Bondi Resort BLOG

Toadily

2012-05-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Toads live on land. Frogs live in water. Or near water. Mostly. We all know that.

Frogs lay their eggs in big sticky clumps, that resemble a cluster of small grapes. Usually stuck to something. Always underwater. Those eggs will hatch into cute little black tadpoles, and those tadpoles will gradually morph their shape, grow legs, absorb their long swishy tails, and take up hopping and making wonderful peeping sounds of a spring and summer evenin

Toads prefer the land. They are frequent diners in the garden, where they are the most welcome and beneficial of guests. Their skin is dry, and described as 'warty' although we think that's a bit speciest and unkind. It is rough. No you won't get warts if you handle one, but they can be toxic, and when afraid they secrete a substance you'd much prefer not be on your hands, so it's best to just let them be.

They do go back to the water every spring however. That's where they, too, lay huge quantities of eggs. (hoping at least some will make it past the hungry fish and ducks that graze the shorelines.) Unlike frogs, toads lay their eggs in long strands. Connected by a protective jelly, each egg is clearly visible.

These were found by the dock at Clover cottage -- curling along the lake bottom like a broken black pearl necklace. The strands are unbelievably long -- don't even attempt to count how many eggs are involved. We wish them well -- good luck. We look forward to welcoming some tiny new toads on the lawn later this summer.

Go with the Flow

2012-05-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Dave and Megan spent a gloriously sunny afternoon canoeing down the Oxtongue River last weekend.

This is a beautiful river, with virtually no development along the shoreline, and plenty of spots for wildlife and birds to hang out.

We have an access point at the end of one of our hiking trails, where we can put in a canoe, or kayak. It is a short paddle upstream to the base of Marsh's Falls -- the only section where you paddle against the current. From the Falls, it is all downstream, all flat water, all good.

Upstream of Marsh's Falls, it is a bit of a different tale. This river starts in Algonquin Park, spilling over the Tea Lake Dam. There are large stretches of the river that make a wonderful day's outing starting close to Tea Lake.

Working it's way down to the Lake of Bays, it plunges over Ragged Falls, This is one of our smallest Provincial Parks, but well worth the visit. There are over 9 distinct forest communities in this compact space, along with the most dramatic of waterfalls and plunge basins. Canoes can put in at Oxtongue Lake and paddle upstream to the base of Ragged Falls,

Still not done with descent, the river comes through the Hog's Trough narrows, and the Oxtongue River Rapids -- the site of a beautiful picnic area and a favourite year round with artists.

Elbow Falls, which takes its name from it's 90 degree angle (not recommended for trying to run the falls... truly not recommended) is the last of the waterfalls before it reaches Marsh's Falls.

The lower portion of the river is designated as an Heritage area by the Township. After the quiet paddle downstream, you have the option of following the shore to Thompson's Portage, carrying across this narrow isthmus and returning to Bondi Village Resort; or paddling up to Dwight Beach, and calling us for pick-up...

This river trip is a favourite experience for many of our guests. Thanks Megan for the photos from your day!

Gotcha!

2012-05-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

The song is described as pure, liquid, whistling. We've been hearing it over and over again, all weekend. Not that we mind, it is a beautiful sound. The frustration arose because we couldn't spot the Oriole, who likes to stay very high up in the tree tops.

One of our guests, Peter, saw him by the lake, but nobody had a camera in hand at the time. It is quite possible that we have two of them -- two pairs that is. Unless the oriole is a super fast flier, and able to get from the big Norway maple at my house to up past the shuffleboard courts and back without being seen in a matter of a few seconds. We have our fingers crossed. One cannot have too many Baltimore orioles around. Up in the office we have this oriole nest on display. It is an incredible bit of engineering, a deep woven basket. This one was built in the big cherry tree by Wheelhouse cottage.

Given that the bird can be tricky to spot, I was delighted this morning when he came out on a branch to show off. He even let me photograph him in mid-song.

, My little Cannon Powershot did a good job of getting the photo, all things considered. I am however, consumed by envy by the quality of the last picture on this post. It's not mine, it was taken from a birding website. But it is too good not to share. Like the song of our oriole.

Enjoy.

Fire on Langmaid's Island

2012-05-22T21:14:00.002-07:00

This is a sight you never want to see. Langmaid's Island is one of the jewels of the Lake of Bays, and home to a very old log cabin. The cause of this fire is yet undetermined, but on Sunday it was destroyed by fire.

These pictures were provided by David Wilkie. It has been hot and dry up here. We had to water our garden before we were able to plant, it was that dusty in there. The bush is like tinder. There was a bush fire just north of Huntsville that called in three fire departments and two water bombers. This cottage fire also spread into the woods on the Island.

