Kl 2014 showcase by Darren Catherwood

WWW.KAWARTHALIFE. NET | WINTER 2014 | VOLUME 13 #1

THE TASTIEST ICE IS

NICE

TOUR AROUND

IN DALRYMPLE

WINTER

FUN IN APSLEY

ARTIST

VALERIE DAVIDSON

AND MUCH MORE!

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Dear Friends It is always a treat to serve up our annual Showcase edition of Kawartha Life. Our region has so much to offer, for year-round residents, seasonal cottagers, weekend trekkers or day-trippers. Kawartha truly is a feast for the senses: the fresh smell of the great outdoors, the splash of a cool lake on a hot summer day, the glisten of sunlight on the snow in winter, the exhilarating bark of a sled dog or the sweet sound of birdcall. To these sensory delights you can add the tasty lure of rich butter tarts, available across the region as part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour. There are so many reasons to explore our diverse region, and if the pursuit of the perfect butter tart is your motivation, welcome. But if your sweet tooth isn’t your compass, not to worry. In this issue we’ve tallied up a few more diversions and explorations. You’ll discover a land rich in natural beauty, friendly merchants, artistic creativity and entrepreneurial energy. Come visit Kawartha in 2014 and we’re sure you’ll find a range of activities and places to satisfy every appetite. You can count on it.

Don MacLeod Publisher - Kawartha Life

PUBLISHER: Don MacLeod ACCOUNT MANAGER: Kim Harrison, 905-240-0076 kimkawarthalife@hotmail.com EDITORIAL: Birgitta MacLeod CONTRIBUTORS: Darren Catherwood ©Copyright 2014: All rights are reserved and articles may not be published without the written permission of the Publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this paper, the Publishers assume no liability for loss or damage due to errors or omissions. The Publishers cannot be held accountable for any claims or results thereof as advertised in this publication.

Contents 31

Miles in the longest dogsled race in this year’s Apsley Winter Carnival

Number of dogs per team in this race

Cover photo and dogsled team courtesy Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Below: Valerie Davidson designer brooch

SPOTLIGHT ON KAWARTHA

Kawartha By The Numbers Birgitta MacLeod.....................................................................6 ARTIST: VALERIE DAVIDSON

Sculpture You Can Wear Birgitta MacLeod.........................................................................10 DESTINATION

Winter Fun In Apsley Birgitta MacLeod .........................................................................14 SPOTLIGHT ON TOURING

The Tastiest Tour Around Birgitta MacLeod .........................................................................16 SPOTLIGHT ON RECREATION

Ice Is Nice Birgitta MacLeod........................................................................20 Showcase 2014

SPOTLIGHT ON KAWARTHA

Kawartha By The Numbers Birgitta MacLeod

200,000

Number of butter tarts sold in a year at Butter Tarts N More. A conservative estimate, in some years the total reaches 300,000. This year, why not satisfy your culinary curiosity by taking part in the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour? It’s a sweet road trip you can do at any time of year. For full details, see our story on page 18.

660

130

Number of lilac varieties growing in the Lilac Gardens of Lindsay. More than 600 lilac shrubs fill the park with their delightful fragrance and beauty in late spring. Don’t let the work being done Logie Street this year discourage you from wandering through the gardens. Just park on the west side of Lindsay St. at Memorial Park. If you visit during the peak bloom time from mid-May through June, you may encounter a volunteer guide. Updates are posted on the website www.lilacgardensoflindsay.org.

458

Length, in metres, of spelunking trails at Warsaw Caves. There are seven caves, formed by meltwater from retreating glaciers about 10,000 years ago. There are also 15 km of hiking trails at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. Become a cave

explorer, that’s spelunker, for a couple of hours, a day or a weekend. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, sturdy well-fitting shoes and your common sense. There’s also camping, canoeing, fishing, swimming and more. This year the Warsaw Caves marks its 50th anniversary, as a modern tourist attraction that is. The caves are open from mid-May to mid-October. For all the info, visit www.warsawcaves.com or 1-877-816-7604.

