Cottage Country - 2023 Spring into Summer Issue

Welcome to the Spring into Summer Issue

The days of May are here and with them come warm long weekends where we step back into the outdoors and surround ourselves with the pleasures of warm, long nights spent with friends and family. Warm bonfires with cold drinks and the buzzing of the spring and summer insects (did we miss those?) May tumbles into June, and we watch the kids run through their last day of school hungry for the adventure of summer break, and freedom. I believe June is where the magic of summer begins, where we loosen up a bit, let the sun and warmth lead the way for casual picnics and dinners on the deck. We cook outdoors; delicious meals roasted and BBQ’d outside lead the way, and patios call our names for tasty local fare – why does food taste better in the open air?

“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June” –

L.M Montgomery

Welcome to the Spring into Summer Issue of the Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine, in this issue we really jump into summer travel and summer fun. So, turn through the pages and fold over the edges of the ones you want to share with a friend – perhaps a recipe from Weekend at the Cottage, or a craft from resident Mamma Jacquelyn Toupin.

On the cover we have R&J Machine, leaders in summer fun – what could make your shoreline more inviting than a new dock, complete with a lift for your boat? Birchview Design and Designer Bren Petrunick share design and styling tips you can take home or to the cottage with you. We have critter news from grassroots initiative Think Turtle Conservation, The Peterborough Riverview Park & Zoo and Kawartha Wildlife Centre. We suggest you get out and see what the area surrounding us has to offer for fun events this summer –check out Kawartha Downs and their event lineup, as well as local talent and Canadian plays at 4th Line Theatre.

Watch for our 2023 Hotlist Travel Guide coming out this season as well. The Hotlist is filled with local suggestions for adventuring around our region and supporting local businesses and events. Make the most of this summer, play, adventure, step out and see what Cottage Country gems are hiding in your own community! The tans of summer will fade, but the memories will last a lifetime.

“

’Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about.” –John

Mayer

R&J Machine

How to Pick the Right Boat Lift for Your Boat

Whether you are shopping for a new boat, or you are tired of the wear and tear on your boat from sitting next to the dock, R&J Machine has options for every boater to keep their watercraft investment safe and secure and looking like new.

Boats that stay in the water risk fading and scratching, bumping into the dock during storms can cause damage to the hull and worst-case scenario – your boat could sink. Wakeboard boat manufactures now recommend that boats be stored on lifts not prevent osmosis.

R&J Machine, an industry leader in manufacturing boat lifts for over 46 years locally in Lakefield, manufactures several different styles of boat lifts; read on where they break down the advantages of each type. By the end, you’ll know exactly what fits your boat and lifestyle.

Cantilever Boat Lift

• With a Cantilever Lift, the weight of the boat is transferred from the cradle through two H-shape structures to the base of the lift frame. The two H-shape structures lie almost flat in a horizontal position when the lift is down in the water, and are pulled by a cable into a vertical position in order to lift the boat up out of the water. This simple design allows for the use of a single cable at the front of the lift and pulleys.

• Good choice for VHull style boats ranging from small fishing boats up to 24’ boats (or 6000lb)

• Wakeboard boats also work well on these lifts when equipped with raised bunks and full-length side guides.

• Cantilever Lifts work well in water depths ranging from 2 ½’ to 6’

• Cantilever Lifts work well when seasonal water fluctuation isn’t over 18”

• Available with manual, electric or solar winch

• Cantilever Lifts are the most economical lift and easiest to maintain.

Vertical Boat Lift

• Vertical lifts have a more complicated design and require slightly more effort to maintain, but will get your boat up high above the water. The greater height provided by vertical lifts also means they are better suited to lakes with water levels that fluctuate a great deal because they don't have to be moved as often.

• A vertical lift works well for VHull boats and Pontoon Boats when equipped with the proper full length pontoon bunks.

• Vertical lifts work well in seasonal water depths of 2’ to 7’.

• Vertical Lifts work well in areas with rough water or large waves because they have higher lift height (60”)

• Available with manual, electric or solar winch

• Vertical Lifts require slightly more maintenance than Cantilever Lifts because of the additional cables and the cable routing.

Hydraulic Boat Lifts

• With a Hydraulic lift, the weight of the boat is transferred from the cradle through two H-shape structures to the base of the lift frame. The two H-shape structures lie almost flat in a horizontal position when the lift is down in the water, and are lifted by the Hydraulic Cylinders to a vertical position in order to lift the boat up out of the water.

• Hydraulic Lifts have no cables or pulleys and can raise a boat 3-4 times faster than a Cantilever or Vertical Lift. Hydraulic Lifts are quiet with a slight humming noise when in operation.

• Hydraulic Lifts can operate in a minimum of 40” of water and up to 7’ of water depth

• Hydraulic Boat Lifts are well suited for Wakeboard Boats and boats with larger weight capacities of 4000 – 10,000 lbs. They can also accommodate Pontoon Boats.

• Because most of the frame work of a Hydraulic lift is under the waters’ surface Hydraulic Lifts have a cleaner, less noticeable appearance than a traditional four post Cantilever or Vertical lift.

• Options such as a Float Kit and Wheel kit can be added to the hydraulic lift that make them easy to remove for the off-season.

Personal Watercraft Lifts

• Cantilever personal watercraft lift work well in water depths of 12” to 48”

• Keeps personal watercrafts high and dry and are well suited for areas with rough water and high waves.

• Drive on Wave Armour Ports – work in a minimum of 2’ or water depth and are great in areas with deep water or muddy soft bottoms.

With options like these, there is something for every shoreline and lake situation. R&J Machine proves they have top of the line service with amazing testimonials like this one: “What an unbelievable purchase experience we have had with R&J. Craig is an unbelievable sales rep to deal with, but his after-sales responsiveness and attention has been even more impressive. Every crew that came out as part of the delivery and install have been such a pleasure to deal with and so good at what they do. There wouldn’t be a second thought to calling Craig and using R&J for anything else dock or boat-lift related in the future. Worth every penny we spent and our finished product is absolutely spectacular!” –

J. Lazarus

Protect your boat and have peace of mind when weathering storms on the lake, call R&J Machine and ask them about how they can make your shoreline boat-friendly – your lift is waiting!

R&J MachinE, 1601- 8th Line of Selwyn Township, Lakefield www.rjmachine.ca   705-652-6731

Five Steps to a Worry-Free Renovation or Addition

If you’d like to approach your renovation or addition with confidence, reduce the risk, minimize the inconvenience, and maximize the pleasure and added value that a wellconceived and executed project can add to your home, we have the guide for you. The RenoGuide is essential reading that will introduce you to the five steps to a successful renovation – including selecting a reputable, trustworthy renovator. Get the most out of your renovation – read before you renovate!

STEP 1: Carefully Planning Your Project Be realistic about the time a project will take to get started and to complete; its full costs, including at least a 10% contingency for changes and unexpected conditions; and the impact the project will have on the daily operation of your home and family activities.

Some renovations and additions will

require that you move out during construction. Other projects may allow you to live with the building project – but there will be inconvenience and disruption that you’ll have to plan for.

Major projects may require the services of an architect and other professionals such as engineers and heating contractors. Their drawings are not only required to obtain building permits and other municipal approvals, but they provide the basis for your renovation contractor to price the project.

If your project is likely to last more than a few weeks, it’s wise to discuss your project with neighbours. Most neighbours will be understanding and accommodating, especially if notified first.

Include a requirement for daily clean-up

in your contract, so that your home, your street and nearby lawns don’t end up resembling a construction site.

STEP 2: Select a RENOMARK Renovator

Look for a RENOMARK renovator as your assurance that you have hired a professional who will provide high quality services.

It’s wise to contact a renovator first. Many RENOMARK renovators have in-house design professionals or relationships with architects and others who specialize in designing residential renovation projects. If you engage a designer first, bring a renovator into the team as early as possible so that the experience and expertise of each party can benefit your project.

At this stage your design professional or your renovator should be able to provide rough sketches satisfactory to give you confidence to proceed or to refine your plans. A preliminary sketch and a general indication of the quality of materials and workmanship you seek (the “specifications”) will allow the renovator to give you a budget estimate and an indication of the time it will take to finalize design, obtain building permits or other approvals, and complete the project.

Your RENOMARK renovator will select and manage experienced tradespeople for specific elements, such as electricians, plumbers, painters, or those who apply drywall, brick or stucco. Hiring a RENOMARK renovator is a one stop shop for your entire project.

STEP 3: Get a Written Contract

Once you are satisfied with a preliminary design, a preliminary budget and a realistic timetable, you are ready to commit to final drawings. When these are complete you are in a position to get an accurate estimate of the cost and to sign a contract with a renovator to perform the work.

When you make your decision to hire a renovator, get it in writing. Include the precise scope of work; the exact price, including a schedule of payments; a reasonable timetable for completing the work; and any instructions for protecting parts of the house not under construction.

If there is any difference of opinion between your renovator and your design professional about procedures or materials, this is the time to resolve it. It is important to avoid any significant changes during construction because this may cause delays and extra cost.

Avoid renovators who offer to do work without a contract in an attempt to avoid payment of the GST. This type of renovator may also not be paying worker’s compensation or carrying adequate insurance, leaving you at financial risk.

