AUGUST 2019
EQUINE
PARTNERS Healing with Horses
Magical Hinterglas depicts Muskoka’s past
MUSKOKA’S GOLD – STILL WAITING TO BE FOUND
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Features 23
Author Lynda Partridge’s Story of Transformation and Belonging
...telling the Muskoka story
Departments [64]
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Muskoka Calendar
While the calendar may indicate we’re moving far too quickly through summer, there’s no indication we’re going to be short-changed on things to do in August. From artistic festivals to boat races and from fireworks displays to culinary celebrations for everyone from vegans to those who might enjoy the works of gourmet chefs, there’s an amazing line-up of activities for you to enjoy, indoors and outdoors.
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What’s Happened
Huntsville’s popular Deerhurst Resort has just celebrated an expansion of its accommodation facilities. Artisans from the Limberlost enclave of talent are once again joining together to invite you into their studios. Learn about entrepreneurs who are finding Muskoka has everything to develop their businesses and how the provincial government is helping municipalities deal with extreme weather.
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Cottage Country Cuisine
Packing more sweetness power than sugar, Muskoka honey is the golden product of the busiest of insects and adds a special intensity, which can perhaps only be described as floral, to any sweet dish. A local chef and a baker reveal how they incorporate this nectar in their recipes. 2 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
Article by Bronwyn Boyer Photography by Larry Carroll Lynda Partridge’s life has given her profound insight. A member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, she and her siblings were separated by the child welfare system. Partridge’s recently released book was a positive way for her to tell her story without dwelling on the negative aspects of the past.
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Magical Hinterglas Project Depicts History of Muskoka
Article by Meghan Smith Photography by Tomasz Szumski Bonnie Bews, a Muskoka artist, was introduced to the technique known as Hinterglas while sketching in a German town square in the 1990s. Since returning to Canada from her apprenticeship, Bews dreamed of a big project. Her vision has become a reality with the unveiling of Muskoka: Etched in Time.
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Experiencing the Healing Power of Equine Connections
Article by Meghan Smith Photography by Mark Reeder At eight years old, Sue Dixon first fell in love. It was that early connection with horses that has led Dixon to build unions between horses and humans. Highly intelligent and emotional animals, horses offer a bond to those who are navigating difficult life choices, experiencing anxiety or seeking comfort.
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Features
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Living with Beavers – A Tale of a Tail
Article by John Challis Photography by Eleanor Kee Wellman As much as we may know about beavers, they have sparked curiosity and misinformation for generations. A humble, communal, familyoriented creature, it’s a survivor of everything our weather can deal out. Much-admired for their industrious energy, they can also be a challenge as a neighbour.
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Rosseau Powwow − Sharing Indigenous Culture
Article by Dawn Huddlestone Photography by Shannon Tobin-Haughey Courtney Tabobondung, a student at Rosseau Lake College, wanted her schoolmates to not just read about her culture. She wanted them to learn how teachings are passed from generation to generation through stories, songs and dance, and that resulted in the school hosting its first powwow.
Opinion 9
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By Don Smith
By Adam Nicholson
Muskoka Insights
Muskoka Moments
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Muskoka’s Gold – Still Waiting to be Found
Article by J. Patrick Boyer It was only a matter of perseverance, and time, until somebody struck gold in Muskoka. Each time a hint of gold was found, the same reliable mixture of greed and grandiose visions that the mineral would spark, elsewhere, would drive a big rush to Muskoka. [46]
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Porter’s Scheduled Air Service Connects Muskoka to Opportunities
Article by Meghan Smith Photography by Tomasz Szumski The first official 20-minute Porter Airlines flight from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Muskoka was welcomed with a water cannon salute. It made a splash that creates opportunities for Muskoka Airport and local business.
Our Cover
Photograph by Mark Reeder Sue Dixon and her horse Egalie have developed a relationship that is the basis for a program she runs partnering horses and people. Connecting with horses is a magical experience, one that can provide insight into achieving personal, educational or professional goals.
AUGUST 2019
EQUINE
PARTNERS Healing with Horses
Magical Hinterglas depicts Muskoka’s past
MUSKOKA’S GOLD – STILL WAITING TO BE FOUND
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 5
Meet 17 artists at 6 studios featuring painting, woodturning, metal and wood sculpture, glass, fibre, pottery, photography and jewellery by artists from Muskoka and beyond. Limberlost Road is Muskoka Road 8 just 10 minutes east of Huntsville on Hwy 60 Studios open other times by apppointment. See website for map and details or call 705-635-2093
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…telling the Muskoka story Unique Muskoka is published six times per year by Unique Publishing Inc. Donald Smith Publisher and Editor Donna Ansley Sales Lisa Brazier Design Susan Smith Administration J. Patrick Boyer Bronwyn Boyer Larry Carroll John Challis Kelly Holinshead Dawn Huddlestone Eleanor Kee Wellman Adam Nicholson Mark Reeder Meghan Smith Tomasz Szumski Shannon Tobin-Haughey Karen Wehrstein Contributors Annual Subscription Rates: (including HST where applicable) In Ontario $30.00 All Other Provinces $36.00 U.S. $60.00 All Other Countries $72.00 HST: 773172721 Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement Number: 43268016 Copyright © 2018 Unique Publishing Inc. No content published in Unique Muskoka can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
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Muskoka Insights released book. The protagonist in this book follows a journey not dissimilar to the one taken by Partridge. In this issue of Unique Muskoka, contributor Bronwyn Boyer tells Partridge’s compelling story – a positive message for all. When it comes to pushing boundaries and acquainting humans with often overlooked opportunities to become connected with the world around us, Sue Dixon combines a life-long passion for horses with a program called Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning. It’s a mouthful but it’s easiest defined as partnering humans and horses to develop a bond that has a profound experience on the humans. While reviewing our articles, we often stumble across interesting facts that provide us with hope for the future. Buried in this issue’s culinary feature on cooking with honey, there’s an enlightening comment by local beekeeper Annmarie Boehm-Tapley who notes Muskoka’s bees are not as vulnerable to colony collapse, a scourge that has impacted much of the world’s bee population due to the use of pesticides. Interestingly, here, in Muskoka, limited farming and reduced use of pesticides have kept our bee colonies much safer. When taken in the context of the potential threat to our watershed of such chemicals, it is anecdotally encouraging to know we are on the right side of the ledger on this one. Elsewhere in this issue, we have a number of other features for your interest – the story of early exploits to find gold, the creativity of hinterglas artist Bonnie Bews, some insights into the importance of beavers to our wetlands and the arrival of scheduled airline service. As always, there’s a wide cross-section of articles. Happy reading. Photograph: Susan Smith
Life is an amalgam of learning experiences. Likewise, sharing is such an important aspect of experiencing learning. Much of the written history of Muskoka celebrates the arrival of early European explorers and the settlers who followed them. Their adventures and dedication of purpose are worthy of telling. Their actions shaped much of how Muskoka has developed in the past century and a half, and foretells where it is heading in the future. However, often lost in the telling of this history is the time before Europeans travelled the waterways of the region and first set foot on Muskoka land. It was a time when Muskoka was the hunting and fishing domain of a number of Indigenous groups and the home of a few other Indigenous people. Much of the history of our Indigenous people is rooted in storytelling and shared experiences. Broadening the circle of those who might learn was the forward-thinking idea of a young Rosseau Lake College student, Courtney Tabobondung, who wanted to share her culture with her classmates. Knowing Rosseau Lake College is situated on what was originally Anishinaabeg land, it was Tabobondung’s idea to call upon members of the Wasauksing First Nation to hold a powwow at the school on the shores of Lake Rosseau. A member of the Wasauksing First Nation, which is located near Parry Sound, Tabobondung shared her Indigenous culture with her friends and we’re pleased to record this event in one of the features of this issue of Unique Muskoka. We hope by telling the story of this celebration we can shed light on a part of Muskoka’s past that was deeply rooted in the land. It’s a way of life that can contribute much to the future of Muskoka. Likewise, Bracebridge resident Lynda Partridge, a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, has shared her life experiences as the author of a recently-
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Muskoka Calendar Put some explosiveness into your Civic Holiday weekend
Every Wednesday evening from July 31 to August 28, there’ll be live music to suit every taste on the Huntsville Town Dock from 7 to 8 p.m. Line-up starting July 31: Jack Nickalls; Billy MacPherson; Huntsville Theatre Company; The Cameron of Lochiel Pipes and Drums; Luke Murphy. See website for more details.
Civic Holiday fireworks happen at Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst on August 3, starting at dusk. The whole family is welcome to view the brilliant booming spectacle from land or water.
Photograph: Ali Eisner
New musical event series: Concerts on the Dock in Huntsville
The third annual Sawdust City Music Festival is coming to Gravenhurst, August 2 to 4, and it brings with it a number of featured artists.
concerts-on-the-dock.aspx
Bracebridge Midnight Madness offers great discounts and fun
Further your beer education at Taps Session Muskoka Craft Beer Festival
Civic Holiday long weekend starts on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge on the night of August 2, as local retailers stay open late to tempt you with deals at the annual Midnight Madness Street Festival. There’ll be live music by great local talent and fun for the younger set at the Kids Zone in Memorial Park from 6 to 11 p.m., while you grab up all the bargains you can carry.