Number of seats at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay. Built in 1892, the Academy Theatre is the second oldest live theatre house in Ontario. Back in the day, it was much admired for its large stage, private boxes, frescoed ceiling and rich decor. These days it is much regarded for the variety and quality of live entertainment. We can thank a group of dedicated volunteers who raised more than $65,000 to save this community treasure from possible demolition in 1962. More than 50,000 backsides now fill the seats each year. 2014 gets off to an impressive start with Dalmatia, the Musical Firefighter on January 11th at 8 pm. The musical is an inspiring story about an orphan named Avea who lives on the rooftop of the fire hall in Dalmatia. Avea’s rescue by a magical, musical firefighter is staged with dramatic visual effects and choreography as well as an original score. Matthew James, an awardwinning saxophonist, is the musical firefighter. The Kawartha Lakes Volunteer Firefighters Association has partnered with James to present the show. On January 18th, Tower of Power takes the stage. For the past 44 years, Tower of Power has been creating its own kind of soul music, appearing before sold out crowds as they tour the world each year. Melding soul, jazz, funk and rock, this ten-piece, horn-driven band is, according to the Hollywood Reporter, “tighter than a clenched fist.”

Showcase 2014

Combine all of that with an outstanding lead vocalist and you have one of the most dynamic groups of musicians to ever hit the stage. If that’s not dyno-mite enough, the next performance, Dino-Light will really charge your battery. The show on January 25 at 2pm features electroluminescent creatures that light up the darkness. Truly unique and visually dazzling, DiNO (formally known as Darwin) has been praised for its cutting edge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance by audiences all over the world. There are special prices for patrons 12 years and under for this show.

Remember that “feel good” music you grew up with? Or those catchy tunes your parents used to play on their record players? On March 9 at 7pm, direct from Las Vegas the Academy Theatre presents Oh What a Night, a tribute to the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Songs like “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Sherry Baby”, and “Walk Like A Man” will take you back to an incredible musical era of the past. Grammy Award winner Johnny Winter takes the stage on March 22 at 8 pm. Rolling Stone magazine called him “one of the

European tour opening for the likes of Jeff Beck. At 21 years of age, he already has a decade of performance under his belt. And now, Jimmy can say that he’s performed in the same theatre that saw Sammy Davis Jr. and the Marx Brothers on stage. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 705-324-9111 or visit www.academytheatre.ca. greatest guitarists of all time” and his story is the stuff of legend. Born in a rough and tumble oil town in Texas, he grew up listening to and then playing blues and rock ‘n’ roll at a very early age. His inclusion in a story about Texas music in Rolling Stone in 1968 ignited a bidding war among record labels for his phenomenal talent. Since 1969 and his self-titled debut, Johnny has recorded almost 40 albums of classic rock and blues. For this performance, Winter will be welcoming an up-and-coming star in his own right, Jimmy Bowskill. The youngest Juno nominee ever, he’s back from a

Number of Ontario Provincial Parks in Kawartha Lakes. Kawartha Lakes is home to Balsam Lake Provincial Park, Emily Provincial Park and Indian Point Provincial Park. Okay, the last one isn’t actually an operating park, but a natural area at the north end of Balsam Lake Provincial Park. Emily Park is a great place for family camping. There are over 300 campsites and more than half have electricity. But

remember, it’s camping, so leave the big screen and DVD player at home. Emily Park is especially nice for exploring the wetlands by canoe. If you don’t own a canoe you can rent one at the park. There are also two shallow, sandy beaches. Balsam Lake Provincial Park is located near Coboconk on the Trent-Severn Waterway. There’s a wonderful, large sandy beach, perfect for the little ones, and spacious campsites. If you prefer “glamping” over camping in one of the 506 sites, you can rent a 4-bedroom cottage. There’s great hiking at Balsam Lake, including the Lookout Trail that brings you to a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Rent a boat or bring your own to the boat launch. While on the water, drop a line to fish for walleye, bass and muskie. Call (705) 454-3324 for info. As for Indian Point Provincial Park, it’s that point of land at the north end of Balsam Lake. It’s not an operating park so there are no visitor facilities, but there is a 6 km trail

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Showcase 2014

for hiking, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. You can get to the park from the water; Indian Point features one of the longest undeveloped shorelines in the Kawartha Lakes region. You can also park and enter the trail near Coboconk.

250+

Number of lakes in Kawartha Lakes. Some of these don’t have official names, in fact only about 60 of them are named. Kawartha Lakes is, by its name and nature, a boater’s paradise. More than 380 km of the Trent Severn Waterway winds its way through. Whether your choice is cabin cruiser, kayak or canoe, you’ll find a stretch of water that takes your breath away. Your brain (about 70% water) and body (about 60% water) will say welcome home.

