Kincardine Channel Sunset, Penetangore River to Lake Huron

Hi again,

This will be the last time for some weeks that I put together the forecast from a 700 mile distance from Maple Lake. Next week I’ll be quite happy to forecast from the Haliburton Highlands.

Monday I’ll set out for a few weeks of cottage time. I don’t think I need to tell anyone that the hot and humid suburban summertime conditions are no picnic and the Lake will be a welcome change. So what will the weather be like?

Short Term Forecast Maple Lake and Haliburton Highlands

Overnight on Saturday expect some isolated showers and a low temperature of 63°F.

Waking up on Sunday look for isolated showers to continue and a temperature of 64°F. As the day goes on however you’ll see cloudy periods and can expect a high temperature of 75°F.  There could be 0.1 inch of rain accumulation in this 24-hour period. Sunday afternoon expect cloudy periods and a high of 75°F. Sunday evening, sunny skies and 72°F.

Overnight Sunday expect the temperatures to drop to 55°F and it will be clear.

Haliburton Highlands long term Weather

Monday, expect sunny skies and a high  of 77°F. The low overnight is forecast to again be 55°F.

Tuesday will be mainly sunny and 79°F with the third-in-a-row cool nighttime low of 55°F. Perfect sleeping weather.

There is no precipitation in the forecast for Monday or Tuesday.

Wednesday, expect variable cloudiness a high of 79°F–which will feel like 91°F– and an overnight low of 63°F.

There could be up to a quarter-inch of precipitation accumulation.

Thursday expect isolated showers and a high of 73°F. The low temperature overnight on Thursday is expected to be 61°F and there may be up to one-tenth of one inch rainfall.

Friday, July 30, expect cloudy periods and a high of 73°F. The overnight low  will be 61°F. There is no rain in the forecast.

Saturday, July 31st is expected to be mainly sunny day with a high of 73°F, and overnight low of 59°F and again,

no precipitation in the forecast.

Have a great week! Bug report and webcam pics follow!

Bug Report July 24- July 29

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Hampton Inns are running a sweepstakes in which the grand prize winner in going to have to make one of those rare life choices: Which 100 of my friends shall I invite for a FREE weekend at any Hampton Inn? (And if I do win the grand prize I will not worry a whit about the hotel taxes because I’ll be awarded $5000 to help pay the tax for the weekend!)

I’ll be quite forthright. I don’t have 100 friends that I see face-to-face but I’ll bet I could get 100 Internet buddies rounded up! That would be my first inclination. However, in-line with how many people feel that due to our ever-changing lifestyle more folks are considering family as friends (you’ve heard expressions like “My mom is my best friend” and the like) I might just invite every relative and FoR ( friend of relative) that I could contact.

Years ago, my grandmother made sure that my extended family got together for ginormous family reunions. Unfortunately times change, people leave us and traditions fall by the wayside. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that we all enjoy good food, great company and fun times shared so I think then that I’d invite friends yes, but family too–even family I’ve not ever met but know of and we’d meet up at the Hampton Inn in Barrie, Ontario for the weekend. I really love  Barrie, Ontario as I’ve watched the lovely city on Lake Simcoe grow before my eyes as I frequently stop over on my way to our cottage which is north of there.

The Barrie downtown has one of the most scenic waterfronts in Ontario–Lake Simcoe,whichfor me is a must-visit.  Barrie downtown has quite a number of exceptional restaurants and unique shops too as well as an outdoor farmer’s market.  This area depicts turn of the century Ontario architecture, and many of the buildings have been restored to their original state which evokes a charming, small-town atmosphere. A portion of Barrie’s history can be viewed through the Ontario Historical Association Plaques if you want to dig more deeply into the city’s roots. The family aspect of the “100 friends” might particularly enjoy this because we have roots in the not-too distant area.

This is one side of Barrie, but the flip side is the highly-charged outdoor sporting opportunities and a vibrant nightlife offering a taste of excitement and fun-filled adventures for anyone wishing to partake of them. With 100 people to keep busy, Barrie seems to me the ideal locale to enjoy my Grand Prize from Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes .
So what are you waiting for? Wouldn’t you dig a weekend away with 100 of your closest friends? Want a few more details that make this getaway sweepstakes even more enticing? Alrighty!