The 11th annual Taps Session Muskoka Craft Beer Festival takes place 1 to 8 p.m. on the Saturday of the Civic Holiday weekend at Annie Williams Memorial Park in Bracebridge. One hundred different brews from Ontario’s craft breweries will be offered for educational sampling, and hearty food will also be available. Live music line-up: The Double Cuts, Raoul & The Big Time, Matt Allen & the Swinging Black Jacks.
downtownbracebridge.com/visiting/
www.sessionmuskoka.ca
Sawdust City Music Festival fills multiple Gravenhurst stages
Water and human power go together at Make a Splash Water Festival
Another Civic Holiday weekend spectacular happens August 2 to 4. It’s the third annual Sawdust City Music Festival and it brings to Gravenhurst Bill and Joel Plaskett, Maria Doyle Kennedy, The Sadies and far too many more great artists to list. There’ll be two evening concerts at the Opera House, concerts at Music on the Barge, a Songwriter’s Circle, Sunday Kids Zone to entertain the little ones and a vendor village in Gull Lake Rotary Park.
On August 3, it’s time for you to leave behind the gas-guzzling motorboat and take the entire family for some healthy physical fun to the Make a Splash Water Festival at Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst. There’ll be swim races, sandcastle contests, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing and more, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
sawdustcitymusicfestival.com
discovermuskoka.ca/events/make-splash-water-festival
Holiday-Fireworks
Weird and wonderful Muskoka Comic-Con rescheduled to August 3 After a premier appearance last year in early August, this celebration of comic books, toys, pop-culture, WWE wrestling, gaming, cosplay, animation, sci-fi, fantasy, artwork and more was scheduled in June this year, but then postponed to August. 3. Come see two WWE tag-team champ duos, Simpsons animator Phil Ortiz, the Delorean from Back to the Future, Darth Vader and much more at Bracebridge Memorial Arena. www.muskokacomiccon.com/MuskokaComicCon/ Welcome.html Photograph: Town of Gravenhurst
algonquintheatre.ca/en/whats-playing/
calendar.gravenhurst.ca/default/ Detail/2019-08-03-2100-Civic-
There’ll be healthy physical fun for the entire family at the Make a Splash Water Festival at Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst, August 3. August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 11
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Summer Music Lunch Cruise features Buffett and Eagles tributes This Civic Holiday Monday, jump on the Wenonah II from Muskoka Wharf for a four-hour journey through gorgeous Lake Muskoka and the music of Jimmy Buffett and the Eagles. Brian Neale and Northern Harbour have been playing Margueritaville and much more since 2003, and New Kid in Town with their attention to accurately detail depict the Eagles. Runs from noon to 4 p.m., August 5, and includes buffet dinner. petersplayers.com/event_post/ 2019-summer-music-lunch-cruise/
A new culinary/musical celebration starts in Huntsville
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On August 8, the eclectic partnership of the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and Huntsville restaurant 3 Guys and a Stove presents the inaugural Flavours of Ontario. Chefs led by 3 Guys’ Jeff Suddaby will prepare a gourmet dinner representing all regions of Ontario. Afterward, guests are invited to dance on the Town Dock to Neil Barlow’s 10-piece swing band. Guaranteed to be magical.
Join us this eventfilled anniversary season! 1073 Fox Point Rd Dwight, Lake of Bays 705.635.1602
huntsvilleadventures.com/flavours-of-ontario/
Celebrate Gravenhurst at its downtown Sidewalk Sale
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Historic downtown Gravenhurst has much to offer from shopping to entertainment to family fun – and it all comes out during the Celebrate Gravenhurst Sidewalk Sale. Running from 11 a.m. on August 9 to 4 p.m. August 10, this fun bash will feature unique shopping opportunities, live entertainment and family activities. downtowngravenhurst.com/event/celebrate-gravenhurstsidewalk-sale
Huntsville hosts Muskoka VegFest
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Last year’s Muskoka VegFest was so successful, they’re doing it again: offering a festival devoted to great food, conscious
muskokavegfest.com
Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival funds beauty and education This annual two-day creative show is in its 33rd year and funds the Baysville Horticultural Society, local Lions Club, Baysville Riverfront Group and bursaries for Baysville students heading to post-secondary education. It happens August 10 and 11, amidst the beautiful flowers at Gristmill Park in Baysville. It features artists and artisans from all over Ontario offering jewelry, fashions, wood and metal art, toys, paintings, glass, fibre, gourmet food and more. baysvilleriverfront.ca/artscraft.html
Paddle for Fairvern is a beautiful trip for a good cause Fairvern Nursing Home has served Huntsville for 37 years, and last year received a long-awaited provincial grant to expand and improve. That’s why this year’s paddle is themed “Paddle Fairvern Into the Future.” On August 10, come and enjoy the
The annual Paddle for Fairvern fundraiser is themed “Paddle Fairvern Into the Future” and is being held August 10.
gorgeous scenery of Lake Vernon, Muskoka River through the town of Huntsville and Peninsula Lake, then enjoy a delicious barbecue at the finish.
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How fast can racing boats go? Come here to find out Organized by the Ontario Power Boat Racing Association, the Gravenhurst Power Boat Races will be held August 10 and 11 by Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. As well as the opportunity to view these superfast craft along ample shoreline and dock space, there will be vintage boat and motor exhibits, family entertainment, vendors and delicious food. Racing starts at 10 a.m. at what organizers consider the most scenic boat race site in North America.
With you over the generations 8 Main Street West Huntsville, ON
Since 19 48
opbra.ca/events-2019-gravenhurst
Cheer on the swimming, biking and running racers The Bracebridge Triathlon happens in Bracebridge August 10 and 11 with Annie Williams Park serving as the base of operations. There will actually be five events: the Olympic Triathlon and International Duathlon (run-bike-run) happen on Saturday: on Sunday, it’s shorter distances with the Sprint Triathlon, Sprint Duathlon and easy Give-It-A-Tri for beginners, so they can find out whether they’re hooked on triathlon for life. multisportcanada.com/bracebridge Photograph: Paddle for Fairvern
living, wellness and sustainability. More than 100 like-minded vendors and exhibitors will offer delicious dairy-free and meat-free food and beverage options, as well as vegan clothing, bath and beauty products and craft products. There will also be educational speakers and live music. It all happens August 10 in River Mill Park in Huntsville.
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The Northern Pass cycle event, being held August 11, has an impressive record of raising funds for cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The best scenery to bicycle through Teams of mixed rowing skills for cancer research is right here battle it out on Indian River Relay Since its inception in 2017, The Northern Pass has raised about half a million dollars for research at the worldleading Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This year’s goal: another half million, already half-raised at time of writing. On August 11, cyclists will pedal three different courses: 40 km, 100 km and 160 km, leaving from Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, through the magical land of rocks and trees we proudly call Muskoka.
On August 13, rowing enthusiasts from rank beginners to well-conditioned experts will converge on Hatchets Rowing Centre in Port Carling, and be divided into teams of four that combine the different levels of experience. The resultant race, in which teammates take turns rowing 600 metres, is bound to be interesting. Come as a spectator or, if you’re either experienced or just plain brave, a participant.
pmhf3.akaraisin.com/ui/NorthernPass2019
hatchetsrowing.com/events
Book early for another great feed at Artifact or Fiction The Muskoka Lakes Museum’s gala fundraiser happens this year from 5 to 8 p.m. on August 15 at the Port Carling Community Centre, wining and dining you with exceptional food: a lamb dinner, choice salads and delicious desserts. Seating is limited so book early to avoid disappointment. mlmuseum.com/special-events/
Two great Muskoka resources, water and creativity, come together Yes, it happens at the annual Dockside Festival of the Arts at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, August 16 to18, all day – all three days. One of Muskoka’s best arts and craft shows features 100 juried artists and artisans from all across Canada, plus live music from local talents Sean Cotton,
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14 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
plan and they must face deep questions about friendship, loyalty and love. Written and directed by Jan Jacklin of Ladies’ Foursome fame, For The Love of a Good Hatchets Rowing Centre, Indian River, Port Carling, will be the location for a Man plays in mixed rowing competition, August 13. Windermere on Wednesdays, Minett on Thursdays, and on Nicole Duquette, Cole & Jess and Gina Limberlost Rd. August 16 to 18 and August Horswood, and fun creative family 23 to 25. activities, right on the water. Photograph: William Donegan
lawn as you grab major bargains, tap your toes to live music and send your kids to the kids’ activities; the town sods the whole street just for this day (then donates the sod afterwards).
docksidefestival.com
downtownhuntsvilleadventures.ca/calendar/2015/8/15/ summer-sidewalk-sale-lzzm7
Nothing beats a Brews Cruise when you don’t have to steer Lake of Bays Brewing Company and the SS Bigwin team up to offer the perfect event for those who love both Muskoka boating and artisan beer sipping.
dotthetpro.ca/current-tour-info
Walk on Main St. lawn, Huntsville, for glorious discounts
When the spark goes out of her marriage, a 60-year-old woman cooks up an unconventional solution with a female friend. Of course nothing goes according to
You could call it Huntsville’s Midday Madness, I suppose, except that it happens all day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on August 17. Downtown Main St. is closed off to cars, but you’ll be walking on a lovely lush green
Dockside Festival of the Arts, August 16 to 18, will feature live music. Photograph: Sandy Lockhart
Locally written, produced and acted play explores perils of love
Large Original Paintings Hand made wood bowls, pottery, jewelry & sculpture 100% Canadian 2 6
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Painting by Paul Garbett, 72” x Paul 48” Garbett, encaustic 72” x 45”
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 15
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Aug. 1 Lighthouse
Celebrate the 50th anniversary with this classic rock band
Aug. 3 Jeremy Dutcher Award winning operatic Indigenous artist Aug. 4 Remembering Ed Bickert
A tribute to one of Canada’s giants of Jazz
Aug. 7 Soulsville: The Music of Stax Records
A special concert honouring the music of this legendary record label
Aug. 8 Dancing on the Docks
Bring your dancing shoes and groove to the sounds a 10-piece band playing on the town docks
Aug. 9 Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Two of the world’s most celebrated fiddlers, create a whirlwind performance of dance and song
Aug. 10 Royal Wood
Singer/Songwriter brings a deeply personal and poignant performance
Aug. 12&13 More Barn!: The Music of Neil Young
HFA & Etwell Concerts team up to bring you a songbook night celebrating the music of Neil Young's Harvest album
Aug. 14 Canadian Jazz All-Stars
Guido Basso, Dave Young, Robi Botos, Mike Murley, Davide DiRenzo & Heather Bambrick
Sept. 20 George Canyon & Charlie Major Can’t miss country music triple bill!