Number of years that Confederation Log Homes has been building homes. A Kawartha success story, Confederation Log Homes designs and ships log and timberframe homes as far away as Japan and South America. All logs used by 1867 Confederation are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to guarantee standards for cutting and re-planting are met. They are also harvested at the end of their life when they no longer produce oxygen and then air dried to reduce natural moisture – a much more environmentally process than kiln drying. From design to finishing, it takes from 24 to 28 weeks on average to build a Confederation log home.

20,000

Volume, in litres, of a tanker delivering goat’s milk to the Mariposa Dairy in Lindsay. Another Kawartha success story, Mariposa Dairy makes award-winning cheese from goat’s milk and occasionally, sheep’s milk. Approximately 130 farms supply Mariposa with milk. Owners Bruce and Sharon Vandenberg maintain a herd of about 1,000 goats.

73,214

Population of the City of Kawartha Lakes, according the 2011 census. That number swells in the summer as cottagers and vacationers come home to Kawartha. But any time of year is a great time to visit. Consider snowmobiling, ice fishing or cross country skiing, or warm weather diversions such as fishing, birding, hiking, boating and cycling. Shopping, spas, dining… this list could go on and on. &

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ARTIST: VALERIE DAVIDSON

Sculpture You Can Wear Birgitta MacLeod

’ve had people in my studio crying. Sometimes I cry along with them.” For jeweller Valerie Davidson, creating a custom piece of jeweller with personal meaning is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. For more than 30 years Valerie has been creating her own and custom designs in silver and gold. Her own designs are clean, sophisticated, classy. She also crafts a different line of jewellery that is more animated and fun. The latter was inspired by her children’s own charming drawings, which she transformed into brooches pendants for gifts. When others saw their quaint and quirky appeal she was asked to make more. Valerie’s career started almost by chance. “It’s a bit of a fluke. I was babysitting for my neighbour, a glassblower who had a friend that was a jeweller. She needed a helper and I started working for her. Both had gone to Sheridan College and I followed in their footsteps and went to Sheridan too.” That was about 33 years ago. Valerie has since established herself as a skilled silversmith and instructor. She teaches jewellery arts at the Haliburton School for the Arts and at other studios such as META4 Gallery in Port Perry. For her own designs, Valerie says the process begins with choosing what she feels like making, earrings or a pendant for example. “I see an earring as a small sculpture. I play with lines, shapes and textures. I often sketch or play right in the materials,” she explained. It doesn’t always work out. “I have a lot of off-casts that didn’t work”. But when it does, the results are beautiful and timeless. There are many ways of working with metal to create jewellery. “My techniques are mainly construction, so I’m building jewellery by cutting and soldering for 10

Showcase 2014

example. I do some casting and forging and I sort of dabble in other techniques but I work mainly in construction.” “The hardest part is coming up with the designs. Some days I have no desire to try and some days I have so many ideas I can’t keep up.” Valerie has many satisfied commission clients. Sensitive and easy-going, she’s able to take their ideas and inspiration and craft something that pleases both the artist and patron. “I sit down with people to discuss the project. They may bring a stone or drawing, or something they’ve seen. We discuss material, budget and time frame. I might do a few sketches. If it’s a ring I make a wax model. We have a least a couple of meetings,” she explained. Making jewellery requires physical stamina. It’s surprisingly demanding as her students might attest and there are days when Valerie feels a bit worn out herself. “I

sometimes get tired, because it’s physically hard to do. When I do a project for someone and it means so much to them, then I remember.” Recently, for example, she made a custom nickel silver tip for a swagger stick. A swagger stick is a short military cane carried as a symbol of authority. The stick Valerie worked on was a family heirloom given as gift from father to son. But the custom work she is most known for are silver pieces based on children’s drawings. These delightful, almost cartoonlike designs are both fun and beautiful. Valerie still lives and works in the community where she grew up. Her home and studio are on Hope Mill Road, in Keene. “I love it here,” she said. “I love the peace, setting my own schedule. It’s quiet. I love everything,” she says about her location. “The only down side is that people are reluctant to come out here, especially when the weather is bad.”