The Lake of Bays is fortunate indeed to have both a keen and well trained volunteer Fire Dept. and a Fire Boat. For all those people who openly wondered why a fire-boat might be a necessary item, this is your answer. This, and the several times last summer it was called to boating accidents. We cannot emphasize enough how careful we all need to be with fire (and with boats. And cars, come to that). Once a fire gets started, in can get into the forest with terrifying speed.

Getting the ducks in a row

2012-05-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of our resident merganser ducks, looking for lunch. Like loons, these fishing birds will duck their heads underwater to check for fish. They prefer shallow waters, and when they are here with their ducklings, the water will literally boil in a feeding frenzy. I've linked this to a short video in an earlier post, so you can see what I mean.

Strikingly handsome birds, with long serrated bills that let them grab a fish easily, they already have their babies out and swimming. This one was all by herself however. Well...not quite. She was hanging out with a mallard drake by Anchor cottage. There were two families of Canada geese just the other side of the dock.

And there was Taffy... who was determined to get her ducks in a row. Not an easy task. The ducks, for their part in this, were completely unimpressed by Taffy channelling her inner water-retriever. The merganser continued to hunt for fish, keeping about ten feet ahead of the dog at all times.

Very determined, Taffy kept following along. I suddenly realized that my dog was in the lake, without a lifejacket, and with no adult supervision. She was in the care of an uncaring duck, who was quite willing to lead the poodle deeper and deeper, farther and farther from the shore.

It took a little bribing, a little coaxing... and me getting ready to go in an fetch the dog -- which is a bit of a switch from the dog fetching the duck or the stick. You can see in this picture the duck is still hunting for fish. Poodles don't count as part of the dinner menu.

Taffy had a brilliant time. We just have to keep an eye on her now, with all the ducks, ducklings, geese and goslings luring her out into the water. And the water is wonderful -- who would not want to go for a swim? And at least for a short moment, she truly did succeed in getting all her ducks in a row.

Gaggles of Geese

2012-05-21T19:21:00.002-07:00

The geese have their goslings out and about. We seem to have two families... one a bit older than these fluffy cuties.

Taffy is very determined that they will NOT be on the dock. In the water, a collection of geese is called a gaggle. On land it is a flock. In the air, a skein.

Taffy has committed that the only geese allowed are those that gaggle... No dock geese. No lawn geese

She is demonstrating great bird-dog qualities, her poodle ancestry as working retrievers shining brightly.

The geese remain unimpressed. Each family has six goslings. We'll see how long that lasts -- there are a lot of predators out there that would love a tasty dinner of baby goose on a bed of ferns. It's always a dilemma -- cheer for the adorable goslings, or cheer for the predators that also need to eat.

Nature has a way of evening out the numbers. In the meantime, we're enjoying watching the parents try to marshall the little ones into neat orderly lines.

Never quite as simple as it sounds...

Airborne

2012-05-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here is another Spring Tradition -- the first flight of Brian's Piper PA11 cub.

Our friends over at Georgian Bay Airways have been flying already, but this was the first chance Brian had to get airborne. GBA takes charter flights, a great expedition while you are here with us. It's a scenic drive to Parry Sound, and you can get one of their sight-seeing flights, or go to Henry's Fish Restaurant. You can only get to that by plane or boat -- a great experience and a great meal!

Fire Below, Fireworks Above

2012-05-20T19:55:00.002-07:00

some of our guests enjoyed the bonfire on the beach this weekend. They added to the festive atmosphere with fireworks, which they kindly shared with all of us.

What a way to spend an evening!

Serious Fish Tales

2012-05-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

There is some serious fishing going on this weekend. The Woods Family Fish Derby participants are in residence. Vying for the trophy, and their name on the plaque.

They've been at this for 22 years... Biggest trout wins. So far, Chris and Shane are the front runners, with these beauties, lifted from the Lake of Bays. Pete's take was a little smaller... but still has the boys of the Bondi Maintenance Dept. green with envy!

Getting in the swim

2012-05-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

The May long weekend is the traditional time to hit the lake. It's a long standing point of honour to welcome the summer season with the first dip in the Lake on this holiday.

The warm weather this Spring has been helpful, in that regard. Our guests certainly took advantage of the tradition... but it was no quick dip. The entire afternoon yesterday was devoted to sun worship and lake swimming.
Which sounds just about perfect.

