One Moose, Two Moose, Three Moose, Four

A rainy afternoon, and the urge to be out of the house, encouraged me to drive into Algonquin Park.

This is Moose Watch season. The long winter, nibbling on dry and boring twigs, brings these magnificent creatures out to the edge of the road come Spring, where they are hungry for the salty water and bushes growing near the road. 

People aren't the only creatures who are fond of salting their meals!   I saw four of them on a short drive up to Lake of Two Rivers.

This lovely cow was quite happy to have me take her picture. I didn't even need to get out of the car -- and took it with a Cannon Elf, so you know how close I was!  She and her friend were quite happy in the muddy bog next to the road.  The second moose almost vanishes into the low growing shrubs. You have to keep an alert eye while driving!

This bull, looking particularly scruffy at the moment, was right by the Ranger Station.  If you look very closely at the photo you can just make out his antlers starting to peak through.  He has been rubbing at the winter coat, trying to relieve the itchiness that comes with shedding that heavy mass of fur.  The horses here at Bondi prefer to have me help with that task, diligently weilding a shedding blade on their behalf.

Quite placid at this time of year (which does not mean you should try to get TOO close to them, they are after all wild animals, and huge)  every moose sighting tends to attract an audience.

April and May are Algonquin Uncrowded, however, and in addition to seeing moose along the roadside, you have an unparalleled opportunity to see the Park.

The Explorers' Edge Fuel and Fun Package will even help pay you for the tank of gas to get you there!

FUELing the FUN

Here's a steal of a deal!  We're partnered with Explorers' Edge -- and if you book BEFORE MARCH 31 (so phone now) for a minimum of a two night stay to occur prior to May 17th, you are eligible for a $50 Voucher to pay for the Gas, and another $50 Voucher to spent with partipating providers. That would be places like Restaurants, Attractions, Parks.

Linda and Paul snapped this shot about a week ago in

Algonquin. When not enjoying the great outdoors,

Linda produces a line of spurs, Spursuaders, that are ideal

for sensitive horses.  You can ask our horses for a

testimonial any time.

Late April and early May are sure-fire times for moose-watching in Algonquin.  Hiking is at it's best, with the woods dry, but few flies (who wait until the leaves pop out before popping out themselves.)

On May 6th, there is an ARCHERY TOURNAMENT taking place in Dwight.  Great fun, for all ages and abilities. Me, I cannot hit the side of the barn when standing inside it, but I'll be out cheering those who are firing on Bondi's Sponsored Target -- the rare and elusive Forest Dwelling Fur-Bearing Trout. (really. Would I kid about something like that?)  The 20 some target lanes wind through the woods at Logging Chain Lodge, and the realistic targets include a wide variety of options --including T-Rex.And the half of the standing bear target that was an entire standing bear target until a real bear took a decided dislike to the target the night before the event.     For novice archers, there are target butts at the Lodge, lots of expertise to help you out, and a great lunch. It all aids the Dwight Friends of the Library.

We've got a Super Special for a 3 night stay currently on offer. You won't beat the prices. Our rates include a bbq and a pass into Algonquin Park. Where you will likely see moose.  Did I mention now is the time to go Moose-watching in the Park?

Check Explorers' Edge for details on how the program works.  We think it's a Don't Miss This One idea -- spend some time at Bondi, relaxing, watching the wildlife here, hiking our trails. Break out the camera for some incredible photo opportunities while the rivers and waterfalls are running high. Check out the Park.  Enjoy dinner at one of the world class and unique restaurants in the area -- we'll be happy to discuss your eating options!   How about the Weekend Marche Breakfast at fabulous 3 Guys and a Stove restaurant?  $12.95. Kids get to dine for half of that.

Get the gas and $50 towards the restaurant paid for you...

On clear nights, we'll toss in a session on our lawn -- Owls, Howls and Stars that Shine.  We've got a barred owl on the hill, a wolf pack in the back 40, and stars that will take your breath away.  Come out at night and learn what real Night Life is all about.

Book now -- and come visit us before May 17th to take advantage of this great deal.

On the Edge

Tammy Gravini at the Bohemian Art Cafe and Gallery

Thursday I was in Bracebridge, for a Seminar put on by Explorer's Edge.  These are the fine folk who are promoting tourism in this region, recently 'renovated' by the Province of Ontario.  The Province divvied up the place into twelve Regions, all of which have something great to offer to tourism.  Muskoka was included with Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands and Parry Sound (at one point in the process, the Provincial powers-that-be had us lumped in with Markham, but happily we were able to get them to step out of the office and actually look at the province.)  The new geographic division began life with the catchy name RTO 12.  (Regional Tourism Organization 12).  That failed to roll trippingly off the tongue, so not long ago the re-branding came up with a new name for this lovely part of the world.  A part of the world, we hasten to add, that has been chosen twice by the National Geographic Travel Editors to be included in their top 10 destinations year round, and their Number One pick for Summer.  The name is  Explorers' Edge, so when you start to see that cropping up, do think of us.

Terry Gill offers moral support to the artists

The seminar yesterday was all about how to package and provide fun experiences for guests in the region.  Not that there is a shortage of 'things to do' up here, but to brainstorm ways to promote, enhance and partner with these activities, to ensure that our visitors have the best possible experiences while they are here.  It's always fun to be in a room full of folk from the hospitality sector, and it was a great day, facilitated by Experience PEI pros who made us all long to go out with the tide and try our hand at tonging and shucking oysters.

Since we couldn't do that in the Muskoka River, we split into groups to get hands on with some of the local 'experience providers' (I learned that new catch phrase -- apparently it is what I am when I take you out to learn about the Stars at night...)   My group headed to the Bohemian Art Cafe on the main drag of beautiful downtown Bracebridge.  Fun place.  Lots of interesting art (and artists) on site.  A small cafe in the back, and in between "the art experience".  Yes, they sat us down with paints and canvas and helped everyone try their hand at creating a masterpiece.

Our collection - very Group of Many

In this chapter we learned that Napster paints far better than I do.

Back at the seminar, we compared notes with the groups that went zip-lining and learned how to bake hamburger buns... There is no end to the interesting things you can do up here, really.  Then we brainstormed.  Starting with an inventory of the attractions and activities that are here already, each table tried to come up with some new experience that guests to the region -- as well as those of us who live or own second homes here -- could enjoy.

Terry Gill with one of his pieces

It was a fun day.  At my table we had Stephen, who wants to teach folks how to fish -- and perhaps partner up to offer a shore lunch and opportunity to learn to bake bannock as well as bait a hook.  And John, who is the Superintendent at Arrowhead Provincial Park, who has some ideas on ways to expand on the very popular Skating Trail. Ideas, I hasten to add, that include chocolate. What could possibly go wrong with that?

Thanks to Explorers' Edge for hosting this event.   That's not all they are up to at the Edge.  Book with us before March 31 for a two night stay vacation  before May 17th  and you'll get a coupon for free cash and a cash voucher  worth $100.  It's called Fuel and Fun.

So -- since April and May in Algonquin Park is definitely a MOOSEd SEE occasion, now is your chance to book with us, get your fuel, and use that voucher for one of the fun activities in the area -- like the Bohemian Art Gallery.