Fortunately, Valerie’s work can be found in a number of locations, including the Art Gallery of Peterborough, Metalworks in Kingston, META4 Gallery in Port Perry and Luvly in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. You can also contact Valerie directly through her website www.vdavidson.com or by phone at 705295-4935. &

2065

Average price of silver, per ounce, in US dollars for the year 1980, when Valerie Davidson started her career as a jeweller. The approximate price of silver, at print time for this issue: $19.67

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DESTINATION

Winter Fun In Apsley

Birgitta MacLeod

f you ask a new arrival to Canada what they most look forward too, they often say “snow”. That’s particularly true if they’ve arrived from the south and they’re ten years old. Cold, fluffy and free, snow has novelty and fun written all over it. If the novelty has worn off for you, head out to Apsley for the Apsley Winter Carnival on February 21 to 23. The members of the local Lions Club, along with some generous sponsors and volunteers, work year-long to pile up a huge drift off winter activities that will have you falling in love with winter all over again. There are entertaining activities and contests that anyone can try, like gang snowshoeing or horse-drawn sleigh rides, but the highlights are probably the dogsledding and skijoring races. Planning a dogsled competition can be a tad tenuous, as Ontario has experienced unpredictable snow fall in recent years. It’s not like when you were a kid and you got three feet of snow every week, right? In south Kawartha it can be a challenge to pick the right weekend for snow racing, but the Apsley Winter Carnival has an advantage,

according to spokesman Paul Tucker. “We’re very fortunate. We get the right weekend every year and we’ve never had to cancel,” said Paul. “We run bush trails as opposed to using rail lines that are more open to the elements. We’re also not using snowmobile trails,” he explained. Although the coordinators go out in advance and groom the trails, “the secret is staying off the trails and not getting on them too early,” he added. The Apsley team is also fortunate that experienced musher Jim Cunningham

coordinates the sled dog races for the event. Jim has lots of dogsledding experience, including the Yukon Quest, a 1,000 mile race between Whitehorse, Yukon and Fairbanks, Alaska that lasts from 10 to 16 days. Dogsled racing is great fun for spectators and it’s exhilarating to get caught up in the excitement. “The more you applaud and whistle and clap the better the dogs respond,” said Paul. We humans have a long and close relationship with dogs and working dogs like these get a thrill from participating.

To advertise with Kawartha Life call Kim Harrison at 905-240-0076 or by email kimkawarthalife@hotmail.com

Showcase 2014

Spectators should keep in mind, however, that the dogs are there to race, so ask permission from dog handlers before approaching their dogs and, importantly, stay out of the way. Dog teams have the right of way. Also, for safety reasons, please leave your own nonparticipating furry companion at home. At the Apsley races you’ll see traditional wooden carts as well as some of the new carbon fibre versions. If you want to get in on the action, there’s a kids and mutts competition on Saturday at 12:15 pm. You could also try skijoring. If you’ve got a pair of cross country skis and a willing canine, you can go skijoring. “Any breed of dog that likes to run” can be your skijoring partner, said Paul. “It’s a good workout for everybody. Some people use two dogs but you have to be fairly skilled for that.” When you’re not whistling and cheering on the dogs, there’s plenty to keep you and the family busy. There are snow carving and sculpting contests for kids and competitions for adults. One involves a tin can, a match and a bottle of water to see who can be the quickest to brew a cup of tea. Head in to the arena for a hockey contest between NHL and Peterborough Petes alumni, cheer for your favourite team in the OMHA sanctioned hockey tournament or watch precision skating teams. This year there are hot air balloon rides and a show for kids by Mad Science. You’ll be well fed during the weekend. There’s a wing night, an all you can eat spaghetti dinner and Sunday brunch, plus lots to eat from vendors. Aside from your meals, almost everything is free at the carnival. So dig out your long underwear and toques and fall in love with winter at the Apsley Winter Carnival. You’ll feel like a kid again. The Apsley Winter Carnival officially kicks off on Friday, February 21 at 6 pm and closes on Sunday, February 23 at 5 pm. Shuttle buses will run to and from Peterborough throughout the weekend. Parking is available in Apsley with shuttle buses to and from the arena. For overnight accommodation, you’re best bet is bed and breakfast accommodation. Apsley is located between Peterborough and Bancroft, near Chandos Lake. For more information, including sled dog and skijoring race registration, visit the website www.apsleywintercarnival.ca. &

