Haliburton Sculpture Forest map
Through the announcement below I’ve discovered a place that you will be able to find me this summer: The Haliburton Sculpture Forest.
This one drew my eye right away. Curled Figures. Check out the map by clicking the link. There is a lot of talent in that forest!
They have an awesome easy-to-use interactive map on the The Haliburton Sculpture Forest website, too!
I’m so amazed and impressed with the talent in the Minden Hills/Haliburton Highlands area!
Here’s a must see event in Minden Hills on the Fourth of July!
A whimsical bike-rack sculpture created by respected local sculptor and blacksmith Leo Sepa has been donated to the Township of Minden Hills by the artist and the Haliburton Highlands Cycling Coalition. The Haliburton County Development Corporation also lent their support. Though is the first of twobike rack sculptures coming to Minden this summer, this will be the first piece of functional sculpture created by Leo Sepa that will be installed in Minden Hills.
What:The Minden Hills Cultural Centre is pleased to announce the unveiling of this beautiful work of functional, public art on the Cultural Centre Grounds. The unveiling will be followed by photo opportunities with the artist… and staff from various local cultural, health and community oganizations.
When: Friday, July 4, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Where: Minden Hills Cultural Centre, 174-176 Bobcaygeon Road North
Need more info?
Daniela Pagliaro, Township of Minden Hills
Phone: (705) 286-2808
Email: culturalcentre@mindenhills.ca
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

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

I’ll be the first to admit that once I arrive at Maple Lake Ontario, I don’t stray too far from it. I mean, why leave Paradise?
It turns out as I’m gradually discovering that although Maple Lake is and will aways be my most treasured destination in Ontario and more particularly in the Township of Algonquin Highlands, there are a number of outdoor pursuits that I plan to undertake in an effort to expand my horizons, so to speak.
So having pleaded blissful ignorance of Maple Lake’s surroundings, here’s the beginning of a list that before summer comes, will probably grow quite a bit.
Firstly, I want to walk the Log Chute Trail, ” a 0.5 km stroll to see Ontario’s one of kind historic log chute heritage site,” according to the Algonquin Highlands website.
I can’t believe I’ve never been there! It sounds awesome, perfect for spouse, son and me.
Next: The James Cooper Lookout Trail, a “1.5 km trail to a lookout over Maple, Beech, Boshkung and Twelve Mile Lakes.” That must be a fantastic view! I’m already getting excited at the prospect of seeing and enjoying it!
Must remember not only the camera but the binoculars!
And finally, ( for today) The Dorset Trail Tower “From 1922 until 1961 the former Department of Lands and Forests established the 82 ft. high Tower as a forest fire lookout providing a 310 square mile viewing radius.
Part of the lower portion of the trail system toward Dorset was created with the aide of the many resident deer who feed below during the winter months.” 
“Along the trail are posted numbered Guide Markers, that name many of the tree and plant species.
The Trail base starts across from the the Dorset school and again close to Hwy 35.”