Oct. 5 Lloyd Spiegel
Multi-award winning Australian artist returns to Canada delivering one of the most unique solo concert experiences in the world
Oct. 26 Woodstock
Celebrate the 50th anniversary from the concert that changed the world
Nov. 8 Country Legends Tribute Tour
North America’s number #1 country music tribute show with Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw
Nov. 20 Burton Cummings: Up Close and Alone
Burton Cummings’ musical creations continue to resonate with fans both old and new
Dec. 1 The Men of the Deeps: Christmas in the Mine A holiday show that will treat audiences to some of your favourite holidays tunes sung in jolly miner style!
March 6 A Musical Evening with Sarah Slean & Hawksley Workman
Two of the finest voices in Canadian music are set to share the stage
huntsvillefestival.ca
Box Office 705.789.4975
March 29 Matt Andersen
Powerhouse performer with a giant, soul-filled voice
ssbigwin.com/summerbeercruise
Single rowers vie for glory at the Muskoka Poker Run You can be married, but you have to row alone in a racing shell or open-water shell along the 22-km northern Lake Muskoka course, starting and ending in Port Carling. Four age categories are provided: under 19, Senior, Masters (27-49), and Grand Masters (50+). After racing you can enjoy a corn roast put on by local firefighters. Good for the body, good for the soul, it happens on August 17. hatchetsrowing.com/events
Look out, Muskoka: the musclemen and women are back! Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, Muskoka Muscle will invite athletes from all over Canada to Hidden Valley Resort and Ski Hidden Valley to compete for two days in feats of strength, endurance, agility, speed and flexibility, August 17 and 18. What makes it interesting is that the competitors will not know what the events will be until the day before. Meaning that, right now, they are training for everything. And what they can do is spectacular. Muskokamuscle.com
Artists of the Limberlost welcome you to their studios For some reason, the area about Limberlost Road, off Highway 60 between Huntsville and Dwight, seems to be
Photograph: Brian Markham
On August 17, three cruises will depart at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from the Baysville docks, and as you tour beautiful Lake of Bays, you get to sample multiple craft brews from the brewing company named after it. Book early to avoid disappointment: you can do it online. Cheers!
Artists of the Limberlost area will welcome the public into their studios, August 17 and 18, for their annual tour.
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Cruise from Port Carling to Bala opera stars may well be found at Opera with captain’s commentary Future Muskoka Stars of Tomorrow, August 21, at the Rene Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge.
Photograph: Muskoka Chautauqua
conducive to creativity, having attracted and retained a cluster of fine artists. This creative neighbourhood invites you to the Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Weekend on August 17 and 18. Amidst the spectacular scenery, your hosts offer paintings, bronze sculpture, turned wood, driftwood, jewelry, photography, glass, pottery and much more.
chrome and finished mahogany, and maybe even the amphibious car. If tradition holds, music with a Caribbean flair will be provided by the talented Northern Lights Steel Band. It happens between noon in downtown Baysville (just head for the river and you’ll find it). Search for “Lake of Bays Antique and Classic Boat and Car Show” on Facebook.
Up and coming opera singers give their all for you
On August 18, you’re invited to join If you’re an opera lover and want to see Captain Potts and his crew aboard the who’s going to be who in the future of Peerless II for the All-Day Bala Cruise, 10:30 opera, as well as treating yourself to some a.m. to 4 p.m., on beautiful and storied spectacular vocal virtuosity, you don’t want Lake Muskoka. The captain has the gift of to miss the Opera Muskoka Stars of THE RIOBE L MOMEN TI ™ COL L ECTI ON the gab as well as his captain’s skills, and will Tomorrow Concert. It happens at the Rene G! Theatre in Bracebridge, 7 to 10 p.m. entertain you with commentary on what AVAILABLE AT K N OW L ES PLUMB I NCaisse you are cruising past. The boat departs from on August 21, and features not just young At the Lake of Bays Antique and Classic Port Carling. See the website for details and singers, but dancers and musicians, along Boat and Car Show, happening on the call ahead to ensure a seat. with their able accompanists. roads and docks of Baysville on August 18, sunsetcruises.ca/pages/calendar.html muskokachautauqua.com/event/stars-of-tomorrow-concert you get to see the gleam of both polished BAT H & K ITC H E N S H OW R O OM
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Hit this antique show for top-of-the-line vintage treasures Canadiana, furniture, tools, lamps, Persian rugs, jewelry, coins, silver, china, paper items and advertising, dolls, pressed glass, toys, quilts, linens and much, much more: it’s all available from selected dealers from across Canada at the 36th Annual Bracebridge Antique Show and Sale, taking place August 23 to 25 in the Agricultural Building at J.D. Lang Activity Park, the Bracebridge Fairgrounds. Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 10 to 4. Email: geriandwalt@sympatico.ca for more info.
Take in Order-of-Canada-quality tunes at Muskoka Jazz Festival The Muskoka Jazz Festival happens on James Bartleman Island from noon to 11 p.m. on August 24, featuring world-class, award-winning Canadian jazz musicians
including two named to the Order of Canada. The line-up: Molly Johnson, Heather Bambrick, Joe Sealy, Brad Cheeseman, Lorne Lofsky, Luis Gonzales Deniz, Jack Nickalls and Josie Robinson. You can access the island by pedestrian bridge, next to the locks in Port Carling. Prices and other details on the website. muskokajazz.com
Drown your end-of-summer sorrows at Muskoka Craft Beerfest On August 24 from noon to 8 p.m. on Muskoka Wharf, you can sample not only quality artisan beers but quality wines (sparkling and not), spirits, oils and vinegars, etc. from a plethora of suppliers. Check the website for their names and also for the live entertainment schedule. There will be a lawn games tournament with such favourites as Cornhole, Beersbee, KanJam, Peer Pong and more, and winning teams will receive awesome prizes from participating breweries.
Note: this is a cash-only event, and proof of drinking age will be checked at the entrance. muskokacraftbeerfest.com
Great August Shows and Concerts around Muskoka They’re too many to list, so visit the venue websites for acts, artists and dates: Algonquin Theatre (Huntsville): algonquintheatre.ca/en
Huntsville Festival of the Arts: huntsvillefestival.ca/whats-on/summer-festival
Rene Caisse Theatre (Bracebridge): thecaisse.com
Gravenhurst Opera House: gravenhurst.ca/en/opera/opera.asp
Concerts on the Dock (Huntsville): algonquintheatre.ca/en/whats-playing/concerts-on-the-dock. aspx
Music on the Barge (Gravenhurst): gravenhurst.ca/en/explore-and-play/music-on-the-barge. aspx
Peter’s Players (Gravenhurst): petersplayers.com
The Kee to Bala: thekee.com
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A STORY of
Belonging
How LYNDA PARTRIDGE Transformed Her Past Article by Bronwyn Boyer / Photography by Larry Carroll
Some people will try and tell you Who you are or who you are not They will tell you that you do or do not belong Never listen to them, for who you are is always here In your breast where your spirit lives
T
hese are lines from a poem called Who Am I by Chief R. Stacey Laforme. This poem, among others, prefaces Lynda Partridge’s debut novel Lillian & Kokomis: The Spirit of Dance. Though written especially for Indigenous children and youth, this book is an important read for everyone. The many themes and messages woven into the story make it relatable for readers of all ages and walks of life. It teaches the importance of connecting to the spirit that lives within so that we can love ourselves.
A precocious youth, desperate for independence, is the protagonist in Lynda Partridge’s deeply personal book.