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SPOTLIGHT ON TOURING

The Tastiest Tour Around Birgitta MacLeod

t’s a debate that’s been circling kitchen tables in Ontario for more than a century: runny or firm, raisins or no raisins. We’re talking of course, about butter tarts, a signature dessert in this part of the world and one of the few uniquely Canadian recipes. The recipe is pretty simple: butter, sugar and eggs lovingly poured into a pastry shell. Easy to prepare with ingredients found in any 19th century pantry. Sure there are similar recipes from across the pond or south of the 49th parallel, treacle tart or shoofly pie to name a couple, but the butter tart, humble yet glorious, is Canada’s culinary claim to fame. The first printed recipe that anyone can find dates to 1900, when it was published in The Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook in Barrie. It also

appeared in a 1908 cookbook published by the Toronto Daily News. In 1911, the Canadian Farm Cookbook published no less than six recipes for butter tarts. Memorable butter tarts, bought during regular trips to the cottage are what inspired Jeff Wood of The Agency Nextdoor, a Toronto ad agency, to propose butter tarts as something worth promoting in Kawartha and Northumberland. Although Jeff had is favourite bakery, a little tasty research revealed there were dozens of fine bakeries, each with their own delectable version. The agency pitched the idea to the Regional Tourism Organization for this area (RTO8). Christine Painter, Regional Project Manager for RTO8, said the tart tour was an easy fit for a region already well served by excellent small town bakeries. While locals may know all the hot spots, this was a chance to let travelers from Toronto in on

Showcase 2014

our secrets. “We’ve had a pretty amazing response from the participants,” she said. “And they’re all great ambassadors for their communities.” Thus the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour was born. Fresh out the oven, the response was terrific. Amateur taste testers hopped in their cars and national media such as Maclean’s and the Globe and Mail picked up the story. Even VISA is asking folks to publically declare on Facebook who makes the best butter tarts. In the land of butter tarts, there’s always some rivalry, however, and the tour was not without controversy. In Wellington County, an earlier “Butter Tart Trail” promotion was already running. Thankfully, in true Canadian fashion, everyone has worked out their differences and we now have two tasty trip options for tarts. The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter

Tart Tour now boasts thirty three participating bakeries. Each with its own special way of making tarts. In Fenelon Falls, The Little Pie Shack is one of the participants. Owner Joann Patterson bakes tarts based on her mother’s recipe. “I developed it over the years. I started with my mothers’ recipe and I’ve altered it, mostly to do with the baking time,” she said. “The baking time affects how they come out, runny or not.” The pastry, nice and flaky, is her mothers’ recipe. In fact, Joann can credit her mother with getting her started. “I originally started my business in 2005, selling antiques and gifts. My mother made pies and tarts and I sold them as well. People started coming just for the baking.” Joann saw the recipe on the wall, learned all she could about baking and opened the Little Pie Shack in 2011. She makes plain, raisin and pecan butter tarts. Raisin are the biggest seller.

A family recipe was also where Lynda Moss of Butter Tarts N More started. She had some work to do, though, to convert the recipe for the volume of butter tarts she makes. Butter Tarts N More has three locations: Little Britain, Oakwood and Bethany. In a single year they’ll sell roughly 200,000 butter tarts. And that’s a conservative estimate. Lynda’s tarts are also runny and she says it the flavour that people love. She makes ten

different varieties of butter tarts, including chocolate chip. More of a traditionalist, Lynda says “the staff coerced me into trying them out. Customers loved them so I keep making them. People say the chocolate helps cut the sweetness of the filling.” The bakery and restaurant is also famous for its pies, Chelsea buns and empire cookies. Professional and amateurs judges had a chance to evaluate butter tarts during 2013’s Flavour Festival in Peterborough. It was a

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serious completion to be sure and the pastries were judged on both crust and filling. Last year’s winners can duly claim the following bragging rights: best crust Country Mart in Buckhorn; best filling - Doo Doo's Bakery in Bailieboro; people's choice Cravings Bakery in Peterborough; best specialty butter tart - Doo Doo's Bakery; best overall - Betty's Pies and Tarts in Port Hope. The specialty butter tart from Doo Doo’s that took the prize was maple bacon. Can you get any more Canadian than that? The Flavour Festival will take place again in 2014 but why wait until the weather warms up. A hot cup of coffee or tea and a butter tart is winter’s heavenly antidote. Plus, we need those calories to keep us warm. So hop in the car and bring your appetite. But first, visit the website www.kawarthasnorthumberland.ca and go to the Butter Tart Tour trip planner. You can plot out your route and preview all the participating bakeries. Yum. &

Go Eat Butter Tarts! So many choices, but does it really matter. Aren’t your mother’s, or your aunt’s or your grandmother’s the best butter tarts ever? This tasty tour just might make you change your mind (sorry Mom). n Little Britain

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SPOTLIGHT ON RECREATION

Ice Is Nice Birgitta MacLeod

atience helps. But a good spot is key. These are words of advice from Rob Rae, all season enthusiast of Dalrymple Lake and owner of Dalrymple Dock & Leisure. He’s talking about fishing but it’s particularly true of ice fishing.’