STEP 4: Check on Progress

Regular communication between you and your renovator may avoid problems.

During the course of a renovation or addition it is common for the homeowner to request changes or ask for additional work. These requests may affect the cost and time it takes to complete your project. It is important that you have a signed change order for all changes.

Make sure that you are aware of additional costs and that these changes are added to the contract. Better still, try to think of these things during the planning stage – you don’t want to be ordering additional flowers on the wedding day!

STEP 5: Discuss Your Concerns

Raise any concerns you may have without delay. Schedule meetings with your renovator when he or she can address your concerns without distraction.

Your renovator will discuss any concerns that you may have with the project or items that do not meet your expectations. But be flexible when minor changes occur that do not affect either the appearance or function of the job. Note any changes that are made as a result of such conferences, and do so in writing.

Bonus tips! Projects That Will Provide “Payback”

The Appraisal Institute of Canada regularly surveys its members to find out which renovation projects are most likely to result in “payback” when the house is sold.

In order, the following projects add value that may be recovered:

• Renovating a kitchen

• Upgrading the flooring

• Adding a main floor family room

• Renovating the basement

• Renovating a bathroom

• Replacing windows or doors

• Adding a fireplace

• Upgrading the heating system

For a RENOMARK Renovator near you, go to: www.pkhba.com www.pkhba.com/member-category/renovators Call 705-930-1620 email info@pkhba.com. Find out more about RENOMARK qualifications at www.renomark.ca

Timberline Custom Homes

2023 Trends: Sustainably Made

The winter months are finally behind us. It’s time to head back outside and enjoy these warm summer days. But before we pull out the deck furniture, umbrellas, and BBQ’s – we usually have a weekend of cleanup and maintenance ahead of us. For many, once that deck has been cleaned off the question arises - is this the year to refinish, re-top or perhaps even rebuild? With so many choices on the market, it’s often hard to make the decision which option is best for you.

Monaghan Lumber Specialties in Peterborough has been your local supplier for over 30 years and takes pride in keeping up with current trends, technologies and industry developments. With a large stocking program of Western Red Cedar, Pressure Treated and low maintenance composites MLS breaks down their summer suggestions.

For trends in 2023, we are seeing a focus on sustainably made products, multi level decks that add visual interest to the backyard with different areas for dining, entertaining and relaxing. We are seeing integrated technology, with lighting used in many applications to enhance the space but also add functionality and safety by adding illumination to railings and stair risers. Soft, beige decking has also been added to many line ups, creating a neutral base to enhance with fun furniture pieces and décor.

Trex Composite Decking is a great option when considering your new deck. Sustainably made in the U.S.A. using 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed sawdust, Trex is a composite product which offers a low maintenance option and over 20 tasteful colours to consider for your home.

Timbertech by Azek offers both composite and PVC decking options made from recycled material. MLS has selected Coconut Husk from the Prime+ Collection as its newest stocked colour this year - offering a warm caramel tone, opting for a simple traditional wood aesthetic with natural inviting colours and a straight grain pattern.

For refinishing wood decks Sansin and TimberPro are two fantastic stain products that provide excellent protection and a wide range of colour tones, both in stock at MLS with sample pots available so you can try out different colours and make the right choice for your home.

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

Summer Vibes

Birchview Design

There is nothing quite like summertime in Ontario; especially in cottage country! The long hard winter is quickly forgotten, and the hot sunny days and breezy evenings settle in and make us feel rejuvenated.

Although most of us can agree it’s too short of a season; we know how to make the most of it! Creating the perfect outdoor oasis to relax with family and friends is one of the best ways to fully enjoy the summer and maximize the length of the season. Read on for a few BDI tips on how to get started!

The Perfect Plan

When designing your dream outdoor space, answering some critical questions will help determine a direction for your layout. What do you plan to use the space for? How many people do you ideally like to host? Do you have pets or young children? Will the direction of the building impact the views? What permits are required for your area? Thinking well in advance of lifestyle choices and building requirements will help with spatial planning, and ensure you will end up with exactly what you want; skipping any unwanted surprises.

Beautifully Blended

We always opt for materials that blend into the surroundings to really make your outdoor space feel like it belongs. Source permanent materials such as stone or wood as local as possible so that they look like they could have come from your own backyard, and aim for products that have an overall outdoorsy-organic feel. Fresh fabrics of linen or cotton and neutral tones of soft whites and warm browns blended with blues or greens are timeless choices. Don’t forget to always add in a plant or two!

Materials that meet the Mark

Just as important as selecting materials that suit the outdoor space, is ensuring that these materials stand up to the wear and tear of outdoor living. Selecting permanent finishes that can handle the yearly yo-yo of high humidity summers to frigid winters is key. Although furniture and textiles should be stored away out of season, it is still important to choose materials that can handle the hot sun, stormy winds, humidity and dampness that come with our warmest season. Considering who is using the space is important as well, as children, pets or wild party-goers may require opting for more durable materials.

Invite Only

To keep unwanted guests out, elevate your building a step or two up off the ground, and consider planting herbs or flowers (such as lavender, mint or basil) to help defer certain creepy crawlers. Retractable screens (which appear at a click of a button) are a fantastic option for full protection when desired, without permanently losing any views. Add an oversized fan for optimal airflow, and you are all set to make the most of your summer space!

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

8 Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing a Watercraft

Are you thinking about buying a watercraft? Whether you're looking for a boat, a yacht or another type of vessel, there are numerous things to take into consideration. From selecting the right size and style for your needs to thinking about safety features and extras that will make your ride enjoyable, there is so much to consider when purchasing a watercraft.

In this article, we'll outline some important questions you should ask yourself before making any final decisions – helping ensure that you pick the perfect craft for all your on-the-water adventures!

#1. What Will You Be Using The Watercraft For?

The first and most important question to ask yourself when purchasing a watercraft is what you plan on doing with it. Are you looking for something to cruise around in, or are you hoping to participate in watersports like wakeboarding or tubing? Do you want something that can accommodate more than one person, like a runabout boat? Knowing how you plan on using the vessel will help narrow down your search and ensure that you find the right type of craft for all your needs.

#2. What Size Should I Get?

When selecting the size of your boat, think about how many people are likely to be aboard at any given time – including family members and friends who will be joining you for the ride. Additionally, consider the size of any accessories or extras you may want to add on, like a Bimini top or ski tow bar.

#3. What Type Of Watercraft Should I Buy?

There are many different types of watercraft out there, including boats, yachts and personal watercraft (PWC). Consider which type best suits your needs – as this will narrow down your search significantly.

#4. How Much Can I Afford To Spend?

Once you've decided what type and size of craft you're after, it's time to think about how much money you're willing to invest in it. Your budget will determine what kind of features and extras you can afford, so it's important to set a realistic spending limit before you start shopping.

#5. Where Should I Look For My Watercraft?

There are dozens of places where you can search for your perfect boat or watercraft. From local dealerships to online classifieds, there

are numerous options available when it comes to finding the right vessel at the right price.

#6. What Safety Features Should I Look For?

No matter what type of craft you decide on, safety is always paramount – especially if you plan on using the vehicle with children or inexperienced swimmers aboard. Look for vessels that can accommodate life jackets, have non-slip surfaces and come equipped with additional safety features such as auto-inflating flotation devices.

#7. What Extras Should I Buy?

Once you've found the vessel that meets all your needs, it's time to think about any extras or accessories you may want to add on. From towable tubes and ski bars to fishing poles and boat coolers, there are plenty of ways to make your vessel even more enjoyable. Just remember not to exceed your budget when adding these items!

#8. When Should I Get Watercraft Insurance?

It is essential to make sure your vessel is adequately covered before taking it out on the water. Watercraft insurance can provide financial protection in the event of an accident or other mishap, so it’s definitely worth investing in. Talk to a watercraft insurance provider like MD Marine to find out how to get the best coverage for your needs.

These are just a few of the important questions you should ask yourself before buying a watercraft. With some careful consideration and research, you can find a vehicle that suits all your needs –helping to ensure many hours of fun out on the open waters!

Contact MD Marine For All Your Watercraft Insurance Needs When it comes to watercraft insurance, MD Marine is here for you. We provide comprehensive policies that are tailored to meet your specific requirements – so you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your vessel is safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about our coverage options and find out how we can help protect your investment on the open water!

www.mdmarine.ca 877-627-4633

Hello Summer

As someone who has spent many summer days in the Kawarthas and Haliburton, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement as I make my way down the winding road that leads to our little piece of paradise. The air is crisp, with just the right amount of pine needle scent in the air. The dense forest allows just the right amount of sunlight to trickle through the trees and disperse thin beams here and there between dancing leaves and lazy boughs. I hear the sounds of trickling water from the nearby creek, wrapping around the smooth river stones until it meets the dark water from the lake.

As I step out of the car and stretch my legs, I like to take a moment to look around and soak in my surroundings and appreciate all the little things I don’t get to experience at home. The buzz of the cicadas, the rustling of dried leaves as chipmunks and squirrels dart from tree to tree. The soft quacks of a mother duck and her family of fuzzy ducklings that are congregated at the shoreline, happy that humans have arrived, hopeful that seeds will be tossed on the lake shore.

