Maple Lake Ontario

Haliburton Highlands Moms & Tots Playgroup March 2-21, 2010 – FREE!

Ξ March 1st, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Maple Lake Ontario, Minden Hills Township, NON paid Post, Ontario, art/crafts, canada, community services, cottage country, family, fun activity, health/happiness |

The Dorset Recreation Centre has announced a new day for it’s FREE Moms & Tots Playgroup.

The Moms and Tots Playgroup is now meeting on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm.

All infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children and their caregivers are welcome to to participate in this free weekly program.
Playgroup is a time for some fun and socializing with other kids & adults. Toys, books, crafts and more are provided free of charge by the Dorset Recreation Centre. The Moms and Tots Playgroup is self run so please bring your own beverages and snacks.

For more information, call Cheryl at 705-766-0874.

Dorset Recreation Centre
1051 Main Street, Box 99 Dorset

Email: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca

This is a non-sponsored post done as a community service for the Haliburton Highlands.
Special thanks to the fine folks who author the What’s Happening This Week! newsletter.

Haliburton Highlands Winter Trail Report – February 26-28, 2010*

Ξ February 26th, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Maple Lake Ontario, NON paid Post, Ontario, Photography, Trails, canada, family, fun activity, winter |

Photo courtesy of the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Dept.

Weekend Winter Trail Report Haliburton Highlands (CLICK to enlarge)

Weekend Winter Trail Report Haliburton Highlands Pt. 2 (CLICK to enlarge)

Ski Conditions defined (CLICK to enlarge)

Working on weekend and long term weather forecast–will be posted soon!

Ontario Cup Races at the Haliburton Nordic Ski Club February 27-28, 2010

Ξ February 23rd, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, NON paid Post, Ontario, Photography, Trails, canada, cottage country, events, family, fun activity, winter |

Photo: http://www.xcottawa.ca/articles.php?id=356

Each winter a series of races take place in locations throughout Ontario that collectively form the Ontario Cup series.

Each district of Cross Country Ontario hosts a race at one of it’s member club sites.

Races typically run on weekends with Saturday races being of the ‘Classic’ style and Sunday races being of the ‘Free’ or ‘Skate’ style.

There are age categories for the participants in each race that may include midget-aged boys and girls, juvenile aged boys and girls, junior aged boys and girls, junior aged men and women, and senior men and women.

Points are awarded based on finish results of each race. These points are used to as selection criteria for high performance team selections and awards.

This winter, Southern Ontario District is proud to support two Ontario Cup races. On January 16 & 17, Arrowhead Nordic and the community of Huntsville will be hosted the Ontario Winter Games. Ontario Cup #2 took place that weekend.

On the weekend of February 27 & 28, Haliburton Nordic Ski Club will host Ontario Cup #5. Both events promise to be a great showcasing of Nordic skiing in southern Ontario. Take the opportunity to go and watch, participate, or volunteer to help out.

Glebe Park Haliburton
Contact: County Visitor Info Centre
Tel: 705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677,
Email: tourism@county.haliburton.on.ca

This is a non-sponsored post in support of the Haliburton Highlands.

Moguls Skier Alexandre Bilodeau Snags 1st Canadian Gold At 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Ξ February 15th, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Photography, events, family, health/happiness, winter |

Canada's Alexandre Bilodeau competes during men's freestyle skiing moguls qualifying on Cypress Mountain at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, February 14, 2010. Credit: REUTERS/Mike Blake

Family Day unofficially was extended across the country Monday as millions of proud Canadians continue to come together to celebrate the athletic achievement of moguls skier Alexandre Bilodeau.

The country remains abuzz after the 22-year-old captured an Olympic gold medal on Sunday night in Vancouver, the first by a Canuck in a Games hosted by Canada in 34 years.

“Bravo Alex Bravo!” speedskater Charles Hamelin, a medal favourite at these Games, said of his Canadian teammate on Twitter. “He is my hero, I am so happy for him! I’m eager to congratulate him in person!”

That could happen Monday as Bilodeau will receive his gold medal at a ceremony in downtown Vancouver.

Also “pumped” for Bilodeau is Brian McKeever, a visually impaired cross-country skier who soon will make history himself as the first Paralympian to compete at a Winter Olympics.

“What a performance to give us the first gold on home soil,” the 30-year-old native of Canmore, Alta., tweeted. “Now maybe the media will focus on something else.”

Proud Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was among the crowd of 60,000-plus at Friday’s opening ceremony under the roof at BC Place Stadium, phoned Bilodeau after his victory and said: “Canadian families across the country are proud of you, Alex.”

