Maple Lake Ontario

Moving Into Spring in Haliburton County, Ontario, High Speed Internet A Reality On Maple Lake

Ξ April 30th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Internet, Maple Lake Ontario, Ontario, Photography, nature, weather, webcam |

Kawagama Lake ~4.30.08 Haliburton Highlands

I caught some lovely still photos as the sun was setting today with the one above taken in Haliburton County on Lake Kawagama on ~ 4.30.08.

I wanted to bring those that have been doing searches for “Internet Haliburton” and “Internet Maple Lake” up to speed on what the most recent developments have been.

Firstly, if you are on Maple Lake or you were depending upon the relay station that would serve it from Carnarvon, according to a recent conversation I had with a W3Connex representative, the news is not good.

Without disclosing too much I’ll just say that there has been as of April, a problem with the location of the relay station in terms of the property it is situated on. The tower must be moved and the W3Connex people do not yet know where they will put it. With this such a question mark, despite the nice man from W3Connex asking me to call back in a month when he could tell me more, I’ve opted to go with something I have a bit more control over, Cottage Country Internet .

Cottage Country Internet will be bringing satellite high speed Internet service to Maple Lake starting with us. I’m very happy about this as I’ll be able to enjoy the pleasure of living on the lake whilst I take care of the necessity of having to work part of the time while I’m there. Other family members will be able to work and play as well so as a longer-term type deal, this should work well for everyone.

By everyone I mean everyone living on Maple Lake because this first installation will allow everyone who wants it to ask for and have service installed.

Chapleau River, Mulligans Bay, Ontario~ 4.30.08

Lake of Bays, Baysville Ontario~ 4.30.08…but where’s the Bay?

Haliburton~ Eye in the Sky Cam~ 4.30.08

Haliburton Bids for 2010 Ontario Summer Games!

Ξ April 27th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Photography, Trails, news, webcam |

Dorset

When I see a headline like the one above I have to read on…you should, too!

After an assessment of county-wide venues for hosting events and accommodating the athletes, coaches, officials and guests in venues and facilities throughout the County of Haliburton,  a formal bid submission to the Sport Alliance of Ontario was made.

“This is an exciting event and we are thrilled to present our bid to Sport Alliance of Ontario.” said the Warden, Eleanor Harrison.  “In addition to promoting sports among the youth of Ontario, we will also be able to showcase our beautiful County to the rest of the Province.”

Haliburton County is located 2 ½ hours northeast of Toronto and 3 ½ hours west of Ottawa.  Its central location and stunning setting make it the perfect location for the Ontario Summer Games.

The Haliburton bid presents an opportunity for a unique games experience for the athletes.  In addition to offering professional, regulation courses for each event, the Haliburton Highlands presents a beautiful backdrop of lakes, forests and rugged terrain.  The athletes will also be treated to distinctive outdoor experiences such as guided hikes and canoe trips, astronomy tours, as well as live entertainment by local musicians.

For more information about the County of Haliburton visit www.haliburtoncounty.ca

Happy Earth Day, Ontario! ~ Webcam Shots From Around Ontario

Ξ April 22nd, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Photography, marine/marina, nature, weather, webcam |

Happy Earth Day, Ontario and the rest of the world!
As you’ll see by having a look at the webcam stills that I captured today, it was a gorgeous day in many places in Ontario. The place pictured today closest to our cottage on Maple Lake is Lake Kawagama. Despite the fact that it appears that bug juice is smeared on the camera lens (I did some photoshopping in an attempt to minimize it) at least one can see that Lake Kawagama’s ice has melted! I’m sure that water is quite cold–but one step at a time! Enjoy the the cam photos. I know I had a blast looking around the province today, enjoying the sights.

Lake Kawagama, Haliburton County, Ontario~ Earth Day (4.22) 2008

Healey Lake, Georgian Bay, Ontario~ Earth Day, 2008

Peck’s Marina, Lansdowne, Ontario~ Earth Day, 2008

Kincardine Harbour Marina, Ontario~ Earth Day, 2008

The boats are docked!

Silver Lake, Parry Sound~Earth Day 2008

Mulligans Bay, Chapleau, Ontario ~Earth Day, 2008 ~Northeast view

That ice really seems to be thick! It looks like it’s going to be some time before this bay is very bay-like.

Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst, Ontario ~Earth Day, 2008

Oh, oh! Looks like the ice melt has caused a bit of a disaster. No joking, this water line looks seriously high. That water is up the sides a good two feet. I hope the owners are aware of this!