• There is no purchase required.

• The contest is quite inclusive about who can enter. Eligible folks include residents of the 50 US States, Washington, D.C., Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom and Mexico!

• The contest is currently underway and I’d urge you to enter NOW but the official last moment to do so is at 11:59pm CT on 9/4/10.

Oh yes, one more thing that is awesome about the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes: The sweepstakes is open to everyone! You don’t have to be a  Hilton Honors member.  You don’t even have to have previously stayed at a Hampton though I daresay once you do you will be likely to do so again.

.

Chapleau River, Ontario April 13, 2010

To appreciate full size, click!

EDIT/One of the things that is so wonderful about Haliburton County is the people who live and work there! I have a new post to write but suffice at the moment to say that I was WRONG,WRONG,WRONG, about Internet access and I will be updating with the correct info. later this weekend.

Scenes like this one I found today make me long to return to Maple Lake. Unfortunately besides it being ridiculously early to head up there, I have a huge logistical problem– again it is the Internet–lack of it specifically. In case you’ve actually been reading this blog’s personal posts, especially early on, I whinged about lack of Internet access other than the ridiculously expensive alternative–”High Definition Satellite Receiver (service).” Buying that was the only way to be able to be at the cottage and work. Beyond that, we could watch videos, play games, stream music and so forth by paying through the nose. The weather last summer was truly putrid and one begins bouncing off walls without diversion (and yes, we did play cribbage and Uno). The Internet saved our sanity.

It cost $400 CDN for the install (it was dollar to dollar at the time). To have fast enough Internet to watch video/stream music, etc. we needed a “plus” type package which was $65 CDN a month. Did I mention the two-year contract? No “cottager’s special” for us. Long story short, the work aspect mixed with the shitty weather aspect mixed with some atrocious behaviour by “guests”-not-mine regarding my (father’s) property, really made it “not worth” having a satellite receiver. Our contract is up at the end of this month and so, as part-time cottagers, what are our choices?

I had high hopes for “the stick” as folks had been calling it but upon investigation into this Bell Canada offering I found 1. COST: $180 CDN install 2. 1-year mandatory contract 3. Mandatory rental of Bell-compatible modem–you can use your own but you’ll still be charged(!) and of course, the need for the stick–the least of all this.

Again, I’m looking at the cost vs. benefit and there’s no way to justify the cost of “the stick” and may I say a 1-year-contract is a great way for Bell Canada to stick it to the non-year-rounders?

So bluntly put, right now I’m pretty screwed. I realize Canada may think that those of us that use the Internet in as essential a way as land-line phones used to be, may think us strange–but you’ll catch up–or not. I really don’t care. I just want and need to have Internet if I’m to be gone anywhere for weeks at a time.

Right now I cannot get a good idea on Internet services for short-term use (less than a month per year) in Haliburton County. If I can’t, I can’t go to the cottage–it is as simple as that. I’ll keep my “big American” dollars here and Haliburton County will lose one more “tourist family’s” spendings. Wonderful.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I now live in Illinois which borders Missouri but when I was a teenager I drove in my VW camper van cross country.  I was moving actually to southern California but as is my attitude  still, if you are going to be in proximity of somewhere special try to go there too. Also because of Route 66 mid-20th Century vibe, I opted, when mapping my route pre-journey to make sure I drove some long strips of Route 66 as I drove west. I had 10 days to take in as much as I could of the country. My first-time trip through Missouri was cool in that we were following the rich-in-history-old Ozark Trail Systems that are somewhat in line with Rte. 66 and of course, the sad monument to long-ago practices, the Cherokee Trail of Tears. We made a stop at the well-known Meramec Caverns as well, as they are not far from the Stanton area of Route 66. I remember Missouri very well. There is just such a varied number of activities –so I’ve been back since– a number of times. I’d love to go to Branson–especially this time of year–I just need to have a distant relative leave me an inheritance as I would fully take advantage of the the fun Branson has to offer. I define fun many ways so I’ll mention just a few to be had in Branson.