You can’t put a hut just anywhere on the lake. You have to know the spots. It’s location, location, location. — Rob Rae, Dalrymple Dock and Leisure

In 2013, Rob started renting out ice fishing huts on Lake Dalrymple, supplying all the bait and basics for folks wanting to give ice fishing a try. Despite a late and lacklustre start to winter last year, the program was such a success that he’s expanding it this year. If you enjoy the experience of ice fishing but don’t have a buddy with an ice hut or don’t want to be bothered with the maintenance, it’s a great way to fit in some fishing in your wintertime. Rob is helped by his friend Barry Mccrackin, who grew up on Lake Dalrymple and knows it like the back of his hand. His 25 years of fishing experience come in handy for novice as well as seasoned anglers looking to bring home some fish. “You have to know the right spots. You should have a fish in 5 minutes.” It’s not just about the fish. Ice fishing is a terrific way to get outside with friends or family. “It’s the experience of it all together,” said Rob. “It’s getting away from everything; it’s the camaraderie and the fresh air, 20

whether you catch anything or not.” But catching fish, that really is the main source of fun and satisfaction. In winter, fish behave differently according to Barry. “It’s a different kind of fishing. The fish are not as active in the winter.” The fish typically come up from the deeper water to feed at a drop-off, which is where Rob sets the ice huts. He drills holes in the hut, so you can sit in the comfort of a heated shelter, as well as several holes in the area around the hut. Each person fishing can have 2 lines in the water. There’s even a small cook stove in the hut so you can enjoy your catch right away. Rob sets up a “tip-up” with the bait about a foot off the bottom of the lake. When there’s a bite the flag stands up and then it’s a “race for the tip-up”. Whoever gets their first can claim the catch. Lake Dalrymple’s popularity for ice fishing is growing. “This lake is well known for pike. It’s a hotspot in Kawartha Lakes and is really drawing a lot of people who used to go to Simcoe,” said Rob. “Lake Simcoe is more dangerous for fishing, especially for people who don’t know much about ice fishing. Dalrymple is a safer lake.” Although there are a couple of tricky spots on Lake Dalrymple, Rob and Barry know where they are and make sure people stay clear of them. This more peaceful atmosphere makes Kawartha a popular place for families and kids to go ice fishing. Barry can back that up. Last year his son, age 5, caught the season’s biggest pike and summer’s biggest pickerel. To ensure safety, Rob drills 10 inch fishing holes in the ice instead of cutting a large opening. There’s no chance your youngster can fall in the icy water. That’s not to say that safety isn’t a concern. In winter you should always come prepared for a turn in the weather. It can be a glorious

Showcase 2014

morning and then, when it’s time to walk back the weather can turn nasty. Besides all your winter clothing, you’ll need to bring a fishing licence issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources. You can purchase one on-line or there are many local spots to purchase one, including any Service Ontario office. A one-day sport fishing licence costs under $14 but if you’re going for a weekend or more than once, you’re better to buy a one year licence for less than $30. Kawartha falls in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ zone 17 for recreational fishing regulations. So that means you can have in your possession a maximum of 6 pike, 50 perch, 30 crappie and 300 sunfish. If you’ve never tried ice fishing and are interested in giving it a go, a hut rental is an ideal way to try it out. You can even make a weekend of it by booking a cottage at a resort right on the lake. Travel by car or by snowmobile. There’s a marked snowmobile trail that goes right to the front door of Dalrymple Dock and Leisure as well as the Dalrymple Resort. If ice fishing still doesn’t sound nearly as good as sitting on a dock with a cold drink on a hot summer’s day, Rob Rae can still get you outfitted. When he’s not renting ice huts, Rob sells and installs docks, outdoor furniture, all sorts of watersports equipment including inflatables and trampolines, and more. For more information about ice hunt rentals on Lake Dalrymple, visit the website www.dalrympledockandleisure.ca or call Rob at 705-329-8873. &

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