamon Playdough

An activity that is still enjoyed by all ages in our house is both the making and playing with play dough. Our favourite is playing with warm, fresh dough, all together at the kitchen table while listening to an audiobook. It even draws the attention of the teens in the house.

You’ll Need:

✔ 2 cups of flour

✔ 3/4 cup of salt

✔ 4 tsp cream of tartar

✔ 1 tbsp of Vanilla extract

✔ 2 tbsp of vegetable oil

✔ 2 tbsp of cinnamon

✔ Food colouring

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and then with the help of an adult pour in 2 cups of very hot water. Add in your food colouring, if desired and stir. Once the ingredients are mostly combined, use your hands to mix into a texture that is smooth and even, making sure not to stain your surface with the food colouring.

Playdough Ideas:

✔ Use cookie cutters, a pizza cutter, or a butter knife to cut out fun shapes

✔ Gather up sticks, pebbles, and flowers to create nature scenes with your playdough as a base

✔ Use sequins, jewels, and pom poms to decorate your creations

✔ Draw a picture on a piece of paper of a face and use your play dough to make hair, earrings, and other accessories

✔ Use a garlic press to make long strings

Store in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for many months at a time.

Jack-o-Lantern Garland

You’ll need:

✔ Orange, brown, and green paper

✔ Glue stick

✔ String

✔ Accessories

✔ Tape

Simply draw a pumpkin shape onto some orange card stock and some stems onto green or brown paper. Cut out all the pieces and assemble with a dot of glue. Draw a different pumpkin face onto each jack-lantern. You can use a marker or you can get creative with googley eyes, mini pom poms, buttons, tiny ribbon bows, yarn for scarves and more. This activity is the most fun if you have made many pumpkins and have lots of creative ideas.

Add them to a string with a piece of tape about a pumpkin-width apart from each other and display as festive decor.

Celebrating the Very Small

It was a glorious autumn day. With my son on my back and my daughter on my shoulders, I hiked up to one of the most beautiful spots I know. There on the crest of a granite outcropping I could see sunlight dancing on the surface of a distant lake, the green, gold and red cloaked hills stretched out before me and a hawk wheeling high in a cloud flecked sky. It was breathtaking and I marveled at the beauty before me.

But when I looked over at my children, they were hunkered down. Intently watching a line of ants marching by. It turns out that children have a more contracted view of the world, and they tend to notice what is right there in front of them. They have an incredible eye for detail and often spot things that we adults miss. Here is a simple activity that helps you and your children celebrate the very small in the natural world.

Create a Micro Trail:

You’ll need some string, Popsicle sticks and a magnifying glass for this activity. Find a nearby natural spot. Using your Popsicle stick, poke these into the ground at points of interest. Each point of

interest should be no more than a few steps away from the previous one. Think small. You might discover a chewed leaf, an acorn, a hole in the ground, a colourful autumn leaf, or an interesting looking mushroom. Perhaps you’ll find some bark beetle etchings. Press a popsicle stick next to each point of interest. Now wrap your string around each of the Popsicle sticks and join them together so that you have one continuous line of string connecting perhaps 10 points of interest. You can skip a popsicle stick by wrapping the string around a branch up in a tree or around a rock or log. You have just created a micro-trail. When you are finished, sit down and watch your trail quietly for ten minutes or so. Did anything of note happen? Then take a trip along the trail, keeping your head close to the ground. Don’t forget to use a magnifying glass. What did you discover? Take someone special along your micro-trail and give them a guided tour of your discoveries! Can they create their very own micro-trail?

Submitted by Jacob Rodenburg, Author & Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning outdoor education centre and summer camp.

Fall Equals Busy Roadways for Wildlife

With the colder nights creeping in, our wild neighbors are gearing up to bunker down for the oncoming colder season. Those who cannot migrate must be able to endure, or sleep through, the long Canadian winter. This means many species are on the move during the fall; looking for nutritious foods to fatten up or cache, and finding suitable habitat to safely overwinter. This time of year is when we start to see a high number of hit by car animals in need of care at the Kawartha Wildlife Centre. There are a number of reasons wild animals find themselves in roads, many of them are circumstances we can work to improve or help mitigate.