Branson is an Ozark resort town which focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots. Branson is a Midwest gem,  the entertainment capital.

Two outstanding establishments for the non-entertainment hours depending on your  needs and wants are the

Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center. They are situated right in the heart of the “entertainment capital of the Midwest,” so they are able to offer much more than just a place to stay. Consider if you would, these ideas!

Here are some specifics pertaining to activities for Spring 2010 in Branson:

Branson also has ongoing events like the 14th annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament, Branson’s Best Boat and Recreation Show, Silver Dollar City’s Family Spring Break Day and the memorable Young Christian’s Weekend; not to mention a series of amazing concerts on the Branson Landing including shows from 65 South, Colgate Country Showdown with KHOZ 102.9, EXILE, The Nashvegas All Stars, and David Letterman Stupid Human & Pet Trick Auditions!

Both Hilton hotels are within easy driving distance of  Branson’s championship golf courses, lakes, museums, theme parks and 49 live entertainment theaters.

For me spa treatment with the one I love would be just the ticket.

I’d book the Romance Package at the Hilton Branson Convention Center which promises  to wash my worries away with a relaxing spa treatment. Perhaps I’ll take two.

This relax and recharge package includes deluxe, overnight accommodations at the hotel, a full breakfast for two and the complete awesomeness of a spa treatment for two.

Mmm. Doesn’t that sound really nice?

In addition to what you can enjoy in the proximity of the Hiltons there is much more to enjoy and it is a short drive to do so.

Packages for the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel come for every taste and include Hilton’s Bed & Breakfast Package, Romance Package, and Hilton Requests Upon Arrival™ to name but a few.

Be sure to click one of the above links to see and read more about all the great things waiting for you in Branson.

Photo Credit: http://skihaliburton.com

Thanks to the County of Haliburton Tourism Department for this report!

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

Indian River, Port Carling, Ontario - 9.24.09

Weather Forecast - Friday - September 25, 2009

The weather forecast for West Guilford/Haliburton Highlands on Friday is no surprise to anyone that’s kept track of  many Fridays over the summer. It with be clear and beautiful with sunny skies. Expect a comfortable high of 57° F. Lows Friday night will be in the mid 40′sF°.

Looking ahead to the coming weekend, Saturday starts off partly sunny with a high temperature of about 61° F. In the afternoon you may see some isolated showers. Expect a low overnight of about 41°F.

The weekend closes as a cloudy day with showers on Sunday and a high of 63°F.  Evening temperatures will be mild with a low about 55°F.

The traditional workweek on Monday starts with light rain and a high of 57°F. Overnight lows should be about 48°F.

Tuesday will be yet another day of light rain with a chilly daytime high of only 48°F.  Overnight temperatures are expected to dip down into the low 30′s°F.

Wednesday, expect a reprieve from the rain. Variable cloudiness is predicted with the high a brisk 46°F. Overnight temperatures are expected to about 37°F.

Thursday, the sunshine returns! Expect a sunny day with the high about 55°F. Overnight lows however, will dip down to freezing at 32°F.

Have a great week!

*Sorry that there was no forecast here on Maple Lake Ontario this past week.  I had my first major computer meltdown and ended up wiping the hard drive. With help from both my sons I am back up and running along with my photo program which I realize is totally priceless. From here on in I should be able to stay current on the weather, the webcam shots and with any luck some nice change of colours fall photos.

Dorset, Ontario 9.24.09

Kincardine Channel, Lake Erie, Ontario 9.24.09

Kincardine Harbour, Lake Erie, Ontario 9.24.09

Photo: Janet Gosselin - North Bay, Ontario Canada // Shot: September 12, 2009

More than a dozen overnight “Fall Colour” Routes & suggested fall colour foliage road trips are within 1-7 hours from the junction of Highways 400 & 11 in Barrie, Ontario. With the routes mapped out so nicely, the hardest part is deciding which one(s) to take. The guides that follow can help you plan the timing of your fall foliage trips so that you can enjoy them when fall colours in each region are at their peak!