It's hard to describe the feeling of coming back to the lake after a long winter. There's something so special about cleaning off the

dust and dirt that has accumulated over months of non-use. There is a contagious anticipation as the dock sections are hauled down to the water and decks are being swept off, knowing that soon little feet will run down the dock and hastily jump from its edge.

Just like one prepares for a party or event, the opening of the cottage or trailer is the big hurrah to kick summer off. As we clear out the cobwebs and haul the barbecue out, the layers of winter are brushed away and the bright hues and sounds of summer reveal themselves so that our little slice of paradise can be enjoyed.

And as the tool boxes are put away, and the cleaning rags are wrung out and tossed into the bucket and the Adirondack chairs are perfectly positioned; we gather around a crackling campfire and stare across the lake at the sunset painted with swashes of pink and orange. We breathe in and then exhale and say, “Hello summer, it’s nice to have you back.”

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

Take a Walk on the Dark Side!

once resolved to go

Darkness naturally nudges us towards our electric light world, however, walking at night can be very rejuvenating, granting us a fresh perspective to familiar places.

When we enter a dark place, our pupil opens to allow as much light in as possible. It takes less than a minute for the pupil to fully dilate; however, the rod-shaped and cone-shaped photoreceptors in our eyes need more time to adjust. Cones are responsible for fine detail and colour and the rods are responsible for dark and light.

Rods, the heavy hitters in low light situations, incrementally adjust to darkness over several hours. Contact with artificial light, even a short blast of light from a vehicle or a flashlight, will impact your night vision, setting back your darkness adjustment.

All animals have rod and cone photosensors, however, the quantity of each sensor cells varies between species. For example, with a scarcity of rods, chickens can’t see at night and must roost before dark. In comparison, owls can fly and hunt in almost complete darkness due to an abundance of rod sensors.

Many nocturnal animals have a reflective membrane at the back of their eyes, called the tapetum lucidum. It acts like a mirror reflecting light back to the retina, helping with night vision.  When driving at night, if you see the glare of a roadside animal’s ‘eye shine’, this is your headlights bouncing off the tapetum membrane. Without a reflective membrane, our human nighttime surroundings appear softer with less definition; familiar landscapes lose their crisp detail and are transformed into more subtle shapes and shades.

Like an injury to the team’s star player, other senses rise to the occasion when our sight is diminished. Walking feels more tactile, smells seem more intense and sounds are amplified. Your imagination can blossom- a small critter scampering can mutate into something much bigger. Ultimately, you become more attuned to your surroundings.

Henry David Thoreau

on night walks to “make acquaintance with another side of nature.”

Most people feel uncomfortable walking after dark - when our vision is restricted, we can feel anxious or unsettled. Furthermore, darkness has become a metaphor for evil and depression, partially fueled by societal messages fertilizing this fear through books, movies and other media.

If just starting out with night walking adventures, consider the following suggestions:

• Know your route. Walking on a known trail or track will feel more familiar.

• Try to avoid light. Plan your route around areas without artificial light.

• Take someone with you.

• Take it slow. Give your eyes time to adjust.

• Bring a headlamp or flashlight. But try not to use it.

• Pick a good time to walk.

- Watching the sunset before starting your walk is a gradual approach to darkness.

- Later evening hikes, without a moon or clouds, will allow the majesty of the stars to shine.

- Full moon walks, especially in the winter, are magical opportunities.  Bathed in moonlight, snow crystals can look like diamond dusted soft ice cream.

When the afterglow of twilight has receded, there is no curfew keeping you inside. The setting of the sun is an open invitation to get outside and experience something new and exhilarating. Try it… you might just see the light of walking in the dark!

Submitted By: Rick Whitteker

Photo Credits: Carol Moffatt

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

“History Should Be Saved”

A few months ago, Chinese alleged spy balloons crossed over Canada and parts of the United States. Media seemed perplexed, politicians did not know how to handle this invasive demonstration and many alarmed citizens were asking, “how could this happen?” How? It is surprising many Canadians are unaware of Canada’s involvement in World War II.

Between November 1944 and April 1945 Japan sent over 9000 hydrogen balloons at high altitude following the Pacific Ocean jet stream headed for North America. Each balloon was thirty-five feet in diameter carrying two eleven pound incendiary bombs ascending and descending via a combination of attached sand bags. The Japanese named this device “FuGo”. The object of the incendiary balloons was to cause chaos by setting many urban and forest fires forcing men and women to protect their homeland rather than join the military.

Countless balloons fell on Canadian and United States soil with little or no damage although, a Sunday school teacher and five students in Oregon were on a picnic and discovered one of the devices, when they investigated the bomb exploded sadly killing all six.

Yes, Canada was attacked by Japan which included a Japanese submarine shelling a Vancouver Island light house. The Germans however were much more daring in penetrating Canadian defenses during World War Two.

I was truly honoured to be an essay judge for the elementary students Legion Remembrance Day contest. To my dismay only a few schools participated and when I asked why, was informed “some teachers did not want to glorify war”. World War One 60,000 Canadian military gave their lives. World War Two, 44,090 deaths, 24,525 Army, 17,397 Royal Canadian Air Force, 2,168 Royal Canadian Navy, 8,000 missing. Do those numbers sound like war is being glorified?

It is disturbing to know few Canadians and almost none of the new men and women just entering our great country have any knowledge of how Canada defended our own soil during the second world war.

From May to October 1942, all of September 1943 and October/ November 1944 in what is known as the Battle of the St. Lawrence River, only a few hundred miles from where we live, German U Boats sunk twenty merchant ships bound for European shores and four Royal Canadian Navy war ships which resulted in the loss of many brave men and women.

There are also records of U Boats landing spies to gauge our weather and of course to inform U Boats of pending prey. There were several German prisoner of war camps in Canada and U Boats often surfaced to pick up fleeing escapees.

I am not being critical of those who have little knowledge of World War Two after all, it may even be their desire not wanting to know anything about world conflicts and that in itself is understandable. For me, it was and is different, I grew up during that horrible war and was old enough to comprehend the vastness and destructiveness of such a conflict. Many believe, and I agree, that every event in all our wars should be taught in schools, good, bad, or indifferent, this is Canada’s history and history should be saved.

Russ Sanders epigram@nexicom.net

White-Washed: Working with White

As a decorator, I try not to play favourites. But I’ll admit, white ranks right up there, the top choice of modernists, minimalists, purists and myself. (It’s no coincidence that my company is called Simply White Interiors!)

White is bright and fresh; it can make a room feel infinitely bigger and cleaner; it goes with literally everything. But at the same time, an all-white palette can be challenging to create and maintain. Here are some tips to do right by white.

Choose your whites wisely.

White is white, right? Actually, that statement couldn’t be more wrong. There are about as many different tints of white as there are colours in the rainbow. White can be tinted with yellow, red, blue, green, purple, or any mixture of these to make thousands of hues. You don’t have to choose just one. In fact, layering whites is a great strategy to create interest and bring depth to a monochromatic interior. However, you should stick to the same “temperature” of your white.

Warm colours lean to the yellow and red side of the colour spectrum, while cool colours tend toward greens and blues. Your whites, in all their variations, can also be either warm or cool. Crossing that boundary will compromise the all-white effect, creating a contrast that will make some whites show their undertones more than you’d like.

Designer Finds: Some of my favourite whites include:

• OC - 117 Simply White

• OC - 65 Chantilly Lace

• CC - 30 Oxford White

• OC - 17 White Dove

No colour? No problem.

Every stylish room needs contrast and interest. So, how do you achieve that, if you can’t lean into colour? Texture can make a flat, white room come to life. Choose materials that have different finishes: grainy wood, rough stone, smooth tile, glossy cabinets, matte walls, textiles that are silky, velvety, coarse – the options are endless. Once you have a good variety of textures and scales, layer them to create visual interest. Don’t forget that pattern can play a role in a white interior, too.

Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but a bit of black has a place in every white interior. As the polar opposite and equal neutral, it brings balance to a white room, punctuates focal points and highlights architectural features. Imagine a black fireplace, black window and door casings, or black-painted floors throughout an otherwise white home. If you want the impact without the commitment, consider upgrading to black light fixtures and hardware, accessories and art. The secret is to use it sparingly.

Wearable whites.

A home is meant to be lived in and enjoyed, so don’t treat your white walls, furniture and floorcoverings as “untouchables.” It’s a home, not a museum. If you’re concerned about the durability and longevity of your whites, worry not – you’ve got options. Designers and manufacturers are equally aware of the popularity and difficulties of white, and they’ve come a long way in creating hard-wearing, wellwashing and withstanding whites that can handle muddy paws, sticky fingers and the occasional spill.

When choosing white furniture and floor coverings, consider their context. If it’s seating in a family room, faux leather is wipeable, microsuede is washable and denim is, well, denim – need I say more? These are all great options in areas where people may be eating, drinking, or flopping down without washing hands or changing clothes before doing so. And removable washable slipcovers are a great option to carry you through those terribly messy years of kids, pets and whatever else is landing on your new sofa and chairs.