A medal contender, Bilodeau nailed his last run, blazing through the slushy moguls to a 23.17-second finish and a score of 26.75 to best defending Olympic champion Dale Begg-Smith, a Vancouver native who now competes for Australia.

SOURCE: National Post

Congrats to Canada’s Alexandre Bilodeau on breaking the 34-year Olympic gold-on-home-soil (snow?) drought.

Despite all the noise from the usual suspects about who should have won (ironically, the Australians are saying that the gold should’ve gone to a former Canadian, now Aussie competitor) this a morale boost for all Canadian competitors. The pressure is off all of them in that Alex Bilodeau has “broken the curse.”

And though some are spouting the old, tired complaint that since Alex is a native of Quebec (which last time I googled, was a province in CANADA! Has there ever been a time when both Quebec and the rest of the provinces existed that they did not feud about what constitutes the “real” Canada?!), Canada has not truly won the gold yet, Alexandre Bilodeau will go down in history as the winner of the of Olympic gold medal on Sunday night in Vancouver. Bravo to Alex and to the Canadians who are not nit-picking his victory–just reveling in his wondrous win and the pride felt seeing the gold bestowed upon this phenomenal Canadian athlete.

Haliburton Highlands Dog Sled Derby $10,000 Purse! FREE for Spectators!

Ξ February 10th, 2010 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Haliburton Highlands, NON paid Post, Ontario, Photography, Trails, canada, cottage country, events, family, nature, winter |

Haliburton Highlands Dog Sled Derby – February 13th & 14th, 2010

$10,000 Purse, minimum guaranteed!!!

The 2010 Haliburton Highlands Dog Sled Derby will be held at the Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, 2010. The race trail will be very much like  last years with the 8 dog teams running a 6 mile course.

There are both Purebred & Alaskan Classes, Kid & Mutt and a Youth Race.

This race is IFSS & ISDRA Sanctioned, part of OFSS Triple Crown Race Series.

Spectator Info

If you have never watched a dogsled race it is definitely a sight to behold. With the dogs lunging, howling and barking to get the races started, flying out of the start gate at speeds reaching up to 30km/hr and racing for the richest purse in Ontario, there is lots of action going on.

This year the races will take place at the Delta Pinestone Resort, located 5 minutes south of the village of Haliburton on County Road #21 (formerly #121). Races will be going on all day Saturday and Sunday with teams going out at 2 minute intervals, so you don’t need to worry about missing them! It is anticipated that over 70 teams from across Ontario, Quebec and the Northern United States will take part. The most popular race every year is the Kid & Mutt race but just as fun (and also unique) to watch is the Skijoring class, with mushers on cross country skis, being pulled by 1 or 2 dogs. The large 8 dog race class also offers lots of excitement.

The races are free for spectators to attend, and there are several vantage points for watching the action, both at the start/finish and out on the trail. Programs will be available at the races.

Note: If you have a pet dog please leave him or her at home as  your pet can distract the race dogs. Thanks!

For more information contact:
Tanya McCready & Hank DeBruin,  Winterdance Dogsled Tours
Box 631,  Haliburton,  Ontario,  Canada  K0M 1S0
Phone:  (705) 457-5281
email: info@winterdance.com

Race Schedule (tentative)

All events will take place at the Pinestone Resort, 5 km south of Haliburton on Hwy #21.

Friday February 12th, 2010

7:00 pm Registration (outside Highlanders – Pinestone Resort)

8:00 pm Welcome & Bib Draw (Highlanders Bar)

Saturday February 13th, 2010

7:30 am Late Registration (Kinmount Room – Pinestone Resort)

8:00 am Drivers Meeting (Kinmount Room – Pinestone Resort)

9:00 am 4 dog race start

10:45 am Skijoring

12:00 am Kid & Mutt

12:30 pm 6 dog race followed immediately by Recreational race

2:00 pm Youth Race

3:00 pm 8 Dog Race

Sunday February 14th, 2010 7:30 am

Drivers Meeting (Kinmount Room – Pinestone Resort) 8:30 am

4 dog race start 10:15 am

Skijor Race 11:45 pm

6 dog race followed immediately by Recreational race  1:15 pm

Youth Race 2:30 pm

8 dog race start 4:00 pm

Award Ceremony & Volunteer & Sponsor Party (Pinestone Resort)

This is an unpaid post done as a community service for the Haliburton Highlands area.