Additional fall colour road trips are available by geographical locations east of Toronto, and west of Toronto to Northern Ontario. Unsurprisingly, leaf colour changes occur earlier the further north in Ontario one travels.

The diversity of the Algonquin area resorts destination is unmatched in North America.  Below are three  spectacular suggested fall colour routes which could form part of an Algonquin Park circle tour drive or road trip.

The fall colour road trips include the Southern Algonquin Route, Algonquin East Side and the Northern Algonquin Route as recommended touring routes with helpful identification of attractions, accommodations, and driving directions.

More links to Fab Fall Colours!

Ontario Fall Colour Routes & Links to Color Reports

Fancy Fall  Colours
Algonquin Area Getaways Fall Colours (Fall
Colors)

Check for Fall Fairs on your fall colours  road trip

This information  is offered in an effort to promote Ontario tourism and because I really miss experiencing firsthand the beautiful fall colour change that can only be found in this part of North America.

Above is proof that Haliburton County is enjoying a gorgeous day. Next year, if I go up to the Lake* (explanation after jump) and the weather is a nice as this, I’m staying through September!

EDIT/So tonight Saturday–a lovely clear overnight with temperatures only going down to 54°F.

The Weekend Weather - Sept 12 -13, 2009

Sunday looks like another pretty day with temperatures Sunday afternoon about 70°F.

The work week gets off to a very nice start.  It’ll be mainly sunny and about 73°F for a high. Nighttime low is to be about 48°F.

Weather Forecast- West Guilford, Ontario

Tuesday though sunny, will bring a drop in temperatures–down to 63°F for the daytime high, 50°F overnight. Wednesday, expect another sunny day with temperatures very much like Tuesday. 64°F will be the daytime high. Overnight temps on Wednesday will drop to 45°F.  Thursday, expect variable cloudiness and a high of 66°F. Nighttime lows are getting lower. Overnight Thursday, expect it to be about 43°F.

Friday bring showers and a daytime high of 64°F. Overnight the temperature drop continues down to 41°F.  The sun returns on Saturday with a high temperature expected to be about 63°F with an overnight low of 39°F.

Have a great week!

*My son is going away to university next year so things are kind of up in the air for summer 2010.

However, September is wide open. He’ll be off at uni by then.

Inuksuk, Fleming College, Haliburton Campus, August 2009

The weather people are categorizing this summer’s weather as “unusual” which somehow strikes me the same way as when one comments upon something as being “interesting.”

The weather guys offered up several scenarios including the jet stream in the wrong place and ice on Hudson Bay but ultimately concede that there’s really no explaining the weather definitively.

So, what to expect this week?

Tonight (Friday) as today has been, rather mild with light rain.

Saturday, expect light rain or “cloudy with showers” conditions throughout the day into evening. The daytime high will be about 59°F. Sunday showers will be isolated. The high will be 60°F and low 51°F.

Monday will be as many Mondays this summer have been–sunny. On this last day of August fall begins to creep into the air with Monday high of 60°F and an overnight low of 48°F. September starts off promisingly. Expect sunny skies and a comfortable high of 68°F. Nighttime temperatures will dip down to 46°F.

Wednesday expect another bright sunny day. Temperatures again will be quite lovely at 71°F. Expect another 48°F nighttime low.

There will be a change in the weather on Thursday. Expect a cloudy day with showers throughout and a high of 68°F.  The low Thursday night will be a chilly 44°F.  Finishing out the week and beginning the Labour Day weekend, expect mainly sunny skies with a nighttime low of 53°F.

I’ll be sure to have the Labour Day weekend weather report up Thursday or early Friday as I’m just as curious as you are what to expect.  I’m looking forward to our return to Maple Lake to close up the cottage and I’m hoping for one nice day to get in some Lake time.

Have a great week!

More photos taken by my spouse, Roger Corrao with the first Panasonic point and shoot we’ve ever owned. We were both getting familiar with it at this point  though I daresay he caught on much more quickly than did I.

[View with PicLens]