I’m not sure who loves white more – my clients, or me as the designer. White offers endless options to bring bold trends and one-of-a-kind personality to each interior. Every white room can be truly unique, despite the wide popularity of this colour palette.

Bren Petrunick is the creative founder of award winning Simply White Interiors. swi.design @simplywhite

Keeping Your Home Organized

Keeping your home organized can be a very taxing job.  A lot of people have more stuff than they know what to do with, much less where to put that stuff.  Here are a few simple tips for getting your home organized and keeping it that way.

First, make sure that everything you have is actually worth having.  We often keep things that aren't necessary to have in the house, and that's what causes the clutter.  Now, all of those meaningful, sentimental items are not what I'm talking about here.  Those are important things to keep, but anything that you have "just in case" that you haven't used in three years or more, has to go.

Next, make sure you only worry about one room at a time - it will be easier to work your way through the house. If you try to do the whole house at once, you will be moving things from room to room which will take much longer - and there may be even more clutter in some places than there was before. Once you have found a place for everything, make sure that those things

stay in their place, or get put back in their place after using them.

Finally, have a document station. Keep an accordion file folder with pockets labeled for members of the household, bills, and mail. Another key part of this document station is to purge it weekly so that it does not get disorganized and overstuffed.  This can really help avoid having way too many papers lying around the house and it will help you from accidentally throwing out important papers mixed in with the clutter.

Keeping your home organized can be very difficult, especially because our lives are very busy.  But once you have a system for keeping your house in check, it is much easier to get organized and stay that way.

Spring at Johnston's

Regional Experts of Annuals, Perennials, Trees and Shrubs:

Ever wondered where the blooming flower baskets in downtown Peterborough, Lakefield and Norwood come from? Well, they are from the Johnston’s Garden Centre and can be delivered to your doorstep!

Johnston’s Greenhouse & Landscaping has been providing steadfast service to Peterborough and its Cottage hamlets since 1945. At Johnston’s we take pride in offering best of the class annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, and gardening supplies.

Our team of qualified growers are well known in the area for producing the highest quality annuals. Growing outstanding colourful annuals is a craft perfected each year in our greenhouses. We have maintained old fashioned ways of cultivating and perfecting our annuals for hanging baskets, custom designed window boxes and planters including custom design containers for outdoor events. Take advantage of our custom planting services for spring, summer, fall and winter!

We also offer a great selection of trees that can be bought on site, ordered to suit your needs, and planted for you. The experienced Horticulturalists at our facility are available to answer your planting and garden inquiries.

Landscaping Design and Build:

Our experienced landscaping team offers state of the art landscape design and build services including natural stonework, pergolas, lighting, patios, driveways and endless options that will turn your backyard into your oasis of peace. We remain the only company in the Kawarthas to install PurePave©, a maintenance free new eco-friendly innovative product for driveways which is 100% permeable and long lasting. We are also certified dealers and installers for IN-Lite and Rymar Artificial Turf Products. We work with your landscaping budget while personalizing the design to your tastes and needs.

We are an independent garden centre where each customer’s gardening desires are treated with unique attention and care. Cottage to city our team is waiting to enhance your outdoor living experience!

You can visit our garden centre at 871 Crawford Drive in Peterborough, call us at 705-745-3042, or email us at johnstonsgreenhouse@gmail.com

Being a Responsible Boater

Boating is a favourite pastime for many people – an enjoyable way to take in the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. With more than 15 million Canadians taking part in boating each year, it’s important to be a responsible boater. Boating can cause fuel and oil spills, spread invasive species, cause sediment disruption, as well as boat wakes that can erode shorelines, swamp nests, damage docks and boats.

The good news is there is much we can do to help keep our lakes healthy. When enjoying time on the water this boating season, remember to:

• Use water and bio-friendly cleaners to maintain your boat and equipment. Just because a product says it is biodegradable does not mean it is bio-friendly. Also look for phosphate-free products.

• Adhere to speed limits. Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the inland waters of British Columbia and Nova Scotia have speed limits of 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore. While this speed limit may or may not be posted, it is still in effect with few exceptions.

• View wildlife from a distance. Avoid fast speeds and large wakes to keep wildlife safe.

• If fishing, be sure to bring back all snagged and broken nets, hooks, and monofilament as they can harm wildlife if left behind.

• Do not release bait or empty bait buckets into the lake.

• Refuel your boat away from water when you can. If refueling on the water, use absorbent pads. Do not use auto shutoff and be careful not to overfill. Make sure portable fuel tanks are secure and closed properly.

• Keep an oil spill kit on the boat and don’t use detergent on an oil spill to dispel it – it only makes things worse.

• Ensure your boat, trailer and all other equipment (even water toys like pulling tubes) are free of mud, plants, fish and other organisms to prevent the spread of invasive species. Follow the ‘Clean, Drain, Dry’ guidelines.

• Wash equipment away from the water’s edge to keep debris from washing into the lake.

• Bring all garbage back to shore to dispose of properly.

• Dispose of human and pet waste appropriately when return to land.

• Ensure your boat is well maintained to reduce the likelihood of gas and oil leaks.

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.

Cottage Planning Virtual Webinar

You spend most summers at the family cottage – it’s even where your children learnt how to swim. It holds a lot of sentimental value and, understandably, you feel strongly about keeping it in your family. Unfortunately, passing ownership is not so straightforward.  When it comes to recreational property succession planning, there are several tax and estate factors to consider. In this virtual seminar, we look at strategies to provide a cost-effective solution to estate planning, along with learning about Capital Gains and Estate Tax, Impact of short-term rentals and the use of trusts in cottage estate planning.

Join Steve Urso Senior Wealth Advisor ScotiaMcLeod, Vivek Bansal Director, Tax and Estate Planning, Mackenzie Investments, and Tom Fernandez, Senior Insurance Consultant, Scotia Wealth Insurance Services to help guide you through these topics and strategies.

Getting Started Per sonal Watercraft Riding

How does a novice get started personal watercraft riding? I’m talking about someone who has a casual curiosity, hasn’t been on one, and maybe hasn’t done much recreational boating. If this is you, here’s how to get started…

Marine Experience

What previous boating experience do you have? Are already a recreational boater, angler or cottager? Are you comfortable around the water, growing up at a family cottage, summer camp by a lake, or doing some swimming, water sports or paddling?

The point here is a frank self-appraisal about your marine experience and familiarity. Not having any doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start personal watercraft riding. It just means you’ll also need to learn about being on and near the water – and how to make yourself a safe PWC rider.

Powersports Experience

If you don’t have much marine know-how, what about land-based motorsports, such as snowmobiling, ATVing or motorcycling? Familiarity with any of these activities will help with personal watercraft riding. Understanding throttle and brake levers, knowing body English and balance, being comfortable with handlebar steering and how engine power feels are valuable PWC assets. So are any mechanical/troubleshooting skills, riding etiquette or fuelling tips you’ve picked up along the way.

Visualize Yourself

How do you picture yourself on a personal watercraft? Do you see using it primarily for casual family outings around your cottage? To visit neighbours, or as a tender for your cruiser? Do you visualize mainly playing with it, doing tricks or tow sports? Or maybe you envision cruising various waterways or even going on a PWC tour. Finally, do you see operating a PWC primarily for your own riding or sharing with other operators? Will it be more of a multi-passenger vehicle? If you don’t always want to ride double, your future may include more than one personal watercraft.

Practical Logistics

Next, consider where you live and will be doing your PWC riding most often. Unless you actually reside waterside with a dock or nearby marina, where do you keep it? Do you have space to park a PWC at home? At the cottage? On water or off? How will you get it back and forth to the water? For dealer service? You may need a personal watercraft trailer. Where will you keep that? What will you tow it with and where will you store your PWC(s) and trailer in the off-season?

Try It First

Before shopping for a personal watercraft, get insights and advice from PWC-owning friends. You’ll also discover PWC and riding tips on my Intrepid Cottager website. Visiting area PWC dealerships online or in person can help in familiarizing what brands and models are available and which might suit you best. If you’ve never operated a PWC before, I also recommend trying it first. You can do this with a friend who has one, by renting one for a couple of hours, or on a dealer demo.

Shopping Tips

Before buying your personal watercraft, ask two other questions: “What brand?” and “Which model?” Many times the brand you choose will depend on what dealer you may have a pre-existing powersports relationship with, or which one is closest to you. Or the one friends recommend or has what you want in stock at the best price. If you decide to buy used privately, I’d suggest taking a knowledgeable friend with you and test riding it before closing the deal.

Entry level PWC’s are an excellent choice if family fun or playing on your cottage lake is your priority. If your goal is doing day rides, tow sports or saddlebag tours, a bigger and more stable PWC with more storage and fuel capacity may be a better fit.

Candid answers to all of these questions will help getting stated with personal watercraft riding easier and more enjoyable. Hopefully, it will also make all those dazzling colours and appealing graphics less of a distraction from the reality of what you really need!

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

By Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Cottager,

Glanfield

Photos by Allan

Foraging for Greens

There was a time when I could look at the ground and only see grass. Everything green was either grass or a weed, and I didn’t think much farther than that. The thing is that once you know something, it becomes part of your existence, and suddenly chickweed is chickweed, yarrow is yarrow, and grass becomes just a singular part of a whole itemized collection.