Wolf Hollow Exhibition Opens – Discover dramatic true stories of trauma, recovery and freedom

Ξ February 2nd, 2010 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Haliburton Highlands, Minden Hills Township, NON paid Post, Ontario, canada, family, fun activity, nature |

Wolf Hollow

Ron Lawrence was well known for his work rehabilitating wild wolves. In this new exhibition, Wolf Hollow, named after the private wildlife sanctuary in Gooderham that Lawrence established with wife Sharon in Gooderham, ON, you can be a part of the experiences of Ron and Sharon Lawrence’s restoration of health and returning to the wild of wolves, bears, porcupines, skunks, owls, and other animals that took refuge at Wolf Hollow, discovering dramatic true stories of trauma, recovery and freedom.

This exhibition will be on display from January 14 through August 28.

For more info:

R.D. Lawrence Place, Minden Hills Cultural Centre
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Sheryl Loucks
Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca

rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca

What’s Happening this Week in the Haliburton Highlands

Ξ December 22nd, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Algonquin Township, Haliburton Highlands, Food and/or Drink, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Maple Lake Ontario, Minden Hills Township, NON paid Post, Travel/Vacation, community services, cottage country, entertainment, family, holiday(s), lodging |

Haliburton Highlands – A Natural Work of Art

Tourism Information Centre
www.haliburtonholidays.ca
tourism@county.haliburton.on.ca
Tel:705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677

Upcoming Events

Free Skating – Wilberforce
Free Skating – Minden Hills
Public Skating – Haliburton
Solstice Samba
Northwood Inn
Yours Outdoors
Pinestone
Pinestone

Free Skating – Wilberforce Arena:
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Should you have any questions or concerns contact 613-339-2442.

Free Skating -
S.G.Nesbitt Memorial Arena, Minden

Tues., Dec 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Subway Development-Kenfield Enterprises Ltd.

Wed., Dec 23rd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Thurs., Dec 24th – closed at noon
Fri., Dec 25th – closed
Sat., Dec 26th – closed

Sun., Dec 27th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave

Mon., Dec 28th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Tues, Dec 29th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Floyd Hall Limited

Wed., Dec 30th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave

Thur., Dec 31st 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Fri., Jan 1st – closed
For more information please contact the Minden Arena at 705-286-1936

Public Skating – Dysart Arena

Monday, December 21st 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 22nd 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 23rd 11:00-12:30

Thursday, December 24th No Public Skating
Friday, December 25th No Public Skating
Saturday, December 26th No Public Skating

Sunday, December 27th 12:00- 1:30
Monday, December 28th 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 29th 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 30th 11:00-12:30
Thursday, December 31st 11:00-12:30

Friday, January 1st No Public Skating
Saturday, January 2nd No Public Skating

Sunday, January 3rd 12:00- 1:30

Price is $2.00 per person.
For further information please contact
the Dysart Arena at 457-2083

Solstice Samba

Winter Solstice (Credit: Photobucket)

December 20, 2009
Celebrate the darkest night of the year by drinking deeply of winter’s magical gifts with winter rumi’nations. Bring a couplet or quatrain of wisdom to guide us out of the dark days into the light. The words may be from Rumi, Hafez, or your own, or from your favourite mystic or poet. Also bring drums or something to beat, stomping feet, and prayers that are sweet. Gaia Centre, Sunday, Dec. 20. 7:00 pm Fire circle RSVP Carol or Paul, info@gaiacentre.org
Visit Website www.gaiacentre.org
Gaia Centre West Guilford
Contact: Carol Tel: 705-754-2427
Email: info@gaiacentre.org
Pre Game Show Live at the Northwood Inn
December 26 2009

LIVE BAND!!! Pre Game Show returns by popular request. Show starts at 10pm.
Visit Website www.northwoodinn.ca

Northwood Inn, Haliburton, Ontario

13588 Hwy 118 Haliburton
Contact: Bonnie Tel: (705) 457-1710
Email: info@northwoodinn.ca

Make Peace with Winter – One Day Sampler Adventure
December 30 2009

Try a little winter. Embrace the winter wonders of the Haliburton Highlands with a full day sampler of unique, fun, and active adventures. You will start the day with dog sledding followed by your choice of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the afternoon. Along the way we will indulge in a tasty bush lunch. This fully guided one day package is available with or without accommodation. Please book at least one week in advance.

Visit Website www.yoursoutdoors.ca
Haliburton County Haliburton
Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 705-754-3436
Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca
New Year’s Eve Magical Family Gala
December 31 2009

A fun-filled evening for the entire family featuring not one, but two delectible buttets, one decked out and dazzling for Mom & Dad, and one just for the kids. There will be an interactive magician during dinner and live magic show after dinner. Complete with marshmallows and hot chocolate for all. Dinner, show and campfire: adults $59.95, kid’s $28.95, children 5 and under $9.95. To book you reservations call the Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800-461-0357. Visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com
First Night Celebration Dinner
December 31 2009

Join us in Heatherwood Restaurant for an intimate dinner with friends, or just for two. Enjoy a menu planned especially for this evening. Finish the evening off by ringing in the New Year enjoying Highlanders Lounge. (There is no cover charge for the Heather Restaurant dinner guests.)
To reserve contact the Pineston Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800461-0357 or visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com

Credit:
“From all of us at the Visitor Information Centre for the County of Haliburton we would like to extend warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
See you in 2010.