Port Carling ~ Indian River,  Ontario ~Earth Day, 2008

This has become one of my favourite spots to “hang out.”

Fourteen Day Weather Forecast~ West Guilford, Haliburton County

Webcams Around Ontario 04.18.08: Watch As Spring Unfolds

Ξ April 19th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Photography, weather, webcam |

Tried today to grab a quick snapshot–several actually–of various parts of Ontario that are situated on a water body. I found a few new ones! With others I’m just enjoying them as they ease into spring. Woo-hoo!

(above) Chapleau River on Mulligan’s Bay looks very frozen still. Brrr!

Len’s Cove, Portland, Ontario

Silver Lake, Parry Sound.

Well, the ice has receded a bit more. Got a ways to go yet, it seems.

Etobicoke, Peregrine Nest Cam

Nordic Trails: A lot of snow has melted in just days.

Montreal River Harbour

NEW* Webcam Photo Images Of Ontario Vacation Destinations, more

Ξ April 15th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Photography, Trails, marine/marina, weather, webcam |

Nordic Trails, Gravenhurst

Hi! Today I went for a look see via about 20-25 active webcams of various vacation destinations and areas of interest in Ontario, Canada.

As you know, Ontario is a large province with potential for quite a diversity of weather conditions. By taking still shots of each location, I’ve tried to give you a snapshot of the province on April 15, 2008. I am a bit heartened to see that the snow and ice is receding quite nicely in some areas. I’m also excited about the weather outlook for the Maple Lake Ontario area for the next 7 days!

West Guilford, Ontario 7-Day Forecast

This is Lake Kawagama in Haliburton County. This shot were taken on 04.05.08. It was reported that there was 2 feet of ice on the lake then.

Mountain Trout Aerial Shot of Lake Kawagama

Compare these next 2 shots of the same harbour.

Kinkardine Harbour, Lake Huron ~03.30.08

Kinkardine Harbour, Lake Huron .~04.15.08 Looks like a lovely day on Lake Huron (Can you spot the changes from 2 weeks ago?)

Port Carling (north of Santa’s Village) looks delightful!

Rockport, on The St. Lawrence River, Eastern Ontario

Nordic Trails, Gravenhurst

Silver Lake, Parry Sound

Len’s Cove Marina, Big Rideau Lake, Portland. This too looks like a lovely area!

And the snow is melting nicely in Gravenhurst.

This is Lake Kawagama in Haliburton County. This shot was taken on 04.05.08.

Port Burwell, Lake Erie

And as much as I love Toronto as my birthplace, it’s the last place I want to be this summer–it, or any city. Toronto:

In my former hometown, Etobicoke’s Peregine Foundation’s Nesting Cam

Original Maple Lake Ontario Photo and W3Connex

Ξ April 14th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Internet, Maple Lake Ontario, Photography, blog(s), blogging, business, me |

It looks like we can do three weeks at Maple Lake this summer. Plus Labour Day weekend, I think (we have been for a few years in a row now).

Which is great as long as there’s Internet. I know I’m a broken record but I’m not the only person that can’t afford to take weeks off of paid work. And dial-up in my hyper-competitive online world won’t do it, regardless.

I think need to call the Haliburton County-affiliated W3Connex cable guy.

I’ve talked to him once on the phone and he seems very nice but with service orders for exactly what I need at about 800 online inquiries ahead of me in the email queue.

That’s why I’m thinking maybe going to the cottage a bit later so there might be a chance to get the cable people out our way? Oh please, oh please?

“Cash Cups”, “Boob Bags”, Maple Lake Artisans Fund Raising Venture

Ξ April 11th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Maple Lake Artisans, Maple Lake Ontario, charity fun bags, events |

Cash Cups, Boob Bags for Cancer Cure

 A WORTHY CAUSE~

Important information about a not-to-be missed Haliburton County event Exhibit that begins May 9 and runs through May 24.

The “Cash Cups” exhibit is an extension of a project from the Crafty Girls group, who meet monthly to experiment with different crafts in an informal setting.

April’s craft night features “Boob Bags”, converting old bras into purses.

The “New Business of the Year” Maple Lake Artisans Collective will be making purses from bras and embellishing them with material, paint, beads, thread and mystery objects.

You don’t need to attend Crafty Girls to submit an entry for the exhibit, contact The Art Hive for information: call 705-754-0021 or email thearthive@live.ca.  And be sure to visit the exhibit during May 9-24 and make a bid on a unique art piece.