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 23
A decorated eagle feather is a symbol that connects Lynda Partridge to her Indigenous roots. “The main message is for all kids to know they belong somewhere,” Partridge says. “Another important message is that if the first adult doesn’t believe you when you talk about being bullied, keep trying. Don’t let anyone tell you that your feelings aren’t valid.” The story’s protagonist is 11 year-old Lillian, a precocious youth desperate for independence. Separated from her family by the foster care system, she has no knowledge of her Anishinabek heritage. But the more Lillian learns about her heritage and becomes immersed in her community, the more comfortable she feels with the idea of family. Lillian’s story teaches that healing is
24 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
achieved through patience and diligence – an important lesson for children to learn. It’s also important to remember that Reconciliation can’t be rushed. “There has to be honesty to it,” Partridge says. “There has to be a real, sincere desire. And the government as it is right now is not doing a great job of showing that. But anything is possible with the right frame of mind and heart.” Partridge’s life has given her profound insight into these issues. A member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, she and her siblings were separated by the child welfare system. Years later, she was able
to track down most of them. She found her sister first, through an ad in a newspaper. She would also stand on the streets of Toronto holding up a picture of her to see if anyone recognized her. She had to use the surname she and her siblings were given after being placed with new families. Before the age of five, Partridge had lived in 19 foster homes. When she reached 18, she had lived in a total of 31 different combinations of foster homes and group homes. “I was a difficult child,” she says. “I was considered non-adoptable because of behavioral and health problems.” Born in Kirkland Lake, Partridge doesn’t remember much of her early history. Through some investigation into her childhood, she learned she had open-heart surgery at around the age of 6 after being found passed out on the side of the road on the way to school. She was visited by her mother in the hospital, which is the only memory she has of her. “I never saw her again after that,” she says. “She was an alcoholic and as a child, I had love-hate feelings about her. When I was little, I wanted to be with her but as I got older, I hated her. Then, as I got even older, I began to understand her and what she had been dealing with.” Partridge’s father is a blank. “I was curious about him for a long time, and then I wasn’t,” she explains. “After awhile, it takes away too much from creating a positive lifestyle. You only have so much energy in your body, so you have to choose what to use it for.” Partridge owes her survival to a strong emphasis on leveraging the joys of life to heal from trauma. “No matter who we are or where we come from, damaging things happen to everybody in different degrees,” she explains. “Things that one person might not think anything of might be traumatizing for another. Resiliency and positivity are the most important things to hold on to. If it wasn’t for those things, I wouldn’t be here.” The dichotomy of finding the good within the bad is perhaps the earliest life lesson Partridge learned. Discovering music, books and poetry helped get her through the hard times. Artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Buffy Saint Marie profoundly affected her. “Protest songs were a driving a force for
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intent is to keep them connected to their communities and culture. When you weren’t brought up in your culture, you’re always hesitant to identify with it and it’s not easy to get acceptance. But I met some truly beautiful and fantastic people who really helped me on my journey. That’s what I focus on, rather than the challenges. It all taught me to love and accept myself. And it taught me that the dance is between the Creator and me, and no one else.” Family is very important to Partridge. She recognizes the circumstances of her past have made relationships challenging, particularly when it came to parenting. “When you live in that many different homes, there are a lot of things you don’t learn, like how to bond,” she says. “I wasn’t very good at it. But the desire and dedication is there to move forward and try to break the cycle.” This cycle has certainly affected Partridge’s marriage also, but it remains strong enough to weather the storms. “We are two people who are very different and very broken who managed to make a life together,” she says. “What keeps us together is that we can talk things through, respect our differences and recognize that we’re always evolving.” It’s easy to see how writing this book was a positive way for Partridge to tell her story without dwelling on the negative aspects of her past. From an early age, she took solace in writing poetry.
Photograph: Alison Boyer
me,” she recalls. “In one of the most abusive foster homes I was in, their son had a great record collection.” Reading books also gave her something to which she wanted to aspire. She especially loved history books – The Narnia Chronicles, Alice in Wonderland, The Borrowers, and To Kill a Mockingbird. When Partridge was 18, she returned to her Toronto group home one day to find that her belongings had been put into a box and left out on the porch. With no warning, she had “aged out” of the system and suddenly she was on her own. Included in the box was her birth certificate, which is how she discovered that her real name is Lillian, not Lynda. How it got changed, she’ll never know. But when faced with the daunting decision of where to go, she remembered the connections made in Bracebridge and headed north. This Bracebridge connection was Bryan Nicholson, who later became her husband. They first met as young teens when the group home that Partridge was in would drop her off at the Nicholson home while they went to church. “We couldn’t stand each other at first,” she said. “He thought I was a snobby city kid and I thought he was a dumb country bumpkin. But we later discovered we were like-minded people.” Partridge quickly developed a strong connection to Muskoka through Nicholson. “I worked really hard to get back here and bring my kids up here,” she says. “My goal was always to come back to Bracebridge. Pikwakanagan is where I come from culturally, but Muskoka is my home.” Partridge went on to pursue a career in helping vulnerable children. She studied at Centennial College to become a developmental services worker. She then completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Laurentian College, specializing in Native human services before completing her Master’s degree at University of Toronto. “When I was little, I wanted to go into that line of work because I wanted to make things better for kids than what had happened to me,” she explains. Partridge also did placements as an Indigenous band representative, representing First Nations children in the court system. “Any indigenous child who is apprehended needs representation,” she explains. “The
Author Lynda Partridge takes part in a dance during a recent Powwow at French River.
“It kept me sane as a kid,” she said. “And then as a teenager and up into my 20s, writing was my way of dealing with life.” Though she had other works published in underground papers, Lillian & Kokomis is her first book. It was inspired by her nephew, tattoo artist Dave Nicholson, who did the illustrations. It was new territory for him but the illustrations play a large role in what makes the book so engaging. Along with the heartwarming story of Lillian’s transformation, Partridge brings awareness to a system that greatly harms Indigenous children. In the book, Lillian spends a lot of energy trying to run away to find her sister. “That’s what went wrong in every home she had,” explains Partridge. “If the time had been spent to put them together, it would have been a different story. All kids deserve to know they belong somewhere.” Lillian & Kokomis strikes a chord in anyone who has ever felt alienated for who they are. It’s a story of connection, validation and hope. And it teaches us all to be better protectors of children, the most vulnerable group of all.
This traditional deerskin hand drum was a joint project, made by Lynda Partridge and her husband, Bryan Nicholson.
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Since returning to Canada from her apprenticeship in 1992, Bonnie Bews has dreamed of a big project. She has now realized that dream with her work Muskoka: Etched in Time.
Article by Meghan Smith / Photography by Tomasz Szumski
L
ight, or the way light shines on a piece of artwork, can completely change the visual experience, from transforming the colours and vibrancy to making the subject come alive. Hinterglas, or reverse glass painting, is a European painting
30 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
technique that dates back to the third century. Bonnie Bews, a Muskoka artist and resident, was introduced to the technique by chance, while sketching in a German town square in the 1990s. Rudolf Schmid, a
glassmaleri in Germany, saw Bews sketching and invited her to his studio and gallery. Blown away by the technique and the extensive stories and folklore Schmid showcased with his art on every wall of his gallery, Bews accepted an offer to apprentice
Magical Hinterglas project DEPICTS HISTORY OF MUSKOKA and learn the style. “You know about stained glass and you know you can paint on glass and have it fired but what he did is beyond the norm,” says Bews. “I went back and did a short-term apprenticeship. I learned glass painting, excelled in the hinterglas and since 1992, that’s all I’ve done. I used to do oil on canvas and ink on paper but I came home and
threw out all of my art supplies and started new.” The physical process for hinterglas art begins with selecting the appropriate glass. Glass must be sandblasted for charcoal, graphite or watercolour to adhere sufficiently. With the correct glass, Bews then paints or draws on the reverse side of the medium. As the pieces are not fired to seal them, the
technique is considered a cold glass method. Once sealed, the artwork is completely stable and will not fade. “Back when I started lots of places did their own sandblasting,” says Bews “Over the years, they have moved into using acid etched glass, which is too fine for what I do. This past year I finally bought a big sandblasting machine. Now I prepare my
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 31
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own glass. I’m enjoying that aspect of really completing a piece from start to finish.” Sealing the artwork is slightly different, depending on whether watercolour or charcoal are used. For charcoal, a second piece of clear glass is placed against the first piece and sealed together with silicone. “Watercolour is too translucent,” explains Bews. “If you hung it in a window, the colour would just dissipate. With the charcoal, you can put it in a window and see the light coming through the glass. It’s amazing how it stands out. It never fades and isn’t disrupted by sunlight.” Similar to painting with watercolour on traditional paper or canvas, watercolour builds layers as it is applied, creating translucencies, vibrant colours and depth. In order to seal watercolour pieces, a whiteboard is placed against the backside, sealed with silicone and then framed and hung on a wall. “It’s very magical,” says Bews. “The watercolour sticks in the tooth of the glass, so it always looks wet and fresh. On glass, watercolours look alive and vibrant.” Since returning to Canada from her apprenticeship in 1992, Bews dreamed of a big project like the folklore panels she’d learned beside in Germany. While she was quite happy to hone her skills and produce numerous works of art, both commissioned and inspired, Bews felt drawn to tackling something significant. “There’s always been something inside of me wanting to create something big,” says Bews. “I wasn’t sure what it was.” In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bews thought she might have that big project with her studio Hinterglas Castle in the Walker’s Point area. Inspired by the local fairies, Bews created a magical fairy garden surrounding her studio and painted numerous works featuring the mischievous beings. However, when she set out to tackle the large piece she felt was inside her, nothing came to her at that time. In 2015, Bews was in the process of searching for a new home and happened across the McBride Lane property where she now lives and works. The old brick house and rundown building did not seem like much from the exterior, but a look into the house revealed beautiful hardwood floors and good
bones. Bews knew the space was what she wanted. “I instantly thought ok, I need a studio,” shares Bews. “The old livery was dark, full of junk, musty and ready to fall down. It had been a stable with a loft but I knew it could work.” As soon as Bews saw the back wall of the livery, she had a plan. Without realizing the depth of the project coming to her, Bews knew she wanted to show the history of Muskoka. First, she needed to renovate the livery into a suitable studio before starting work on her masterpiece. The livery was built in the 1880s in what was then known as Muskokaville. Constructed with large beams and square nails, the building was defying all odds by still standing over 100 years later. Now, the original boards from the building still live on as the front wall, inside and out, of her studio. As Bews began renovating in the fall of 2016, she found hundreds of old newspapers in the walls, acting as insulation. “I read some of the articles and they were hilarious,” laughs Bews. “The things they would advertise!” The papers fuelled Bews vision of her historic piece and set her in search for more research on Muskokaville and all of the Muskoka region. She began researching early settlement and progressed through years of history and records, visiting four area libraries and conducting online research. Muskoka: Etched in Time features 24 panels of varying sizes with about 13 different subjects. Bews had a list of ideas much longer that required whittling down before she
Bonnie Bews features influential Muskokans in her work Muskoka: Etched in Time. even started to consider the artwork, itself. The piece was planned as an all-encompassing overview of Muskoka and the individuals and events that influenced or impacted the region. “It’s an artistic view of the history of Muskoka,” says Bews. “I’m hoping that I’ll be able to help people understand the history a bit more and put it into perspective. There’s a lot more
to Muskoka than just the tourism.” Panels feature local wildlife through the seasons, Dunn’s Pavilion, Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Muskoka resorts. Portrait panels depict countless individuals who were integral to the creation and development of Muskoka’s rich history, such as A.P. Cockburn, James Boyer, Henry Bird, Tom Thomson, Rene Caisse and Norman Bethune. After researching and planning for over a year, Bews set a deadline for herself of the annual Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour in 2018 to begin drawing the panels. The tour is a time when artists demonstrate their craft and actively work in their studios. Starting with a smaller panel, Bews completed the panel featuring Norman Bethune over those two weekends. “Sometimes when you start a piece you don’t know what it’s going to look like at the end,” explains Bews. “I really enjoyed that process of being able to focus on a story that I wanted to tell.” With the panels installed and unveiled on July 18, 2019, Bews has shifted back into her research. Her plan is to create a brochure to go along with the art installation, detailing what is included in each panel and why each historical depiction is important. “Everything was connected and it was so cool to research,” says Bews. “Like Henry Bird, he owned the mill and made army blankets. He needed wool, so he suggested the farmers, struggling because the land
Among the many projects undertaken by Bonnie Bews is the illustration of a number of books for children.