Sincerely,
Amy Brohm, Ann Lavery, James Stewart and John Stark”

Thanks from me to the above-named staff of What’s Happening this Week in the Haliburton Highlands–the Haliburton Visitor’s Information Centre.

I believe in 2009 they have outdone themselves with the depth and breathe of their highly-informational Highlands Newsletter.

There is quite literally something for everyone with a (pleasantly) surprisingly diverse range of activities that will take you right through winter 2010 in the Haliburton Highlands–all of which you can find out about through reading the newsletter in your email–FREE. I never miss them!

Happy Christmas!

Cyn

Christmas in Wolf Hollow Ontario

Ξ December 7th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ NON paid Post, Ontario, canada, cottage country, events, family, fun activity, holiday(s), nature, winter |

Get ready to celebrate not only the Christmas season but to enjoy a new exhibit based on R.D. Lawrence’s private sanctuary in Gooderham called Wolf Hollow. From December 9-19 you can be a part of the experiences of Ron and Sharon Lawrence’s restoration of health and returning to the wild of wolves, bears, porcupines, skunks, owls, and other animals that took refuge at Wolf Hollow. Their stories are told in an exciting and inspiring multi-media presentation that you and your family can enjoy from December 9-19. For more information please read below.

Website: www.mindenculturalcentre.com
R.D. Lawrence Place Minden
Contact: R.D. Lawrence Place Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca

This non-paid post is written in support of the community in and around the Haliburton Highlands.

A Spooky Night at the Minden Hills Museum – FREE, October 29, 6:30pm

Ξ October 28th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Autumn, Haliburton Highlands, NON paid Post, Ontario, canada, cottage country, entertainment, events, family, fun activity |

There are ghosts in the Hills of Minden and you are invited to this free and fun-for-your-whole- family Halloween outing being held there.

Rumour has it that the Minden Hills Cultural Centre’s security guard has unearthed a fragile letter written in code.

You are invited to be a witness as he unravels the rhyme. But be warned! There may be danger! The museums harbour a ghostly past. Will the past pay a visit to the present?

If you still have your wits about you be sure to come by the bonfire for spooky storytelling with Mike Jaycock and Haliburton Highland actors who will guarantee that you will have a ‘howling good time ’round the bonfire’!

There will be treats for the kids to enjoy, too!
Be sure to bring some blankets and flashlights.

For more information call 705-286-3763 or email gallery@mindenhills.ca.
Visit Website: www.mindenculturalcentre.com

This is a non-sponsored message in support of the Highlands community and events taking place in and around it.

Haliburton County – Maple Lake, Ontario – Weekend and Long-Range Weather – Oct 24 – 31

Ξ October 24th, 2009 | → Comments Off | ∇ Autumn, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands, Maple Lake Ontario, Ontario, Photography, family, webcam |

Haileybury, Ontario, CA - Snow Day by Chuck Brussard 10.22.09 for The Weather Network

Maple Lake – Haliburton Highlands Forecast for 10.25 – 10.30.2009

Short Term Weather - Haliburton Highlands - October 24-2009

Haliburton County – Maple Lake Weather forecast 10.24.09

The weather forecast for West Guilford/Haliburton Highlands on Saturday starts off  partly sunny before segueing into a cloudy-with-showers period that lasts at first only until Sunday when there is a break, before continuing  for the rest of the week to rain. every. single. day.

Boo! is right!

Here’s a rundown on the temperatures for the week of October 24 through 30, 2009.

Sunday morning begins with variable cloudiness and a high of 45°F. A nighttime low of  29°F closes out the weekend.

The traditional workweek on Monday is predicted to be cloudy with showers with a high of 45°F. Overnight lows will be about 27°F.

Tuesday, expect cloudy with showers with a daytime high of 48°F.  Overnight temperatures are expected to be about 39°F.

Wednesday, expect cloudy with showers with a daytime high of  50°F.  Overnight temperatures are expected to be 41°F.

Thursday is expected to have light rain with a high of 52°F.   Expect an overnight low again, of  41°F.

Friday afternoon expect cloudy with showers with a daytime high of  52°F. Lows Friday night will be 39F°

Have a great week!

Enjoy the photos I took from Ontario webcams at sunrise  on Oct 23. Click on them to enlarge them!