A Time to Plant

2012-05-19T08:10:00.001-07:00

It is an organic garden. We grow our vegetables the old-fashioned way, without chemicals. Compost comes back to enrich the soil, we use as much natural defenses as possible against maurading bugs (including Carol's program of picking beetles by hand. A tradition that my grandmother would recognize)

And it would appear that it is planted the old-fashioned way as well. Brian put the corn in yesterday. Potatoes are in already.

The corn planter is an incredible device, and one we have never seen anywhere outside a museum. It works a treat. You load the handle with the seed. Step the planter into the ground, and as you walk forward, rotating the handle forward, it presses a seed into the ground. As it is lifted with the next step, it automatically loads more seeds. You plant at every step, without having to bend down, without having to burn fuel (other than calories!)

Smart, those old pioneers...

Go Fish!

2012-05-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day Vic and John have had a chance to come up and put a boat in the water.

It was a coveted chance to toss a line in the lake.

It would seem the fish are hungry! The boys had their limit in a couple of hours, with big trout hitting on lures that really have the most disgusting names. I'm not supposed to tell you what lures they were using. Fishermen are a protective bunch.

When we asked "where did you catch them?" hoping for some hints to the best fishing holes, they answered, with a smile, "they were all in the Lake."

Good to know they aren't in the back field...

New Chicks in Town!

2012-05-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

The new chickens arrived today.

Since Mr. Fox has been visiting us, wondering why he cannot seem to find the fries and coleslaw, we have confined the new 'gals'.

The Bondi Maintenance Dept. spent a lot of time this spring fixing up the chicken coop, inside and out.

So far, it seems to meet with approval. Not from the fox, however.

a Blessing of Bluebirds

2012-05-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

With their cheery call and their beautiful blue wings and red chests, the easten bluebird is one of my very favourite birds.

We look forward to their return every spring.

I'm happy to report they are back ... at least two pairs down here at the garden at Bondi Village and another pair up in the back fields.

Our mix of open lawn and fields along with forest lands provides an ideal habitat for them. Lucky for us!

Magic, with 61 horses

2012-05-17T19:38:00.001-07:00

Cavalia's new show, OdysseO, opened in Toronto on my birthday. And lucky me, I got to go. And, yes, they do put waterfalls on stage. And endless prairies, mountain landscapes, African veldts, deserts of rolling sand. The visuals of the show are worth the trip, never mind the horses. And the acrobats and gymnasts.

Together they weave a wonderful place. There are 61 horses in the show, many of them working at liberty. Which means without saddle or bridle, with no handler touching them. The connection to the handler is deeper than that, and the horses are calm, willing, connected. It is beautiful to watch. The set itself is a magical place that opens up to limitless vistas. I'm told is the Imax technology. Either that, or magic...

There are a lot of gray horses -- for which phrase, you should read 'white'. Bath-time must start early in the stables. The extremely long manes and tails that are very much part of the Spanish horses, the Andalusians, Lusitanos and Arabians all need to be carefully 'put up' for the night after the show to keep them from tangling and matting -- I should think that anything that saved a little bit of labour would be welcome.

As part of opening night, we were able to tour through the stables after the show. As one would expect, they are a showpiece as well, and spotlessly clean. The horses travel with their own cadre of experts. One large room is dedicated to diagnostic materials and vet medicines. Not to mention a little 'light reading' material. Without the horses, there is no show. Their welfare is paramount.

I found it interesting just seeing the organization behind the tack stalls. And I spared a thought for the hard workers who's job it is to keep the saddles and bridles sparkling and burnished.

The house was full for the evening. Souvenirs were flying off the shelves -- everywhere in the stands you would see kids clutching wonderfully soft plush stuffed Cavalia horses.

Magic is not that easy to make, even in this day and age. But this show spins it beautifully. The riders, gymnasts --and of course the horses -- make it look effortless. This little look behind the scenes was a good reminder of the unseen work that goes into this show. So here's a cheer for the horses, all 61 of them... and for all the riders and gymnasts... and for those who work behind the scenes to be sure the Magic can unfold as it should.

You should go. It's worth seeing.

Jump!!!

2012-05-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

There was a whole lot of conversation going on this morning down at the lake.

Seems that one of the geese had settled in on the roof of the neighbour's boathouse. There she stood, honking her silly head off. It took some time before she flew down to join her friend.

They are very beautiful birds -- provided they stay off the docks and lawns. Taffy is taking care of that, to the very best of her doggie ability.

Boats In, Chairs Out

2012-05-13T20:32:00.003-07:00

The canoes are ready. This weekend the fishing boats went into the water. The next 'big thing' will be the water trampoline...