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 33
The physical process for hinterglas art, used by Bonnie Bews, begins with selecting the appropriate glass. Bews then paints or draws on the reverse side of the medium.
was full of rocks, farm sheep and he would buy the wool. Then because of that, the resorts in Muskoka were all known for their lamb. It was all connected.” In the fall, Bews plans to contact schools and community groups, and further share both her passion for art and her historical wall of art. Class trips are just one way she feels she can advocate for inclusion of local history and art in the curriculum. “Maybe it will help a child who likes to draw see that they can follow a future in the arts, especially if it’s a passion” explains Bews. “Art isn’t a strong focus in schools anymore. If they come as a class trip, kids can see the history and I can talk to them about the art.” Born in Toronto, Bews spent much of her childhood in Queensville, always having art close to her. Her parents purchased a business in Torrance and Bews moved with them, experiencing life in Muskoka for the first time. “I have always enjoyed the arts,” shares Bews. “I loved doodle art and, of course, I didn’t stay in the lines. I kept going with the arts because it was always a strong pull. I
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didn’t have to worry in high school about what my future career was going to be because I knew it would be something in the arts.” Bews attended the Arts & Technology program at Georgian College and then was unsure which direction to take with her art or how to make a name for herself. After several years working as a graphic designer, and her father encouraging her to find her own niche to stand out in the crowd, Bews took her life-changing trip to Europe. Unknowingly, Bews’ form of art connects to a life-long love of Disney as well. Original Disney movies, such as Pinocchio and Bambi, employed the use of hinterglas painting for the backgrounds of the scenes. Painting a background scene on glass allowed for the layering and overlapping to create the depth and changing scenery. “Disney was using the technique but it never really became a popular art form here in North America,” says Bews. Depicting wildlife, botanicals and fairies in her artwork was Bews’ go-to. Her Etched in Time panels required a switch to mainly portraits and architecture – a change from fluid, changeable strokes to rigid lines. While
Bonnie Bews’ work Muskoka: Etched in Time features 24 panels of varying sizes with 13 different subjects.
Bews research behind the massive installation was a completely new direction, so too were the subject matter and techniques necessary to complete the panels. “It pushed me into another level of my artistic career, knowing I can do it,” muses Bews. “It’s not as whimsical as my typical work but I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve grown and it’s given me more strength.” Thrilled with the challenge and grateful for the journey, Bews is basking in seeing the two-year project come to fruition. How her future work will be influenced by the techniques and artistry she has developed is unknown. She is unsure of her next project but is eager to continue the evolution of her body of work. Bews is looking forward to a new approach, and to being inspired in her own studio each day by the history of Muskoka. “I’m hoping to hear the Muskoka stories,” shares Bews. “I’m hoping it will be a great experience for everybody.” Much like Disney and his “build it and they will come” mantra, Muskoka: Etched in Time is a passion project that Bews anticipates sharing with the community for years to come.
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Experiencing THE HEA LIN G POWER
of equine connections Article by Meghan Smith / Photography by Mark Reeder
A
t eight years old, Sue Dixon first fell in love. Her father bought a quarter horse from Picov Downs. The horse, Tobin, had been treated poorly, causing him to be head shy and unwilling to pick up his feet for almost anyone, except Dixon. “He let me pet his face and pick up his feet
36 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
because I was just a kid,” recalls Dixon, who is a Huntsville resident and the owner of Partnering Horses with Humans. “It was all about trust. I trusted him and he trusted me.” It was that special connection with horses that has led Dixon to build unions between horses and humans.
Partnering Horses with Humans is more than people sharing space with horses. It’s the opportunity for individuals to find themselves and their inner strength, through connections with horses. Highly intelligent and emotional animals, horses offer a bond to those who are navigating difficult life choices, experiencing anxiety or seeking comfort following the
Above: Among the activities used by Sue Dixon is blindfolding a participant who then reaches out to a horse. The activity assists in developing a relationship between the horse and the participant. Below: Sue Dixon has been in love with horses since she was eight years-old. death of a loved one. While Dixon’s first horse Tobin was sold after a few years, she knew she needed horses in her life. She began horseback riding lessons at a stable near her childhood home in Toronto. She bought a palomino, named Tex, who she rode through her teenage years until he developed lung congestion and had to be euthanized. Dixon relocated to Huntsville in 1984 after years of visiting friends who spent summers at cottages in the area. Once again, Dixon found herself drawn to horses working in the stables at Deerhurst Resort, part-time, while also working part-time at the local Kimberly-Clark Corporation facility. “After that job, they were out of my life for quite a while but every time I saw a horse in a field, I felt a connection,” says Dixon. Around 2006, a co-worker at Kimberly-Clark lamented to Dixon that her daughter would not ride her horse in the winter because it was too cold. Dixon could not resist and was once again back at a stable, riding horses. As she got comfortable in the saddle and frequented the stables for horse time, Dixon wanted a horse of her own. Her coach had recently re-acquired a
horse he was helping to sell and he happily introduced her to Eddie. “He was an older gelding but as soon as I saw him, I knew that was the guy for me,” shares Dixon. “He was good for someone who needed to build their confidence back up. He even took me over a few jumps.” Sadly, after a few years together, Eddie broke his leg and Dixon had to say goodbye. Heartbroken, Dixon stepped back and disengaged from the horse world. However, it wasn’t long before she realized how much she missed the community and the network she had with her barn family. “After Eddie died, my husband said to me ‘You can’t not go back. It’s not much of a testament to Eddie if you don’t go back’,” remembers Dixon. “So, of course, I did go
back.” A friend of Dixon’s at the stable owned Egalie, a Thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross. Her coach insisted he was the right horse for her to gain back her confidence and feel comfortable. Always thinking he was a fancy horse, Dixon was nervous to get back in the saddle with Egalie. “I was really honoured to ride him,” says Dixon. “It was a great experience.” Not long after the first few rides with Egalie, Dixon found out that he was for sale. Her network at the riding facility cautioned that he’d been through trials in his life. Dixon knew the initial magnetism she felt with Egalie would help them work through any challenges, together. From there, she has not looked back. “I would just hang out with him at first,” says Dixon. “We got to know each other and learn each other’s quirks. We bonded and we gave each other confidence.” As Dixon developed her partnership with Egalie, she agreed to help another horse owner practice for Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) certification, although she did not fully know what it meant at the time. From those initial
Sue Dixon has developed a special partnership with her horse Egalie. That relationship assisted Dixon when she became certified in the course Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning. sessions, Dixon proceeded to participate as a client at Horse Spirit Connections, a stable in Tottenham that administers the FEEL program. “I had a session there with an off-track thoroughbred named Spirit Walker,” shares Dixon. “I had a profound experience with him. When we were debriefing my session, I started
38 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
crying. He made me realize something that I needed to realize. Then I just had to go back.” In 2016, Dixon completed her first Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning course that focussed on the bond between horses and humans and how to facilitate that connection. As a practitioner, Dixon facilitates interactions with a horse and a person on the ground, no horseback riding involved. Sessions are a discovery, with horses offering support and love without judgement or pressure. “The course taught me some of the scientific evidence behind my bond with Egalie,” shares Dixon. “My relationship with Egalie became even deeper. It made it real. And it made me appreciate all my relationships with my past horses.” The FEEL process has the individual