Though we’re accustomed to seeing a beautiful lawn as one with a singular green hue, once you’ve developed an eye for a handful of native plants, you’ll begin to see a monocrop of grass as mundane and tiresome. A lawn once considered to be ‘weedy’ is now a treasure trove of medicinal morsels and salad greens, even a food source for pollinators. That spring mix we’re now paying obscene amounts for in the local store, well, other than the lettuce leaves, those greens grow in your lawn and are often overlooked as weeds.

Nature is brilliant in that after a long respite in our homes for the coldest, darkest months, where we’ve been eating rich, warming foods, there are suddenly little sprouts of green growing beyond our front step, bitter enough to increase the flow of our digestive enzymes, ready to clear the body and give us a fresh start after a long winter. These gentle plants are true supporters of whole health, and mother nature has been planting them right in our

luscious lawns all this time.

If you are new to foraging, here are a few tips to get you going:

1. Always cross reference and verify your plant with 3 different sources to be certain you’ve correctly identified your plant.

2. Begin with just a few at a time. You don’t need to identify every plant in your environment, just a handful you’ll find useful (maybe some chicory, dandelion greens, and plantain are a good place to start!)

3. Only seek plants from places you know are unsprayed.

4. As you begin to learn to identify more and more plants, it helps to make a mental or a journalled reminder (a reminder in your phone works too), as to when your plant appeared on the seasonal timeline so that you can anticipate its bloom in the coming years.

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

Cottage Memories

Chronicles of A City Boy’s Life In The Country

TAKE NO PRISONERS

Spring’s here along with the onset of bug season. Insects are the bane of my cottage existence. Or at least the wife's bane, which she gladly shares. I used to mostly ignore bugs: they don't take up much space, get sick or need petting; don't want to play or go for a walk, and don’t incur vet bills. I've never stooped and scooped for an insect either. But the biting ones love humans, and that's where the wife and her bane changed my life, because she’s prime meat. I mean, who else gets bug bites in December?

Her anti-insect antics are legendary. While she wraps up, rubs down, sprays around, swats about, runs away, douses, delouses and ducks inside, there's no peace to be had. Except the piece bugs have taken. But when she's gone, they’ll settle for a piece of me. So she bought me a bug hat, which mats my hair, makes spitting sloppy, and is always like looking through dirty screen.

We’ve acquired more anti-bugging devices than the CIA has spooks. All are bigger than their pest targets; bug stuff for unwinnable psychological warfare. The psychology being that device manufacturers know about wives and insects. They know the endless bucks husbands will shell out to avoid being bugged. And they also know, that amid the trillions of pests in my air space, I'll feel better doing something - anything – to keep them away, however doomed that may be.

I’m suspicious that manufacturer genius, dollars and research hasn't yet produced a universal, fail-safe, insect eliminator. Why must I buy a different product for each kind of bug? Seems more like one for each bug. And why am I compelled to restock every spring because active ingredients have expired that didn’t work anyways? I bet bear grease works better – assuming that there’s a friendly bear handy. As reward for manufacturer collusion, I suspect insects maintain nofly zones over their homes.

But never over mine. For house flies, so-called because they live inside, I buy swatters whose heads inevitably fall off into the salad under vigorous flailing. Or dangling sticky strips that catch me in the dark. Vapour blocks whose cloying pong turns my stomach. Or spray which permanently fogs windows.

Outside flies, I squish, inhale, swallow, or drown in my drink. At least black flies are easy to swallow, unlike horse flies, so designated because they would eat a pony if the wife wasn’t around to chew on. Deer flies seem most prone to attack when I’m canoeing or

air mattressing, where missed swats inflict stinging slaps to bare flesh or result in unexpected immersion. I stay clear of wasps and hornets, but go after their nests using smoke, fire and projectile sprays, wearing my scuba gear for a quick lake dive when those stinging hordes defend their abodes. And don’t get me started on those oh-so politically correct spongy moths, who will always be gypsies to me.

My summers reek of mosquito repellant. So do wife, dogs and wardrobe. It's pervasive, but hardly noticeable – like when everyone eats garlic – except to hapless passers-by who choke on a petrochemical whiff. Arrayed with coils, smudges, pots, bug lights and wall-to-wall ant traps, my cottage boasts decidedly eccentric décor.

As the ultimate repellant, I even tried not bathing. The wife said the stench certainly kept her away. While my dogs tried to roll in me, I began to attract flies. Meanwhile, my Purple Martins departed for purer air digs down the bay, leaving behind a ghost town of bird houses on poles.

So, I bought a large electric bug zapper which can't hold its own, but sounds great trying. Neighbours know by its continuous crackling that our siege is still underway. They can hear the zapper even louder on the rare occasions I move it outside.

But all is not lost. We built a screened in deck, attached to the cottage with military strength materials, where we live all summer, smugly secure observing bugs outside eating their little hearts out instead of ours. And when going for a walk, I don’t have to send the wife outside first as a decoy anymore because of my special ballcap. The one with colourful, larger-than-life plastic dragon flies clipped to its brim. These decoys bob over my head on springy wires like guardian angels on pogo sticks.

The wife says I look like even more of a weirdo than usual, but at least I’m not a bitten one. I’m still trying to discourage real dragon flies from trying to mate with my fakes, but hey, without my hat, summer just ain't summer, ya know?

By Craig Nicholson

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.

Welcome to Cottage Country’s Daytripping Feature

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

There are many small towns in Cottage Country filled with hidden gems and spectacular settings, and brimming with vibrant arts and business communities. Small businesses are open after a trying few years, and they are ready to welcome back tourists with open arms. Enjoy the character of the villages and communities as you travel through our region and get to know the heart of Cottage Country.

You’ll find lots of ideas in the next few issues of our magazine – we have dubbed them the ‘Daytripping’ Issues and we want to direct

you to some of the greatest attractions, events and businesses in Cottage Country all the way through to the Fall.

We invite you to travel the area we call home; stop in every small town dotting the countryside. Along one of the many beautiful roads leading through quaint 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

Summer at Kawartha Downs

Kawartha Downs has come a long way since its grand opening in the summer of 1972!

After over 50 years of harness racing, Kawartha Downs has turned itself into a true destination for entertainment and now showcases a variety of events in addition to their harness racing program.

Kawartha Downs Events have been a huge success, attracting over 4000 people to attend the first annual Kawartha Country Music Festival in July of 2022. This year, the events are bigger and better than ever before. Kawartha Downs will present several family-friendly events this summer.

The 2023 program includes; the largest outdoor monster truck show in Ontario, a Father's Day weekend demolition derby, multiple tractor pulls on the permanent track that was dubbed last year as "the best tractor pull built in Canada", the second annual Kawartha Country Music Festival over Canada Day weekend, and their first multi-day Kawartha County Fair.

The artist lineup for Kawartha Country Music Festival was announced in March, including Canadian country artists; Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson, and Sacha. The Kawartha County Fair will feature a classic midway experience, as well as different main events each day of the fair.

Kawartha Downs is buzzing with excitement as they prepare for their biggest year yet. Weekly harness racing at Kawartha Downs will take place on Saturday nights, with a post

time at 7:00pm. You can find the harness racing schedule, more event info and tickets at kawarthadowns.com/events. Welcome to Kawartha Downs!

Ready to Ride with KATVA

It’s that time of year, the trails are officially opening May 1st for motorized vehicles.

Whether you hike, cycle, ride a horse, dirt bike or ATV, spring is here and that means it’s time to get out and enjoy the trails. While the ATVs and dirt bikes don’t get to enjoy the trails until May 1st, everyone else has been taking advantage of some of the nice weather we’ve enjoyed recently.

If you have never tried the trails in Kawartha Lakes you’re missing out. A great place to start is the village of Fenelon Falls. If you’re riding into town on your ATV you can park at Garnet Graham Park and enjoy the beach park amenities, or continue into the village and check out the shops and restaurants. Lock 34 is one of the busiest locks in the Trent Severn Waterway. Take a break and watch the boats go through the locks while enjoying an ice cream from one of the local Kawartha Dairy vendors. The village of Fenelon Falls has something to offer everyone and they welcome ATV riders with open arms.

When you leave Fenelon Falls and head north on the Victoria Rail Trail, you’ll see why we love this trail so much and fight so hard to keep it multi-use. This is one of the most beautiful sections of trail in Kawartha Lakes. About 2kms up the trail you get past all the cottages and the trail opens up to the most wonderful views of Cameron Lake. There are very few places in Ontario where you can ride your ATV along the trail with this type of landscape, a lake on one side and natural foliage on the other. Watch out for walkers and joggers. This section of trail

is used by many local residents and cottagers, so be sure to obey the rules and share the trail.

Once you leave this area and continue north for about 30 kms you’ll come to the village of Kinmount, home of the famous Kinmount Theatre and Kinmount Fair. Kinmount was built along the shores of the Burnt River and just before you arrive at the village you will see the river start to appear along the trail. As you enter the village area you will be greeted by a beautiful park and greenspace along the river. There’s a covered shelter where you can park your ATV and enjoy your lunch by the water and a small playground for your kids to enjoy. If you go a little further up the trail you will find the Austin Sawmill which is a must see for everyone visiting the area. It’s a beautiful display of the heritage of this small community. You will also see the dam just behind the sawmill.