The intent of the exhibit is to raise awareness for breast cancer.

THINGS TO KNOW:

A silent auction of donated artworks will be held during the run of the exhibit, with final bids during the closing celebrations Saturday May 24. That evening will also feature a live auction of selected pieces. Proceeds from both auctions will go to Cottage Dreams.

The Art Hive
Maple Lake Artisans Collective
Laura Trach, Event Co-ordinator
705-754-0021
Email thearthive@live.ca

Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative
Seana O’Neill
President
705-457-9100
soneill@cottagedreams.org

Oh, it ends on the 24 th of May. Gosh, I’d love to go.–that’s Canada’s weekend akin to the 31st of May–Memorial Day in the USA. A week earlier means a week colder and buggier, though.

I hear from my aunt via my dad, that there is still “two feet” of snow on the ground but given that we are not even half-way through April–I hope it melts soon and stays that way. The one forecast I have implies otherwise,  I’m not that glad to report. :/

Haliburton County Bug Report

Ξ April 8th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Bug Report, Haliburton Highlands, weather |

Ontario Bug Reports

As you can see by clicking the above link, we’ll have to wait about one more month before we start getting bug reports from The Weather Network. When they become available, I’ll do a weekly summary for the Haliburton Highlands along with other news–such as weather forecasts–which may affect your outdoor plans.

As an FYI, this website is best viewed with the most current version of Mozilla’s Firefox browser. If you are not familiar with it, I urge you to try it as increasingly websites and blogs are designed to give you the best results using the Firefox browser. It is generally agreed that Mozilla’s Firefox Browser is safer to use that Internet Explorer. See the Firefox browser here.

Weather or not, Ontario? April/May Forecasted

Ξ April 6th, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton Highlands, Maple Lake Ontario, Ontario, weather |

This is as much as The Old Farmer’s Almanac gives away for free.

My opinion of what the weather is going to be like in cottage country is that it should, based on past experience be a mix of weather. You always are prepared for quite hot–some days you want to stay in the lake all day but the mornings and evenings of such days can both be quite cool.

I visit in July of August and have been doing Labour Day Weekend.

All that said, I haven’t worn long pants and more than a jacket when it is cool– in years. Other family members can look to me positively swaddled, including my spouse, wearing jeans, sweatshirts and shoes. I’ll wear a denim jacket by the fire at night–mostly to keep the bugs at bay.
Really, I’m more concerned with the bug forecast than the weather for Maple Lake, Ontario or anywhere in the Haliburton Highlands/Central Ontario Region.

Next time: Bug forecast for Maple Lake Ontario~spring-into-summer 2008.

Grand Opening R.D. Lawrence Place, Minden Hills Cultural Centre

Ξ April 2nd, 2008 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Haliburton Highlands, Internet, Maple Lake Ontario, events |

RD Lawrence Place opening

Info courtesy of Amy Brohm
Tourism and Marketing Co-ordinator
County of Haliburton
705-286-1777; 1-800-461-7677

Though my family and I cannot attend, we will absolutely add this to our “things to do/ places to see” list which is growing ever-longer.

In other “news,” I’m still stressing over getting Internet and thereby altering my (our) entire summer for the better.

It’s hard to get a bead on what exactly is the Internet situation in Haliburton County.

One the one hand, there is W3Connex with it’s display on the Official Haliburton County website. It’s troubling however that there has been no updates on the status of the progress of making high-speed Internet connection available in the area.

More troubling: Though he was extremely nice, the fellow manning the phones (and I suspect doing many other tasks as well) at W3Connex essentially indicated that there could be 800 people with the same request as I have ahead of me in the line for high speed Internet access.

OTOH, Cottage Country Internet is ready to hook me up now. For $700 ($675 plus tax). Granted, this is a one-time install fee but I just don’t have that kind of cashola hanging around. Not to be all whiny but I am on full disability and this online writing I do– more than half is for free–the other part-time income–you know, to pay for “extras.” Seven hundred smackaroos is more than an “extra,” I’m afraid.

I just won’t be able to swing more than a couple of weeks at Maple Lake unless I get hooked up as I don’t have the luxury of taking the summer off.

Son will stay with me if we get hooked up as hid life revolves around school, books and online MMRPG games. Take away the games and interaction with his chums–well he’s a great kid but he’ll burn through any reading material he has. We use the Internet for everything–at least here in the States.

If only the nice people at either W3Connex or cottage Cottage Country Internet would take pity and realize that though my American dollars are not so big anymore I would still love to spend them in Haliburton County.