set goals for each session, with the main objective to have the person leave better than they arrived. Dixon facilitates sessions for clients, but swears the heavy-lifting is all done by the horses. “I’m trained to work safely and guide the activities of the session,” shares Dixon. “I ask questions that provoke thought. Sometimes it’s just being in a horse’s company. It’s all about the horses. It’s not about me.” Horse owners, Dixon imagines, often take for granted how special it can be to share space with the gentle giants. Individuals who are regularly around horses can take for granted the confidence and trust that’s required to lead a horse or, in some cases, to even touch them. “You have to look where you’re going when you’re leading a horse,” explains Dixon. “If you’re looking back or are unsure, they won’t follow. That’s a powerful life lesson. Mindfulness and positive outcomes are a big part of the work I do.” Recently, Dixon invited a group of psychiatrists and psychotherapists to attend a session with her. The activity had the client blindfolded, searching for the horse. During the exercise, the client suddenly said, “I feel such joy, all of a sudden,” and removed the blindfold to find the horse directly in front of her. “Horses bring emotion to the surface,” explains Dixon. “Emotions aren’t always negative, even when the expression is crying.” Often, Dixon’s clients have spent no time around horses before. She guides them through the session, as well as safely navigating their first interaction with a large prey animal. In a recent group session, Dixon hosted individuals with recent trauma in their lives. The session progressed the group from being nervous to feeling empowered. “Through the whole session, one young woman just stayed emotionally flat,” says Dixon. “She didn’t engage. She wouldn’t smile. But then, when it was her turn to lead the horse, she turned around and she was smiling. She was glowing really. She took her power back and she just lit up.” Connecting with horses is a magical experience, one that can provide insight to achieve personal, educational or professional goals. As a prey animal, horses are dependent
According to Sue Dixon, connecting with horses is a magical experience; one that can provide insight into achieving personal, educational or professional growth. on their sensitive observational skills and intuitive responses to their surrounding environment in order to survive. Their intuition surpasses what humans can, or refuse to, acknowledge. “I think everyone can channel the bond with a horse,” says Dixon. “I work with people who have never been around horses and they connect.” Although Egalie is her own special horse, Dixon works with many horses at locations in both Muskoka and Orillia, where Egalie resides. In her facilitation role, Dixon feels she can join up with most horses and discern what they can best help clients to achieve and overcome. “Presto, he’s a very gifted Appaloosa,” says Dixon, referring to another horse she uses in her practice. “He has held space for people who are in a very dark place. He’s very sensitive while Egalie is better for people looking for confidence. He’s too much of a clown. Egalie tends to think some of the work is a bit of a game while Presto takes it more seriously.” Dependent on the group or the individual client, Dixon plans sessions that may be highly interactive, involving leading the horse or grooming the horse, or may have almost no interaction at all, such as watching the horse from outside a round pen. Every session is geared to the individual and the
positive outcomes they want to achieve. Dixon’s clients can engage with horses in a safe environment, have time to understand their own actions and understand how actions impact the behaviour of and relationship to the horse. In May 2019, Dixon went back to Horse Spirit Connections and completed an advanced certification in Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning. The advanced course delves even further into the spiritual connection between horse and humans. “Every horse is a gift and every horse has a gift,” shares Dixon. “There is so much to learn and it’s so evident how connected horses actually are to us.” Horses can sense both inner and outer wounds and connect with human feelings. As each horse holds a different energy, so can they pick up on the energy of those around them. Through equine assisted learning, Dixon facilitates horse interactions that help individuals recognize coping strategies, move beyond pain and connect with true potential. “Every time I work with horses, I learn
something else,” says Dixon. “No two people are the same, no two horses are the same, and so no two sessions are ever the same. I get to work with horses and I get to see horses help people.” For those who know horses, each one has their own individual personality, just as humans do. Earning the trust of a horse, as Dixon does on a regular basis with her clients, is an exceptional gift. The confidence to lead and guide a 1000-pound animal can alter the way an individual walks, talks and even thinks about themselves. For Dixon, Partnering Horses with Humans is about building others up and continuously learning from those around us, especially the horses.
Living
Beavers
A tale of a tail Article by John Challis / Photography by Eleanor Kee Wellman
H
ere’s the paradox about the North American Beaver: It’s a Canadian icon and a symbol of industrious energy. A humble, communal, familyoriented creature, it’s a survivor of everything our weather can deal out. You unflinchingly admire them – and then they set up house in your yard. A beaver can chew through a 12-cm wide
40 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
tree trunk in 30 minutes. It can lop a tree into lengths overnight to be carted away for breakfast. If you have damp, low-lying property near your trees, this animal – the world’s second-largest rodent – may dig out its own channel to swim closer to the trees. I know this for fact. On my own property, it looked as though they had hired a small excavator to neatly
pile banks of mud along the creek they had dredged to get to the tag alders and willows in our wetland. It didn’t take long before the perimeter of the wetland was peppered with telltale white cones of wood atop the stubs of harvested trees. A stockpile of downed branches grew by the creek. We fretted over whether they’d dam up the wetland and flood our basement. It’s a familiar concern.
“We used to talk to people about beaver problems a lot,” says Jan McDonnell. The retired biologist with the then-Ministry of Natural Resources was for many years the go-to person for answers about wildlife. They’re a challenging animal to deal with when they start encroaching on private land or threatening roads. “People would want to have the beaver
live trapped and think it can be taken miles away,” says McDonnell. “But relocated beavers tend to fare very poorly.” For municipalities, she adds, there are continuous concerns when beaver dams threaten roads. Even if the odds of flooding are remote, the liability fears push them to rid the waterway of the beavers. As much as we may think we know about
beavers, their physiology and lifestyle have sparked curiosity and misinformation for generations. Castoreum, the secretion from a pair of glands at the base of the beaver’s tail, has verified uses. The glands have been collected for centuries as an additive in perfumes. It’s still happening today: Some accounts describe the oil as adding a leathery musk or fruity middle note to perfumes. It has also been used to enhance flavour in foods, notably at one time in ice cream. It’s a rather expensive and unsavoury process that has fallen from use. Few merchants want to boast that the oil from glands beside a beaver’s anus enhances their French vanilla scoop. The oil also has sparked centuries of other claims about its miraculous powers. There are tales that the oil was an aphrodisiac. The dried, pulverized gland could reduce fever when combined with wine; the oil could cure epilepsy, strengthen the brain, and either cure sleeplessness or prevent sleep depending on the salesman. There is one proven medical value in the oil. Beavers eat a lot of willow, and the green fresh layers under the bark of willow contain salicylic acid, the same stuff that’s in aspirin. So tales that it could cure earache or tooth ache are potentially true. The beaver, when allowed to keep its glands, uses the oil for two purposes. It’s combined with urine to mark its territory. The oil is also excellent water repellent, and keeps the outer layer of a beaver’s fur virtually waterproof. The animal spends much of its time coaxing castoreum from its glands and grooming it into its fur. That glossy outer layer of fur protects an undercoat of wool that inspired the rapacious
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The combination of mudpack and sticks in a beaver lodge creates a good barrier against the elements. At the top of the lodge’s dome, there is a weave of sticks to allow ventilation.
trapping of beavers from the 1600s on. Felt is one of the world’s oldest textiles but when Europeans discovered the qualities of felted wool from beaver, it sparked an economic frenzy. The value of beaver fur was arguably the most significant reason behind the European settlement of Canada. The Hudson’s Bay Company, granted a charter to explore and sell furs in 1670, “owned” and governed almost half the land of this country, and a chunk of the U.S., until deeding it over to Canada two years after Confederation. By 1930, the market for furs had all but wiped the species off the map of North America. Conservation efforts and changing tastes in fashion have allowed the beaver to re-establish itself across the continent.
Beavers normally stay close to water when browsing food to avoid predators.
