Solargraphy

Last week I couldn't even spell Solargraphy... and this week, we are Solargraphists. Thanks to Heather, one of our guests.

What, you may well inquire, is Solargraphy? Good question, and one that I asked too.  It starts with a pinhole camera. That is the simplest device imaginable, and one we may all remember playing with as kids. A light sensitive material is placed at one end of the box or can, and a pinhole at the other admits light. The way the light falls on the material will produce an image. surpisingly clear images, in fact.  Solargraphy uses this technique to track the path of the sun over a period of time -- in Heather's case it will be a year, but it can be much shorter. This photo was taken over the week they were here at Beaver cottage.

Mike and Dave, charter members of the BMD help install
Heather's Pinhole Solarography camera at Bondi!

As part of her project, Heather has installed a long term camera here at Bondi. You can read about it at her own Blog.

We think it is the coolest thing!  We can hardly wait for Heather to come back next summer so we can see the image our Quaker Oat canister pinhole camera has created.

These images are striking, tracing the sun's path to create truly artistic images.  We're including one of Heather's images here to show you the "finished product."  Thanks very much Heather Powazek Champ for sharing the Post on her Blog and for letting us use her images.

S'Mores and More

We are still under a Total Fire Ban, despite the heavy fall of rain that came on Sunday for about fifteen minutes.  That, however, does not mean a s'more-less cookout!  While charcoal bbq's and campfires are out of bounds, the BMD were not dismayed. Propane became the order of the day, with two propane 'campfires' right at the water's edge. Natalie stood watch, while the kids, big and small, toasted, roasted and charred their marshmallows to perfection.

Jenna likes her marshmallows charry and black... and was proud to show off this gem.  Others prefer lightly toasted, or almost raw...  Then there are those who prefer to have only one side cooked. Our little faux-fires were able to accommodate all!

Everybody got into the spirit of the Seed Spitting contest.  Terry flew that popcorn kernel 29'11" to top the Men's Division. Aiden did well in his first every try.

Little Sophie got hers 6'7". Impressive!  It's always great when everyone gets involved in the game, and we had no shortage of eyes to watch for seeds landing and fingers to help stretch the measuring tape!  For some, it was their first ever attempt. Others are 'old hands' (old mouths?) at this game!

The potato cannons came out in force. New and redesigned... it seems the boys of the BMD know no boundaries when it comes to these heavy weapons. They deserve their own post -- suffice to say that Brian has at last succeeded in missing the lake, firing his potato clean across to the far side of the Port Cunnington Road.  Be afraid.

This week we have 26 children here aged 10 and under. It makes for a Giggle of Children at the beach, and a Swarm on the lawn. Taffy found herself called upon for the very difficult task of Resort Dog at the cookout. It's a hard life.

Sand, Water, Just Add Kids

What a glorious day at the Beach Monday was.  We  have over 20 kids here this week under the age of 10. That's a crowd. Or a gaggle. Perhaps a giggle?  Is that the right term for a collection of kids, A Giggle of Children?  We like it...

All that was needed at the lake to make a perfect day was to toss in a few children and stir gently, and there was no shortage of volunteers!

The lake is shallow, so we have a huge beach, great for splashing about.  The sandpile got a big workout, as the base for a massive dam/fort construction that had everyone involved.






There were still quiet places along the shore for those craving just a spot to bask and catch up on summer reading.








And Taffy, official resort dog, had her day made when she found Jamie eager to play on the dock.  A great day, all round!

Look how shallow it is out in front of the dock! Ideal for the little ones!

Swim Swam Swum - Tim Tackles the Island

Tim is 10.  He's done the swim to and from the Point a few times now, and was looking for a bigger challenge, so this week he embarked for the Marathon Swim from the Island.  That's 1.6 km., in deep open water.  His dad had a few words with Taffy on the way out to start, and she assured Marcus she would keep a sharp eye out for Tim all the time.

With his Grandma Arlene and Dad Marcus on either side, Tim set off from the Island.  He's looking strong here, about a third of the way into the swim with Haystack Bay Marina in the background.

 It  was a perfect morning to swim, with calm water and just a slight breeze pushing the swimmers to Bondi Bay.

Grandpa John came out with the kayak to join the other support boats.  There were eight swimmers in total tackling the Island swim.  Another 9 swam to the Point and Back, including Hugh, our youngest swimmer, at 7 years of age.  Tim's brother Nate, and mom Lisa also took part in the Point and Back swim.  His aunt Laura swam from the Island, too. They made it quite the family affair!

Taffy, true to her word, kept a close watch all the way.

 And here they all are, back on the dock.  Congrats to all of them, and a special Wow to Tim, for completing that Island challenge!

A Sight we love to see: 3 Generations of Bondi Family

At this week's cookout, we were treated to a wonderful occasion...  Three generations on the beach.  Not that is unusual for us to have three generations -- in fact it is pretty common, with guests returning for 30, 40, even over 50 years. This was special, because it was the very first time at Bondi for five week old Eli Graves Velleman. His first Bondi visit. His first cookout.

His Dad was six months old when he came to Bondi for the first time.        So it was a thrill to see three generations of the Velleman boys on the dock at the cookout this week, deep in discussion, most likely about how to get babies to sleep longer...

Welcome to the world, Eli. And a special welcome to Bondi Village's extended family.

Life is a Beach

Laura and Renee made the most of the shallow water and warm weather yesterday, just drifting and dreamin'

And what a beach we have this summer. With the low water level from the shortage of rain, we are beginning to see the beach our grandparents would have recognized from before the dam at Baysville was installed.  That dam raised Lake of Bays about five feet.  Brian estimates the lake is currently down just over a foot...  and look at the sand we're enjoying!

It is absolutely perfect for the little ones -- and this week we have plenty of those, filling the air with happy shouts and splashing in the shallows.
 

Regatta Regalia

 What a great day at the 89th Annual Anglican Church Regatta, held this summer at Port Cunnington Lodge (and what a great place that is!!!) on \Lake of Bays.

Local residents, and guests from Port Cunnington, Lumina Resort, Foxwood Inn and Bondi Village all congregated for a fun filled day, starting with the Bishop's Cup Marathon Canoe Race at 10.30.  Moving on the Bake Sale (an event in its own right!) Silent Auction, and Door Prizes... Then to the swim races.  Shallow water meant this year the 11 and under swimmers had a beach start, running into the water and swimming a short distance to line up with the edge of the dock. Plenty of folk were on hand to supervise and assist where needed! 

Older swimmers swam from the dock -- that's our Steph showing fine form coming off the blocks!

 With low water levels, Port Cunnington, like ourselves, was enjoying a fabulous beachfront this year. Lots of room for all the canoes and participants.

 Brian, Mike and Charles paddled hard to a second place finish in Ted's 3 Generation Race -- one under 11, one over 55, one in between. Great job! Held in honour of Ted Hungerford, this is a hotly contested race every year, so good paddling, team

 Laura did a humdinger of a job, along with Renee, of organizing and crafting Bondi t-shirts! What a great look.

 There's always action as the boats return from one race and get sorted out for the next.

 Team Biggar, on the beach

 The BMD, Brian, Mike and David, confer about tactics in the shade. The tactic of choice is to try to keep the canoe upright, to be honest.

 Mike and Shannon did a great job in the mixed doubles

 Steph and Jeff paddled beautifully

 It's always fun to watch and take part in the action -- some fun events such as inverted paddles or crab race, some more conventional. Good to have a go!

Our shining stars of the day were Stacey and Elizabeth, who won the Girl's Double Canoe race, their first time racing a canoe! Congratulations gals!!!