There are restaurants in town if you want to stop for a bite to eat and take a break from your ride. Make sure you park in the “recreational vehicles only” parking area. The community was generous enough to give us a place to park our ATVs along the trail without the worry of other larger vehicles being too close by. Kinmount is a quaint little village with some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll come across in your travels. It’s the central hub of our trail system. Once here you can decide whether to continue north into Haliburton, head east to the 6 points or go back down a bit and pop into the Somerville Forest. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to enjoy your day on the trails.

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

ATV Associations in Cottage Country

Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA)

705-328-0931, info@katva.ca, www.katva.ca

Kawartha Lakes is a year-round outdoor playground with over 600 km of trails and exciting ATV trail riding.

PTBO Trails ATV Club

info.ptbotrails@gmail.com, www.ptbotrails.ca

Formerly known as the Havelock & District ATV Club, the Peterborough County Trails ATV Club welcomes riders of all skill levels – from brand new to experienced riders of both ATV’s and Side by Sides. Our guided rides feature comfortable speeds, frequent stops, and beautiful destinations within Peterborough County. Singles, couples, men or women, young and old…we promote safety and comraderie to ensure everyone can enjoy recreational riding.

Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA)

(705) 457-8780 , info@haliburtonatv.com

www.haliburtonatv.com

Over 1700km of HATVA Ontario ATV trails; Covering Haliburton, Kawartha, Madawaska, Peterborough & Muskoka regions.

Northumberland District

ATV Riders Club (NDATV)

ndatv@northumberlandatvriders.com

www.northumberlandatvriders.com

Northumberland District ATV Riders Club is an ATV club in Northumberland County, with over 330 kilometers of trails to enjoy. Presently, the club has over 300 members and is growing strong. Come explore and be part of the club.

Choose Your Own Adventure in Northern Kawartha Lakes

Did you know that the Coboconk wharf on Balsam Lake is officially recognized as Canada’s highest body of fresh water from which you can get anywhere in the world by boat? This means you can reach all four oceans starting in Coboconk without ever touching land! To celebrate, one of the highlights of the summer in Coboconk is Canada’s Fresh Water Summit Festival. This year the fun begins on June 17th.

Saturday launches the FREE family fun! Explore the community displays & local vendors, enjoy delicious food from the food trucks, and be entertained by the Kids Zone – Zoo to You, face painting, and lots more. Join us Saturday night for a party in the park - a licensed event with live music you won’t want to miss. While you’re here, don’t forget to explore our area further!

Where do you want to visit next? There is no shortage of fun or hospitality. From historical places along the Trent-Severn Waterway to quaint downtowns and other hidden gems – the area has something for everyone. You can even explore this beautiful area from the comfort of your own home before arriving to experience it in person…discover all that the Coboconk, Norland, and Rosedale area have to offer in our new interactive Choose Your Own Adventure!

Visit www.coboconknorland.ca to get started – just in time for your summer trip planning. We look forward to welcoming you!

Interwoven Basket Heritage

In April 2023, quilled birch bark makaks (baskets) made by women of Rice Lake Village (now, Hiawatha First Nation) arrived at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) for an extended loan visit

Nishnaabe gifting, and the love, respect and hope that went into these gifts.

By 1860, the women of Hiawatha First Nation were known for their skills as quillworkers, having won prizes at the local county and provincial fairs. Early in the summer of 1860 – in anticipation of the Royal visit – the Superintendent of Canada West, Central District, W.R. Bartlett visited most of the bands within his district to rally support for the occasion and to inform each community on what to prepare. It’s likely that Bartlett asked the women at Rice Lake to create quilled birch bark gifts for the Prince of Wales.

from the Royal Collection Trust in England, where they have been cared for since they were given to the young Prince of Wales in 1860. The makaks are the focus of an exhibition titled,

“To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860”.

This exhibition unpacks the meanings carried by the makaks: the cultural knowledge that went into their making and their presentation, the cross-cultural diplomacy and expectations of

In all accounts of the Prince of Wales’ visit, women were absent from any official presentations. They were present as spectators, workers preparing luncheons and as dance partners at the public balls, but they were never at centre stage. Quite often, credit for Indigenous women’s work is unidentified in museum collections representing this period. It is therefore extraordinary to know the names of the women who created the quilled makaks as gifts for the royal visitor. We know this because the baskets were preserved with the names written directly on them, on a piece of paper, or in some instances, quilled onto the birch bark.

“To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” will be on display through mid November 2023 at the Peterborough Museum & Archives.

For more information about the PMA’s upcoming programs, exhibitions, and events, visit www.peterborough.ca/museum and follow along on their social channels.

A Step Back in Time

Lang Pioneer Village Museum

Can you imagine a time when there were no cars or electricity? Clothing was all handmade, often hand spun and dyed first. The only way to communicate with friends and relatives from away was through hand-written letters or making a long journey to visit in person. To purchase something from the store you would make a trade with goods like eggs or butter. Like all of Ontario, this was Peterborough County just two centuries ago. It was unlike the world of the 21st century in many ways.

At Lang Pioneer Village Museum, you can relive history and experience what life was like 200 years ago. The 25-acre site is host to over 30 historic buildings and recreates a 19th century hamlet. Costumed interpreters introduce you to the people, trades and events that have helped shape local history as you visit homes and businesses from 1800 to 1910. At Aabnaabin Camp, discover the history and culture of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg who first occupied the land and were impacted by settlement. Watch the tinsmith and blacksmith at work, smell cookies or biscuits baking in a woodstove, watch as wool is spun on a spinning wheel, or even carry water using a yoke and bucket yourself.

Step back in time and enjoy an entertaining and educational day of exploration in the 1800s this summer at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. The Museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday from Father’s Day to Labour Day.

Lang Pioneer Village Museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the summer and fall. From tractors and antique cars with the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show and Transportation Day Antique & Classic Car Show, to celebrating the harvest with Corn Roast and Applefest, there is an event for everyone! The village even comes alive in the evenings with Village by Lantern Light, Historic All Hallows’ Eve and Christmas by Candlelight. Be sure to visit the Museum’s website for event dates and details: www.langpioneervillage.ca.

It's where history is happening!

The Benefits of Blades

An essential bait in anyone’s tackle or arsenal is some type of spinner bait with blades. The two most common of which are the Mepps in line spinner and my favourite, the traditional bass style spinner bait which has a v shaped wire with blades on one side and a skirted jig head with a hook on the other. Spinnerbaits are very versatile and can be fished in many different situations from sparse cover, over top of weed beds and even open clear hard bottom areas.

These baits trigger reaction bites from the fish, so I like to try varying the cadence of my retrieve from cast to cast to try to determine how the fish want it that particular day. First, I will try a steady retrieve, then I will try super-fast which we like to call burning. If you are not getting bites on either of these, try crawling the spinnerbait across the bottom just fast enough to keep the blades moving. Once you find out the rhythm they like best, you will be able to focus on that retrieve and maximize your ability to catch more fish.

Blade baits are very user-friendly - they are a simple cast and retrieve style bait which is why they are so great. You can also fan cast and cover a lot of water quickly to locate active fish. They work in both stained and clear water conditions. The blades provide two separate attractants to the fish, they are attracted to the visual; the spinning flash of the blades which fish can see from a distance in clear water. In stained water there is vibration, which is caused when the blade spins and moves water, this vibration can be felt in the fish's lateral line which can call them in when when water clarity or conditions limit the fishes vision.

There are two main shapes of blades that are found on the traditional spinnerbait. Understanding which blade does what, will help you determine what style will work best for you in different situations. The first is a Colorado blade which is round in shape; these blades displace a lot of water and therefore throw the most vibration and are made to work great in stained water with medium to slower retrieve speed. The second is a willow leaf which is more slender and, like its name, is shaped like a willow leaf. These slender blades do not displace as much water which makes them faster and great for burning; they also throw a lot of flash which makes them great in clear water conditions.

Spinnerbaits come in many blade configurations from double Colorado to double willow leaf and everything in between. I usually choose a spinnerbait with one of each, they are more versatile and can be used in many different situations. Blades can come painted in any colour and coloured blades work better in stained water. Blades also come in gold or silver which mimic minnows flashing and are typically used in clear water conditions. Size matters. The size of the blades and weight of the head will determine the speed and depth you can fish it in. Bigger blades will slow the blade and displace more water and a heavier head will allow the bait to run deeper.

Spinnerbaits are a reaction bait, and I find colour is not as important as slower moving baits; however, it still can be a factor in triggering more strikes. My favourite is a simple white skirt, but I also use natural colours like gold, and will occasionally use black if the water is stained. These are single hook moving baits that the fish can sometimes miss or short strike. When this happens, it can be handy to add a trailer hook, these have a bigger eye that is covered with tubing or some sort of coating and fits over the main hook. Having a trailer hook will increase hook-up rate and eliminate short strikes. You can also put a soft plastic trailer bait on the hook to add action and scent. Just remember the size will affect the speed and depth of your bait - the bigger the trailer, the slower and higher in the water column.