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And the landscape has changed as a result. Beavers, or Castor canadensis, are considered the only mammal other than humans capable of such significant manipulation of their environment. Far from being destructive, the engineering work beavers conduct is a trigger for biodiversity. A beaver pond becomes a new home to hundreds of species of aquatic life, becoming food for moose, nesting habitat for red-winged blackbirds, herons, rails, warblers and sparrows, and home for otters, moles, weasels and muskrat. Once the beavers have exhausted the supply of poplars, birch, alders and willow around the pond, they’ll add to the dam, head farther upstream or move elsewhere altogether. The pond left behind continues to grow over, developing meadow vegetation
that eventually takes over to supply habitat and food for deer, rabbits, mice and many other forms of wildlife. But, why a pond? Why are they driven to dam up waterways? The answer lies in a unique evolution over thousands of years. We can be thankful the ice-age beaver is no longer around since it weighed in at more than 130 kilograms. Today’s beaver, at a portly 27 kilograms, is not fleet of foot and over ground, it is easy prey. It’s also apparently delicious. Indigenous cultures regarded the beaver as a symbol of wisdom. The tail is considered a delicacy. Its only defence is to take to the water, where its specialized metabolism allows it to stay underwater for up to 25 minutes. Webbed hind feet can propel the beaver at surprising speed; the flat tail performs as a rudder — and a slap on the water serves as
opening their mouths. With all those adaptations, a dam is just the trick to bring water closer to the trees and safe access to dinner. Scientists have been scratching their heads over the beaver’s ability to subsist almost solely on wood through the winter. There is an advantage to eating As the beaver dines, the wood, in that there’s backs of the teeth wear an ample supply of faster than the front, it around. Few effectively sharpening other mammals are every time it eats. capable of eating it, so there’s little competition for the food. Their front incisor teeth have hard enamel on the front and a warning to the entire family. Its nostrils and softer dentine behind, and they never stop ears can close up while submerged. A special growing. As the beaver dines, the backs of the clear eyelid allows it to see underwater. They teeth wear faster than the front, effectively have extra lips behind their front teeth, so sharpening every time it eats. But wood is not they can carry food underwater without ideal food.
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A beaver can chew through a 12-cm wide tree trunk in 30 minutes.
Early dissections found an odd gland attached to a beaver’s stomach. But tests since then have shown it doesn’t secrete anything that can break cellulose down. The researchers conclude that the beaver’s intestines contain bacteria that can ferment the wood, converting it into food energy — a wood beer brewing in a beaver’s guts. Given that a beaver’s lodge is made of sticks and mud, it’s sometimes thought that the lodge holds the winter’s supply of food. In fact, the actual stockpile of green sticks is kept nearby, under the ice where the animal is safe from predators. The lodge itself is a brilliant design, either located on the bank of a pond, an island or the shore of a lake or river. It is partially situated on land, with an overhang into the water, where the outer wall reaches from the bottom of the waterbody to the surface. You may have seen odd heaps of mud and grass along the shoreline of creeks; these could be building material for lodge construction. The combination of mudpack and sticks creates a good barrier against the elements, but at the top of the lodge’s dome there is just a weave
of sticks to allow ventilation. Inside, the lodge will be about 2.5 metres across and with up to a metre of headroom. There are usually two entrances, both underwater. They open up to a set of shelves above the waterline, one area for feeding and the other for the family to rest. It’s kept tidy with a layer of grass, wood chips and bark. Inside the lodge, a beaver pair – they are monogamous — will mate between January and March. As many as five young will be born about three months later, weighing about half a kilogram. The female will curl her tail inward to form a kind of welcome mat for the young. They’re miniature versions of their parents, born with open eyes, a complete coat of fur and fully formed teeth and capable of swimming within a day. Given that fact about the teeth, mother beaver is likely relieved that the young are weaned in just a month. The young will stay with their parents for two full years, joined by a new litter the next spring. In larger lodges there could be several families living together. But at the end of two years, the elder siblings will get the boot;
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A beaver pair – they are monogamous — will mate between January and March. they’ll have to fend for themselves and search for a new home. They may trek as far as 30 kilometres to strike out on their own. In the next year the solitary beaver will reach sexual maturity and begin the search for a mate and a new family. The family cycle will repeat itself for a beaver’s eight to 12-year lifespan. Although the research doesn’t say much about it, there are many people who refer to “bank beavers.” It’s felt these beavers simply tunnel into the banks of rivers or streams rather than build lodges. Bill Dickinson, who has studied a series of dams and lodges at the Muskoka Conservancy’s Upjohn Reserve, feels this may be a strictly summer habit. Records of beavers farther south in the U.S. indicate there may be beavers that reside in river banks yearround but in our harsher winters, it makes sense that a lodge would be a more preferable home. Can people co-exist with beavers? It takes effort. Many years ago, Bruce Lake Marsh was the focus of a hot debate between residents on Bruce Lake on one side of Peninsula Road, and people who defended the rights of beavers to live in the wetland across the road. People on the lake felt their water quality was suffering from the dammed up marsh water. It was a standoff Jan McDonnell recalls could not be resolved. “Our philosophy was, you figure out what
you want and we will make it happen. But they never could.” It doesn’t always end badly. More recently, the Town of Bracebridge has been challenged by the beavers that have made Henry Marsh home. Developers that own the adjacent land wanted the beavers gone; their dam was not only flooding their property, but sections of the national Great Trail. Local naturalists defend the marsh, considering it to be a sanctuary for a variety of scarce birds. In a deal with the property owner, the Town set up an elaborate system of beaver baffles (formally, Clemson Pond Levellers) – underwater pipes that direct excess water out of the pond without causing the running water noise that drives beavers to build new dam. The beaver pond is stabilized and for the time being the marsh thrives. We can do the same at a smaller scale on our own properties. Muskoka Watershed Council’s Steward’s Guide series contains a fact sheet on managing beavers on private land. Galvanized wire fencing wrapped around tree trunks is one easy solution to protect your favourite trees. Culverts can be protected with fencing of a special design. Beavers avoid conifers such as pine, spruce or hemlock. If you plant those, they won’t be chewed. There are more tips in the guide, which you can find at www.muskokawatershed. org; search for “living with beavers.”
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 45
Rosseau Powwow
SHARING THE TRADITIONS OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Article by Dawn Huddlestone / Photography by Shannon Tobin-Haughey
A
photo isn’t always worth a thousand words. A textbook can be worth even fewer – neither can possibly tell the whole story. Experience, as they say, is the best teacher. That’s particularly true for learning about Indigenous culture where teachings are passed from generation to generation through stories, songs and dance. That’s why Courtney Tabobondung, a student at Rosseau Lake College (RLC), wanted her schoolmates to not just read about her culture. She wanted them to see it and hear it, taste it and feel it. She wanted them to experience a powwow.
46 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
“People really needed to see what the Aboriginal culture of Canada is like, rather than what they read in textbooks,” she said, adding that she wanted them to know “the fun parts about our history, rather than just the super sad ones. They can really get a bigger picture of who we are as people.” And because her school is located on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg, she felt a powwow would be the best way to honour that land. RLC’s headmaster, Robert Carreau, was immediately supportive of the idea. “The school has been here 52 years, and we’ve never
David Rice, head dancer with Wasauksing First Nation, was among those who shared Indigenous traditions and cultures during the powwow held at Rosseau Lake College. August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 47
Members of the Wasauksing First Nation are joined by students from Rosseau Lake College during a drum circle. done such a thing,” he said. Rosseau Lake College has had a strong relationship with Wasauksing First Nation, where Tabobondung is from, since the mid-1980s, he added. Several students from Wasauksing,
48 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
which is located on an island west of Parry Sound, attend the private school each year, as do some from the Wahta Mohawk Territory near Bala. Tabobondung asked Johna Hupfield, the
Indigenous studies teacher at Parry Sound High School who organizes powwows at her school with her students, for advice on running a powwow at RLC. And, as a former member of the Little Spirit Singers, she
The potato dance is a traditional powwow event that's a fun competition for both participants and spectators. invited the Wasauksing youth group and their mentor, Deina Bomberry, to perform. Bomberry also led the powwow. There was a drum from both Wasauksing and from Parry Sound High School,
accompanied by singers. There was a dancer in full regalia. And there was food that reflected First Nations culture – scone dogs, bannock and chili, corn soup and wild ricestuffed peppers.
Almost 200 people took part in the powwow in mid-June, including members of the Wasauksing First Nation, RLC students, staff and parents. “(The students) learned more that day about Indigenous ceremony
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Indigenous cultural teachings are passed from generation to generation through stories, songs and dance, such as those shared at the Rosseau powwow. and teachings than they could ever have learned any other way,” said Carreau. He added that teens can be tough to reach at times, and the teachings and songs at the powwow were a powerful way to deliver the message. For example, Shane Tobobundung, one of RLC’s board members, sang a song of gratitude, “and he said, ‘we all need to understand, this is not the first time that these trees, and this lake, and this land have reverberated with this song,’” recalled Carreau. “(We’re dancing) on the same
ground that’s been danced on for centuries by Anishinaabeg people. That’s powerful.” RLC plans to host a powwow again next year, making it even bigger and inviting other schools to participate. Tabobondung, who will start grade 12 in the fall and plans to be a youth worker on isolated reserves in the future, hopes it will lead to greater understanding and inclusion. “Making sure that Indigenous students are being represented,” she said. “Making sure that we have a voice in the classroom.”