Throwing food or waste from car windows or near roads and trails not only attracts scavengers close to the side of the road, but also their predators, leaving all vulnerable to vehicle strikes. Owls are frequent patients in the fall and winter; finding mice at a roadside takes less effort than hunting for them in a field. Unfortunately, they suffer head trauma and broken bones when they fly into or are hit by oncoming vehicles.

Porcupines are often enjoying the road salt or looking for new foraging spots, they are slow moving by nature and do not typically run when threatened. Instead, they try to defend themselves with their quills, which are no match for a moving vehicle.

Dusk and dawn are active times for most wildlife; poor lighting offers

cover from many threats and predators. Unfortunately, it can also make visibility a challenge, so spotting wildlife on or beside the roads may be more difficult.

• Keep your eyes on the road; watch the ditch and sides for movement and eyeshine. Not all eyes will reflect back the same colour and may be harder to spot.

• Watch your speed; if you can't stop within the visible distance ahead of you, you are likely going too fast. This will be variable depending on the road, time of day, conditions, your vehicle and your level of alertness.

• Alert if you see something; tap your horn to warn the animal ahead of you, tap the brakes to alert the drivers behind you.

• Don’t swerve; let off the gas and hit the brakes, but keep the vehicle straight to avoid collisions, or hitting the animal as it flees.

There will be times where a collision just can’t be avoided; never risk your own safety or the safety of other drivers and passengers, to avoid hitting an animal in the road. If it’s safe to do so, pull over to check on its condition. If it’s alive it will need either rehabilitative care, or humane euthanasia; contact an Authorized Wildlife Custodian right away. It can take days for an injured animal to succumb to injuries on the side of a road. If the animal is dead, use gloves or a towel to remove it from the road in order to prevent scavengers from getting hit while foraging on the remains.

To support wildlife in need, please consider making a donation this season:

www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/33851

www.kawarthawildlifecentre.ca

Info@KawarthaWildlifeCentre.ca   705-292-9211

Is Your Nervousness Affecting Your Dog?

Concerns about doing the right thing or making a mistake can often ensnare us in a web of minor details and "what ifs," causing us to lose touch with the present moment. This can be particularly problematic when training your dog.

Consider this: if anxiety about your dog's reactions to others during a walk overwhelms you, you might avoid walks altogether. Alternatively, you could end up going for a walk filled with tension and stress. In both scenarios, both you and your dog miss out on a potential joy-filled walk due to the preoccupation with what could

go awry, preventing you from appreciating what's going right.

Remember, dogs are extraordinarily attuned to your energy and body language. Don't allow your anxieties to dominate. Instead, strive to relax and be fully present with your dog.

Adopting a positive mindset and giving yourself the grace to make mistakes (we all do!) can clear the way for your intuition and instincts. This clarity will significantly enhance communication between you and your dog.

Playing music or an audiobook can calm your overthinking and help you stay centered.

Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Don't let fear of missteps hold you back. Enjoy the journey of learning and growing with your canine companion!

Be sure to follow me on Social for more tips! @turnerandpoochtraining You can also email me at ineke@ptbodogtrainer.ca

The Fenelon Falls Turkey Trot is set to go Saturday October 7th 10am at Garnet Graham Park.

This is a totally inclusive family fun run where everyone is welcome.

Come out and join Jive the official mascot!

The event features a 1k for kids 12 and under, 5K and 10k for youth and adults.

The course is a flat fast run/walk out and back on the Kawartha Rail Trail.

All participants receive a custom wood finishers medal, custom designed cotton t-shirt and lunch. There will be awards to top three in ten-year age groups and prize money available to overall winners.

Pre-race warm up and finish line massage courtesy of local vendors.

Bring your gently used shoes to the race to donate to charity.

Volunteers welcome.

Proceeds to go to Fenelon Santa Day  Register at fenelonfallsturkeytrot.ca