Though these are known as primarily a bass bait they catch many different species of fish, so if you don’t have a spinnerbait or two in your box - get down to your local tackle shop and pick one up! I guarantee it will help you find and catch more fish!

Tight lines, see you on the water!!

Mike Williams

www.Williamsoutfitters.com

4th Line Theatre

30 Years of Canadian Plays

Idyllic, rural, and quintessentially Canadian, each year the 4th Line Theatre Company presents Canadian plays – written by and about Canadians; small town stories or broad national sagas that touch a nerve in all of us.

the barnyard and featuring a star-studded cast, you won’t want to miss this one.

This August, 4th Line presents the theatre’s flagship play, Robert Winslow’s The Cavan Blazers. This gritty, intense play chronicles the religious conflict between Catholic and Protestant Irish settlers in Cavan Township in the early to mid-nineteenth century. With a cast of 50 actors, horses, chickens and non-stop action, this play has the audience on the edge of its seat from start to finish. Get your tickets before they’re gone!

For 4th Line Theatre’s 31st summer season, Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell is excited to produce “two very different plays, that at their core explore the two-sides of the coin of the collective.”

For 30 seasons, 4th Line Theatre has been bringing history to life on the barnyard stages of a rustic 5th generation farm in Millbrook, Ontario, between Peterborough and Port Hope.  This magical theatre presents unforgettable outdoor entertainment on an epic scale.  Thousands of visitors, young and old alike fall in love with the Winslow Farm experience complete with picnics, birdsong and sunsets in the country.

In July, see the world premiere of D’Arcy Jenish’s The Tilco Strike. The play explores the true story of the Tilco Plastics strike in Peterborough, Ontario in the 1960s. It is a fascinating story of 35 women willing to risk it all to earn a living wage while a community rallies around them. Infused with original music, performed live in

Visit the idyllic Winslow Farm this summer as 4th Line Theatre embarks on its 4th decade of producing epic outdoor theatre. “I invite you to the Farm in 2023,” says Blackwell, “to sit under the blue skies of an Ontario summer and experience the very best of what we do - create epic Canadian theatre.”

9 Tupper Street, Millbrook Box Office 705-932-4445 Toll-Free - 800-814-0055 boxoffice@4thlinetheatre.on.ca

Photo Credits:

Below - 4th Line Theatre’s Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell

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Top

Crow Hill: The Telephone Play, 2018. Photo by Wayne Eardley, Brookside Studio.

lefT - The Cavan Blazers, 2011. Photo by Wayne Eardley, Brookside Studio.

Helping Turtles Grassroots Style

Paleontologists still debate about how long Turtles have had an earthly presence. Fossil evidence puts it at 200 million years, some research suggests more. Such resilience makes it all the more difficult to comprehend the fact that at present the turtles in Ontario are a species at risk. Turtle populations are declining largely due to habitat loss, road mortality, and poaching. Making up for these losses is compounded by the fact that unlike many animal species turtles are very slow to repopulate. Species such as Snapping Turtles and Blanding's Turtles can take upwards of 17 to 20 years to reach sexual maturity. It can take as many as 60 years to replace one deceased adult turtle. In addition to this, the survival rate for turtle eggs and hatchlings is less than 1%.

As abysmal as this sounds there is a nuance of hope. Grassroots efforts to help Ontario's turtles are catching on in a big way across the province. This stems from a growing number of people coming to understand the role biodiversity and ecosystems have in our daily lives and the importance of protecting the ecological services they provide. Citizens of all ages concerned about declining turtle populations want to do what they can to protect this iconic species from extinction. Conservation is a package deal as such efforts focused on helping one species due to the interconnections and interdependence help many species. The following are some of the ways that each of us can help the Ontario turtles this turtle season and thereafter.

Turtle season typically starts in April and goes through to the end of October. This means there is a distinct possibility of seeing a

turtle crossing the road in rural communities, cottage country, and the outskirts of urban communities at any time during the months mentioned.

Crossing Roads: If you stop to assist a turtle across the road it is imperative to make road 'SAFETY YOUR #1 PRIORITY!' Always move a turtle in the direction it was headed even if it makes no sense to you. Turtles are an aquatic species and do not come out of the water very often. When they do it is because they have a specific purpose.

Injured Turtles: Did you know Ontario has a turtle hospital? It is located at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) in Peterborough. Should you find an injured turtle 'ANYWHERE' in Ontario please call the OTCC at 705-741-5000 once you have retrieved the injured turtle and have it in your possession. The OTCC provides medical care at no charge and has turtle taxi volunteers to assist with transportation if you are not able to drive the injured turtle to the OTCC. In 2022, '1,885' injured turtles were admitted. 90% were the result of being struck by a motor vehicle. Once treated and recovered turtles are released back into the wild at their point of origin.

Turtle Taxi Volunteers: If interested in occasionally providing a drive for an injured turtle you do not need to have any experience with turtles but must have access to a vehicle. Turtles will be transported in closed containers so no handling is involved. Call the OTCC non-emergency line at 705-745-7530 or e-mail volunteer@ ontarioturtle.ca for more information.

Found A Hatchling: April through to early June is when 'last years' turtle hatchlings that opted to stay in their nest for the first winter will venture out of the nest for the first time. Hatchlings could show up in your garden or on your lawn, driveway, road, or ATV trails. If you find a hatchling take it to the nearest body of water and release the hatchling in an area that is shallow and has vegetation that will serve as a protective covering.

Nesting Season: The Ontario turtles nest from mid-May to midJuly. June is the 'peak' month for nesting. During this period the number of turtles that travel across roads increases significantly. If you observe a turtle nesting give her space to ensure the nesting process is not disturbed. When the female has finished nesting and covered her nest, observe the direction she heads. If she intends to cross the road please help ensure she gets safely across the road if it is safe for you to do so. Nesting is physically draining so a female turtle after nesting will be shakey and dehydrated making her more vulnerable to harm if crossing a road.

Nest Protection: If a turtle nests on your property you 'are allowed' to install a turtle nest protector and are encouraged to do so as a contribution to species recovery efforts in your community. Should you observe a turtle nesting on public property such as a road shoulder nest protectors are 'NOT' permitted to be installed due to safety and liability concerns. The incubation period for turtle nests is 60 to 90 days from the day the female turtle laid her eggs. This is a general guideline.

Spread The Word: Even sharing a turtle awareness post on social media can make the difference between a turtle getting help or not as collective efforts across the province strive to protect and rebuild Ontario's turtle populations. Thank you for helping the turtles in the ways you do.

For a more detailed account of helping turtles and instructions for making a turtle nest protector check out our website at www.thinkturtle.ca. If you have questions please contact Think Turtle Conservation Initiative via 647-606-9537 or e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com.

Weekend at the Cottage Recipes

PORK RIBS WITH BBQ SAUCE

Perfectly grilled pork ribs brush in a delicious sauce that is tangy, with a hint of sweetness and just the right amount of heat. www.weekendatthecottage.com/pork-ribs-with-bbq-sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 2 racks baby back pork ribs

• 1 cup Weekend at the Cottage  BBQ SAUCE or BBQ Sauce of choice

• sprinkle kosher salt, about 1 tablespoon

• sprinkle black pepper, about 2 teaspoons

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare ribs: Remove silver skin from the underside of each rack of ribs. Rub both sides of the ribs with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. Cover and leave to sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Preheat grill, smoker, barbecue or oven to 250°F / 121°C. If preparing ribs in the oven, place them onto a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.

3. Place ribs onto grill grates or in oven and cook for 30 minutes. Turn them over and cook for 30 minutes more. Continue cooking for 1 additional hour, flipping every 15 minutes and brushing liberally with BBQ sauce.

4. When done, remove from grill. Cut ribs into single or two-bone portions. Serve immediately.

STRAWBERRY TURNOVERS WITH PUFF PASTRY

Flaky, fruity and fabulous, these STRAWBERRY TURNOVERS are sensational! www.weekendatthecottage.com/strawberry-turnovers-with-puff-pastry

INGREDIENTS

For the filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon cold water

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon water

• sanding sugar, to sprinkle

For the glaze:

• 1 cup icing (powdered) sugar

• 1 tablespoon strained filling

• 1 tablespoon whole milk

1. Prepare the filling: Melt butter, add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, salt and vanilla. Stir to combine and cook until bubbling. Pass about two tablespoons of the strawberry mixture through a fine sieve to yield 1 tablespoon of the strawberry mix. Set aside for the glaze. Mix water and cornstarch and stir into the strawberry mixture. Continuously stir while the mixture cooks and thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until cool.

2. Prepare the egg wash: Whisk egg and water together in a small bowl. Reserve.

3. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

4. Assemble turnovers: Roll 1 portion of pastry out into a 12-inch square and cut into 4 smaller squares. Add a spoonful of the cooled strawberry mixture to the left side of each square of dough, leaving ¼-inch of edge untouched. Brush egg wash along the edge of the pastry and fold the square over to create a rectangle, covering the filling within. Press the edge of the dough together using a fork.

5. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cut three small slits onto the top of each turnover. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

6. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes or until top is a light golden brown colour. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.

7. Glaze: Stir icing sugar together with the reserved strawberry mixture. Add enough milk to create a smooth glaze. Transfer glaze to a piping bag.