The Muskoka chairs are ready. Big or small... there's a place for all. The playgrounds are set to go. We're now working on the gardens. Summer... we are so ready for your arrival!

Coming soon to a Beach Near You!

2012-05-08T20:22:00.002-07:00

It is a little quiet up here at this time of year. The lake is still warming up -- and while the brave have made waves, the rest of us are waiting for the traditional May 2-4 dip to kick off the summer.

Speaking of which, we still have vacancies for that weekend. Isn't it time you got out of town???

While it's all dreamy and quiet here today, so much so that even the deer decided to have a nap, it won't be long before Summer is upon us.

A week at the cottage is still the most affordable Family vacation going. One tank of gas will get you here and home again, and once you are here, there is little need to go anywhere else. The kids -- big AND little -- will all head to the lake. Add water slides, trampolines, canoes, kayaks, waterskiing and tubing, blend in some big comfy Muskoka chairs in the shade -- or in the sun -- spice to taste with just as many or as few activities as you like, and stir gently with all family members. Summer is cooking!

We still have vacancies -- shouldn't one of them have your name on it?

Mist is something not to be Missed

2012-05-08T19:43:00.001-07:00

Spring showers bring May flowers. And misty mornings. Misty mornings bring soft colours, muted reflections. They are designed for wandering alongthe shore before the day gets going, checking out the water's edge. Our loons came back this week. There are ducks all along the beach. The air is full of swooping swallows. (it is a lot for a dog to keep organized!)

They are for slowing down, and taking a closer look at the beautiful gifts on offer. This intricate spider's web is created overnight. Captures the dew and the early mist. Sparks into diamonds when the sun burns through, and is gone by evening.

Woodland violets are just starting to bloom. You'll find them, if you stop for a moment and let your soul catch up. They are next to the strawberry blossoms. Just a little bit along from the trilliums that are about the blanket the woods with white.

In the garden, the daffodils are putting on a show. Mist and a sprinkle of rain bring out the colours that can bleach away in hot sunlight. It's worth getting wet toes to spend the time wandering lonely as a cloud alongside the early spring flowers. These are next door to the asparagus -- which is now pushing up out of the ground so fast you can actually see it growing.

"What dreadful weather," someone said to me, sitting inside peering out the window. "Where?" I had to ask. It is fantastic outside on a misty day, a day with just a hint of drizzle. The air is damp on your face, and soft on your skin. The light is easy on the eyes. And what is out there is just beautiful! Get outdoors, no matter what the weather. You'll soon find it always looks worse through a window. And a little mist is really just an invitation to a whole new world.

In the Swim

2012-05-08T09:54:00.003-07:00

I have to share this picture. It was provided by the Buck and Bingwood Cottages, located way up north at Hornepayne. It is just too perfect not to include. Back in October, one of our guests here at Bondi Village was canoeing in our bay when a deer casually swam past. We're still crossing our fingers that we'll be able to get a copy of her photograph.

The loons are back - they arrived this week. The bluebird was spotted in the back field yesterday when I was out with one of the horses.

And evidently the bears are awake, and ready for a dip!

Pony Palooza -- what an honour to participate.

2012-05-02T19:45:00.002-07:00

Last weekend, Napster's print "Dolphins Chase the Moon" (yes, the one he sent to Kate and HRH William as a wedding gift last year) went on auction at the Pony Palooza in aid of the Wind Dancer Pony Rescue.

This is a lovely little charity who's mission is to aid and protect ponies through rescue and education, to provide safe sanctuary and caring homes for ponies in need, and to promote the responsible stewardship of pony populations both domestic and wild.

The Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation was established in March of 2011, dedicated to the memory of Isabel Dupuy, a talented young horsewoman.

Isabel was wise beyond her years and was determined to one day establish a pony rescue on her farm. She died at only eleven years of age but left a strong legacy in her dreams and determination to help ponies and to make the world a better place.

The Founding Board of Directors, led by Isabel’s mother, Dr. Paula Dupuy, are working towards making Isabel’s dream a reality. A charitable corporation, Wind Dancer Pony Rescue Foundation serves to help the unwanted pony both domestic and wild, to educate the public on the wonders of the pony and its care, and will be a place where the many facets of the equestrian community can come together.

Napster was thrilled to be invited to participate in their fundraiser this year, to honour the memory of Isabel.

He is even more thrilled to report that his print sold for $155.00, and the money will help Isabel's beloved ponies. Butterfly, fly away...

Duck, Duck, Goose

2012-05-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

The geese are off somewhere, no doubt setting their eggs.

The ducks are still working on the dating part of the game. The mergansers are back in the bay. The drake is breath-taking, and breath-takingly hard to photograph -- in his gorgeous white suit and green headpiece.

