We were on board with 22 of the elders and Band Council of the First Nations Chippewas of Rama -- this is where Chief Bigwin's band moved when they left Lake of Bays, so it was rather magical to welcome them "home" to the Lake.
The lake wasn't busy -- but Dorset channel was! Two float planes arrived, to shop at Robinsons, no less! We saw them again later, with golfers at Bigwin Golf Club!
Ruth Ross, who is co-chair of the Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee, gave a great commentary on the history in Little and Big Trading Bays. Did you know that Robinson's General Store is the site of the first Hudsons Bay Trading Post on this lake?The Dorset Tower began life as a Fire Watch Tower -- someone had to live up there, and keep an eye out for forest fires. The original 'top' is now at the Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park, and you can find out more about the fire ranger system there. Now it makes for an outstanding viewing platform, a great place any time of the year, but particularly during the autumn colours!
Brian took this shot of Bigwin Island a few years ago. The Golf Course is now ranked among the top 10 in all of Canada. For a good reason. You can go there if you are not a member during May, June, September and October. During the summer, it is private to the members only.
Flying in to go to Robinson's... that's new to me!
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