8. When turnovers are cooled, drizzle the glaze in a zig-zag pattern over the turnovers.

This Rocks: Projects for your Rock Collection

I don’t know about you, but every walk we take together as a family means someone ends up with a pocket of rocks, and it’s not always just the kids. Our cross-country trip to the coast meant our van lugged home several pounds, I’m sure, of beautiful pebbles and smooth stones straight from the ocean’s edge. We’ve made many homes for them, in a shoe box of souvenirs, in vases of flowers, in windowsill displays and more. Here are a few crafty ideas for the pile of stones you might have gathered yourself.

You’ll Need:

✔ A generous stash of rocks and stones  ✔ Hot glue

✔ Paint  ✔ Permanent Markers  ✔ Magnets

Pebble Pals

You can make the sweetest little rock pets, ones to fit in your palm, or if you love teeny tiny things (who doesn’t?) consider making some mini friends. The most important part about this project is to paint your base colour and let it dry before adding the details to avoid the colours bleeding together. You can turn a rock into an animal that it already resembles (hello Shelly the Turtle) or you can paint it as a bear or a really round snake. Let your imagination go!

Garden Markers

Smooth stones make the best labels. Simply paint them in beautiful hues, and once dry, you can either paint or use a permanent marker to label all the names of the vegetables and flowers in the garden.

Fridge Magnets

Some pretty stones, a pack of circular magnets and some hot glue, and you’ve got yourself a brand-new set of fridge magnets.  Bonus points if you can’t see the magnet underneath the rock.

Rock Statues

If you’ve gathered some rocks that aren’t exactly welcome in your house, you can try making carefully balanced tower in the garden or under a tree. They’re beautiful to look at and fun to build, if you enjoy a bit of a challenge. You never know which way your tower will balance best. Sometimes we try to balance three or more rocks end to end, even if they only stand for a second once we step back. It often calls others to join in, and we end up with an unofficial rock balancing contest. Good luck!

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

Calling All Fire Flies

Ah, the gentle flash of a firefly. Tiny bursts of starlight punctuate the dark like the dots and dashes from some long-forgotten Morse code, telling us that summer is well and truly here.

Technically a beetle, these fireflies or “lightening bugs” (as they are also called), have a special organ in their abdomen that can mix oxygen together with a pigment called luciferin and the enzyme luciferase. When the insect flies upward, these chemicals interact and create a flash – a small pulse of light. As the insect descends, the flash turns off. When a female of the same species sees the flash, she responds with her own light signal. The males and females keep this “light” conversation going until they find each other. And then, you guessed it, they mate. Some fireflies flash just once. Others give off “flash trails” of up to nine sequenced pulses. Still others create unique aerial displays by dive bombing downward and then abruptly ascending to form a “J” pattern of light. A few species waggle their abdomens from side to side and appear to be twinkling just like a distant star.

How to attract fireflies to your garden: Try to avoid using chemicals in your yard. Fireflies are sensitive to pesticides and herbicides. See if you can tone down the light around your lawn and garden. Too much light drowns out the fireflies own light signals.

Make sure that you leave some areas of shrubs or tall grass. Fireflies are drawn to humid areas that have lots of vegetation. Male fireflies tend to fly while females will rest and they need a secure spot to hide in. The higher grass and shrubbery, the more likely you’ll see fireflies.

What you can do: If you have a wristwatch that can glow or a flashlight, try imitating the pattern of flashes. If you are using a flashlight, place a blue piece of tissue paper over the lens to turn your light blue. Fireflies, according to scientists, seem to react more to blue light than white light. Remember, different species of fireflies’ flash at different rates. Can you attract a firefly by mimicking the sequence? Can you call in a firefly?

How to catch fireflies: If you move smoothly and carefully, you can catch a firefly with your bare hands. When fireflies fly, they often stay on designated flying path – follow them and wait until they land. Try creeping up behind them and gently reach out trying to trap the firefly between your cupped hands. Be careful not to crush it and transfer the firefly into a glass jar. This may take a few tries – but stay patient and determined and you’ll be able to create your very own firefly night light.

And Try This: Make a "night light" for your bedroom. Catch fireflies in a plastic ice cream tub and then transfer them to a glass jar once you get home. Make sure you pierce the lid to let in some fresh air. Then add some leaves and a few drops of water or a moistened paper towel. This keeps the air inside humid. Lie in bed and watch your fireflies glow. Let your fireflies go in the morning. You’ll have savoured nature’s very own night light – a glow that can inspire magic on those hot June and July evenings.

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

Slender-Tailed Meerkat

Riverview Park & Zoo

Say hello to the Riverview Park and Zoo mob of Slender-tailed Meerkats! Yes, a group of meerkats are called a mob. Meerkats are social mammals in the mongoose family that can be found in the dry plains and deserts of southern Africa.

In Afrikaans, one of the languages spoken in South Africa, the term ‘mierkatte’ can refer to both the meerkat and the yellow mongoose. In Afrikaans ‘mier’ means 'ant' and ‘kat’ means 'cat', which probably refers to the fact that meerkats often live alongside termite mounds and eat insects, among other things.

When it's time to catch some zzz’s, meerkats don't believe in personal space. Their burrows can be about 6 to 8 feet deep where they like to cuddle up. They will usually pile on top of each other in their sleeping chambers, snuggled on top of each other for warmth, in a big cuddle puddle!

This year’s Fun Run & Walk will raise funds to rebuild the outdoor meerkat enclosure. Join us for the morning on Saturday June 3rd to help the ongoing care for the meerkat mob. https://2023riverviewparkzoofunrunandwalk.itsyourrace.com/ register/

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

By Dawn Pond, Program Supervisor Riverview Park and Zoo

Kawartha Wildlife Centre

Kawartha Wildlife Centre is gearing up for another busy spring season!  After a record 702 patients last year (12% patient increase from 2021), we are doing everything we can to prepare our volunteers and facility to meet the ever-increasing need for services in our communities.

• Be mindful of nesting wildlife: Spring is a time when many wildlife species are breeding and nesting, so it's important to be mindful of their presence and avoid disturbing them. This could include keeping your distance from nesting birds, avoiding tree trimming or removal during the breeding season, and stay on trails to prevent disturbing nesting wildlife.

• Don't feed wildlife: Feeding wildlife can lead to habituation, where animals become dependent on human-provided food and lose their ability to forage for natural food sources. This can be harmful to both the wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole.

• Keep your pets under control: Spring is a busy time for wildlife, and encounters between pets and wildlife can lead to injury or death for both animals. Keep your pets on a leash when outdoors, and supervise them closely to prevent them from chasing or attacking wildlife.

• Leave Wildlife Alone: While it may be tempting to approach animals you come across, it's important to resist the urge. Many baby animals that appear to be abandoned are actually being cared for by their parents, and handling them can cause stress and harm.

• Support wildlife conservation efforts: Spring is a great time to get involved with wildlife conservation efforts in your area, whether that means volunteering, supporting conservation organizations financially, or advocating for policies that protect wildlife and their habitats.

Kawartha Wildlife Centre encourages the public to enjoy the beauty of nature while respecting the needs and safety of local wildlife during the spring season!

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

How Dogs Use Their Sense of Smell to Understand Their Environment

Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their brain, compared to around 6 million we humans have. This means that dogs can sense smells up to 100,000 times better than we can. They also have a section of their brain dedicated to interpreting scents called the olfactory bulb which is 40x larger in dog brains compared to human brains.

Dogs rely on their amazing noses for many reasons; how well they smell depends on each breed and individual dog's physical traits (nose shape, size etc). Some breeds like Bloodhounds are naturally gifted at smelling, while short-nosed breeds like Pugs may struggle more with this task! Dogs use their noses not only for sniffing out food but also as an early warning system to detect suspicious or dangerous items. For example, a police dog may be trained to detect narcotics, explosives, or even contraband items.

Dogs can also use their sense of smell for communication with other animals and humans. They are able to pick up on the unique scents that come from another animal or person's skin, allowing

Local Humane Societies

Lakefield Animal Welfare Society 2887 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield • 705-652-0588

www.lakefieldanimalwelfare.org

Humane Society Of Kawartha Lakes 111 McLaughlin Rd., Lindsay 705-878-4618 • www.hskl.ca

them to identify them from far away! Dogs will also often show signs of excitement or fear when they detect certain odors, such as the smell of a skunk.

In addition to communication and safety, dogs are able to use their noses for tracking animals or people. They can follow a scent trail left by another animal, allowing them to find food or locate lost owners! Dogs have even been used in search and rescue missions to find people who are lost or trapped.

Overall, dogs' noses provide them with a valuable tool for understanding their environment and the world around them. With such an impressive sense of smell, it's no wonder that dogs have become man's best friend!

Be sure to follow me on Social for more tips!

@turnerandpoochtraining   You can also email me at ineke@ptbodogtrainer.ca

Animal Rescue Krew (ARK) 3307 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield • 705-651-0069

Peterborough Humane Society 385 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough • 705-745-7676 www.peterboroughhumanesociety.ca

Home Again Bancroft

613-474-3450 • www.homeagainbancroft.ca