The bufflehead ducks are here as well. There are several of them currently in residence both here in the bay and up on Hawk's Lake, on one of our hiking trails. We don't usually see them into the summer. These attractive little divers move farther north for the season.

But we can enjoy them while they are here! Yesterday I was able to catch a picture of both a merganser and a bufflehea duck swimming side by side. Both are very shy ducks, and when you get close enough to pull out the camera they vamoose, so I was delighted to be able to sneak a photo.

Since I didn't get THAT close, I'm attaching two really good photos, swiped from Google... that let you see how beautiful these birds truly are.

The Usual Suspects

2012-05-01T08:54:00.002-07:00

There he is... Mr. Fox. Scooting through the brush by the entrance to the resort.

He has been busy this spring -- and sadly has mistaken our chicken coop for the local KFC take-out. That happens, when chickens are free-range. Most of the year, all is amicable, but this time of year, the foxes are abroad.

They have young kits in the den, all hungry, and are hunting hard. So, our chickens find themselves restricted to their wire coop. Nobody is very happy about that. Not the chickens, although if they fully grasped the options we think they'd be more agreeable.

Certainly not the fox.

It has lead to us renovating the coop, however, to make it more functional, roomier, and, yes, more attractive. Gone will be the look Brian described as the "Bush Hilton." We will keep you posted...

Meeting Dr. Bethune

2012-04-28T10:29:00.001-07:00

Many people, when they think of Muskoka, think only of the lakes and the summer season.

There is a whole lot more. While the standing joke is that Canada has too much geography while Europe has too much history, there is a startling amount of "history" up here as well.

This statue is in Gravenhurst. Sculpted by Brenda Wainman-Goulet, it commemorates Dr. Norman Bethune. Born in Gravenhurst, where his home is now a National Park museum, he is still revered in China as example of selfless humanitarianism. The last years of his life were spent in China as a battlefront surgeon and teacher during the Revolution. His story is remarkable, and extensive, and should be known by all Canadians. There is a good reason that the commemorative plaque is in English and French -- but also in Spanish and Chinese. During the Spanish Civil War, Dr. Bethune "invented" a blood transfusion system that saved thousands. In China, he is still a national hero.

There are a great many museums and historic sites located throughout Muskoka. This is just one, which I post today because I was in Gravenhurst this week at a seminar on Heritage, right next to this sculpture.

Brenda Wainman-Goulet, the artist, has also rendered the Tom Thompson statue in Huntsville. We have one of her earlier works right here at Bondi Village -- a life-sized redtail hawk soars over our front lawns, in memory of our father, Paul Tapley.

Talented artists are abundant in Muskoka. Art and Studio tours, combined with museum tours, offer all sorts of options above and beyond sitting on the dock.

Sharing the Planet

2012-04-28T09:57:00.002-07:00

The last check at the stables happens late. I wander up, under the stars, with Taffy at my heels and usually Achmed trailing along.

Last night Taffy was on high alert as we approached the barn, and since we've been having fox issues, I wondered if we had a fox in the stable. Just to be safe, I grabbed the dog.

Good thing. It was no fox. It was this little black and white "Woods Kitty" who was exploring the feed room. Now, that is no need to panic, provided one has the dog in a firm grip. Taffy got unceremoniously stuffed into the Tack Room, while the skunk and I had a short discussion about what was going to happen next.

These are gentle souls, who prefer to be just left alone. I explained that I had the dog under control, so no fear about that. I explained that I needed to come into the room to get the night feed for the horses. Achmed bopped on it just to say hello...

We all of us went about our lawful business. Skunk withdrew under the old fridedaire that serves as a cupboard in the feed room. Achmed sat at the edge to continue his conversation -- the cat also has an on-going relationship with the fox, who is frequently seen sitting on the lawn about ten feet away from the cat, the two of them carrying on a long discussion about who knows what. Horses just shrugged, and tucked into their hay. Chickens were snug in their coop. Taffy got snapped onto a leash to ensure she stayed with me all the way home. While we do have an excellent recipe for removing the smell, midnight is not the time of day to be starting up the process!

Achmed stayed behind -- there was evidently more to talk about.

Walking home, I could hear the wolves way way way back on the hill to the north. An owl was hooting nearby. Stars were vivid and close and the air was as clear as it can ever be. There were faint Northern Lights shimmering in counterpoint to the wolf-song.

When I walked into the living room, Napster, too, had joined the act.... there was a mouse running across the carpet, with the Artist in keen pursuit.

Some nights there is just almost more wildlife than one can handle...