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MUSKOKA’S GOLD Still Waiting to be Found Article by J. Patrick Boyer
I
t was only a matter of perseverance, and time, until somebody struck gold in Muskoka. There’d been a definite pattern. Somebody in a remote region found placer gold shining in a gravelly mountain stream or his pick chipped a rocky outcropping’s secret. Then word of his claim trickled out. Then the riveting news became page one headlines in big city dailies everywhere. As grapevine rumours spread, men rushed from their bank offices and foundry floors, left off selling farm machinery or arguing with their wives, quit quiescent universities and grizzly slaughterhouses, hurriedly joining
52 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
the pilgrimage flocking to distance places they’d never heard about, dollar signs in their eyes, each panicky over discovering a share before others got it all. On January 24, 1848, carpenter Jim Marshall found flakes of gold in the American River at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California while building a sawmill. That triggered a rush of some 300,000 people to the “Golden State.” By 1855, the rush had garnered untold riches for some, producing over ten billion dollars worth of gold in today’s values. But most were no richer than when they’d arrived, and Indigenous people who’d not lost their lives
had lost their lands. Several years later, in 1860, public land surveyor J.O. Browne reached south Muskoka to survey Morrison Township, north of the Severn River, for the government. First, he discovered squatters who’d already made simple homes in the pristine wilderness. Then, he found evidence of mineral presence as well. “On the more exposed ridges, in several parts of the township,” recorded Browne, “there appear strong indications of iron and copper ore of much purity.” It wasn’t gold, to be sure, but demand for both metals could lead a homesteader to
Photograph: Boyer Family Archives
The Land Grant Office for Muskoka was a hive of activity during the “free land” boom. These men waited outside to see where homesteaders located, sniffing out whatever clues they could – such as whether the Crown reserved mineral rights – that tipped gold in the vicinity.
Photograph: Boyer Family Archives
think he might profit more from what he’d harvest below grade than from surface crops. However, apart from the odd settler following copper prices on the minerals market, his report was intended for the government’s benefit. Browne noted, as a tip for the government land agent: “The spots on which I more particularly observed the iron and copper are on lot 16 in concession A, lot 5 in concession 6, and to the north of concession lines 1 and 2, about lots 30 and 31.” Elsewhere in Morrison, gold was found in early June 1867. Public land surveyor Albert Fowlie told the editor of his hometown village Orillia newspaper that he’d “discovered excellent indications of the auriferous deposit on the north side of Sparrow Lake.” The Expositor added, on June Left: Cover of Thomas McMurray’s 1871 book, 14, “Fowlie is of the opinion the printed on the Northern Advocate’s Bracebridge press. Right: McMurray’s widely-distributed 150 precious ore will be found in paying page book presented an optimistic view of quantities and has purchased the Muskoka District’s prospects – including extracts property, intending to commence from surveyors’ mineral reports. operations next week.” By midBut, as with finding gold, you September, the Expositor’s update in gold fever news reported “on reliable authority couldn’t just sit while others speed to the best that gold has been discovered at the mine of “free grant lands” ahead of you. Settlers Hatch, Blain and Skinner of Sparrow Lake.” flocked to Muskoka. Quite a few were Assayed specimens had been “pronounced so encouraged by pioneer entrepreneur Thomas rich, both in quality and quantity, that the McMurray’s prophesies. Publisher of the fortunate possessors anticipate their mine Northern Advocate, he ambitiously promoted will yield at least $500 worth of gold per day. settlement, fuelling a land boom. Along with A crushing mill will be in operation shortly.” practical tips about travel, land clearance and The government, mindful of the recent crops best suited to local conditions, California gold rush, required its surveyors in McMurray’s newspaper touted promising these northern districts to include mineral mineral reports. In 1869, within a year of Ontario’s reports so that land with precious or semiprecious metals could be transferred to government beginning to give free land in homesteaders subject to a Crown reserve on the northern districts, the legislature passed minerals. News of Sparrow Lake gold the General Mining Act. Any transfer of title brought a number of Simcoe County where the government’s land agent believed hopefuls to Morrison Township, but that there was mineral potential would now be subject to the Act – specifically, a reserve for gold play petered out. The first big rush to Muskoka was driven such minerals as gold. Elsewhere in Muskoka, gold-bearing by the same reliable mixture of greed and grandiose visions that gold could spark – but pyrites had been identified. The government the lure was even more promising, in a was expecting mineral wealth. It was only a reliable sort of way. Rather than possibly matter of time. Discoveries just took finding gold, mere arrival in the District persistence, competitiveness and luck. seemed about all it took to stake a claim for Homesteaders got either a straight Crown patent from the Province or a “mining act 100 acres, even 200, of free land.
deed” that reserved the land’s mineral rights for the Crown. Such title deeds became scattered throughout Muskoka’s land grants, wherever Crown royalties were anticipated from future mining based on the surveyors’ reports. In 1872, George Parlett, claiming his free land at Walker’s Point/Barlochan, got such a deed for lot 18 in concession 1. When he sold out and moved to Bracebridge, his transferred land remained subject to the Mining Act’s conditions. Others acquiring Mining Act deeds in that locale included Henrietta Bristen (1889) and George Baker (1891). Clearly the government envisaged mining opportunities, a potential Lake Muskoka Millionaires Row. In 1871, Thomas McMurray published Free Grant Lands of Muskoka and Parry Sound in which he unfolded a tapestry of the fortunes awaiting settlers. His section “The Advantages of Muskoka” framed the future of a place “which nature designed to be an important manufacturing country, and one day may be the very workshop of Canada, itself.” Among the advantages were “minerals found in sufficient quantities to satisfy even
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 53
W.E. Hamilton, assistant editor of the Bracebridge Gazette, broke news of a gold discovery that, picked up by Toronto’s dailies, sparked the Great Gravenhurst Gold Rush of 1877.
Photograph: Public Domain
the most incredulous,” and estimation that “this whole section abounds with the richest treasures which will be developed at no very distant date.” Just six years later, in the spring of 1877, McMurray’s prediction seemed to come true. Muskoka’s most memorable gold rush, so far, erupted after Neil Livingstone began moving earth he’d excavated for a new well in Gravenhurst. From the debris, he excitedly extracted a small gold nugget. These were days when California’s spectacular gold rush still tantalized people across the continent. Most everyone had sharp eyes for destiny waiting at their own feet. W.E. Hamilton of Bracebridge, then researching and writing his Guide Book & Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound, keenly examined Livingstone’s discovery, a presumed harbinger of a Muskoka Township mother lode. The erudite and eloquent world-
travelling graduate of Trinity College Dublin, though not an assayist, found the nugget “to be, undoubtedly the royal metal, in considerable purity.” Hamilton dwelt in those days over the Bracebridge Gazette offices, being an assistant editor. When he published word of Muskoka gold in the paper, the Toronto press quickly scooped up the news. Ardent gold-diggers flocked north in droves. Extra coaches were added to trains, bringing urban wealth trackers to Muskoka’s primordial treasure chest. Neil Livingstone’s accidental find had sparked the Gravenhurst gold quest of 1877, a rush unlike most any other, anywhere in the world. Participants in the Great Gravenhurst Gold Rush did not have to bounce starving in covered wagons across hostile territory or endure harrowing sea passages around the Cape of Horn, like those rushing to lawless
California. They arrived, excited but comfortable, aboard Northern Railway passenger trains that slowed to a smooth stop at Gravenhurst Station, direct from Toronto. They stepped down into a thriving, lawabiding, established community. They booked clean accommodation at quality local hotels like the Fraser and the Royal. They purchased whatever was needed from well-stocked stores. They enjoyed the fine weather. Neither the men, nor the women who find wealth accompanying all-male enterprises into wilderness locales, ever did discover “more nuggets just lying on the ground” as anticipated. “None of them found gold in paying quantity,” reminisced Redmond Thomas, a next generation Gazette editor, “and the great majority found no gold at all.” However, they enjoyed the easiest, shortest, most comfortable gold rush in world history. It was harder in Yukon. In mid-August 1896 three prospectors, Keish Goox, Káa Goox and George Carmack, an American who’d married into their Tagish First Nation family, discovered gold on Rabbit Creek, a
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54 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
Photograph: Boyer Family Archives
In 1898, the Klondike Gold Rush started and, as historian Robert Boyer reported, “Letters were received in Muskoka by people with relatives gone to the Yukon.” Correspondence is a two-way flow, but Dawson City had no post office in 1898, so mail was simply spread on the ground. Men, closely observed, took turns searching, but finding one was as hard as striking gold. small tributary of the Klondike River which soon became world famous as “Bonanza Creek.” Word reached the outside world in July 1897, sparking a stampede as tens of thousands, including Muskokans, urgently joined the rush. Flats along the Klondike River became overpopulated boomtown Dawson City, where men fought for a place even to sit down, or sort through mail, some of it from Muskoka. The Great Rush of ‘98 caused Yukon Territory to be severed from the NWT for governing. It catapulted the RCMP to legendary status – imposing lawful order, forcing prospectors to lift a ton of gear on their backs in repeated lifts over the impossibly steep Chilkoot Pass, and relentlessly searching out criminals, “getting their man.” Over in Alaska’s wild and lawless gold play, Frank G. Horner was one of the successful ones. By the 1920s, this gold field veteran was living in Bracebridge, driving a fine automobile, enjoying the good life, accompanied by a stunning beauty. He and Redmond Thomas were chatting behind the Bracebridge Wharf while waiting to meet a Muskoka Navigation Co. steamship returning from its summer afternoon cruise when, as Thomas recalled, “Horner’s keen eyesight detected a familiar sign in the crushed stone of the road.” He strolled over, picked the piece up, and examined it. Pointing to some markings, he handed it to Thomas, announcing, “Gold!” “Does this mean there’s gold to be found in Muskoka?” Horner began recounting he’d found gold in Muskoka rocks various times, but his
intriguing revelation was ended by the steamer’s shrill whistle as she entered the bay. Refocusing on their immediate mission, Frank embraced his gorgeous wife, bachelor Redmond greeted his mother. As they left the wharf, Horner managed to add, “But never in anything approaching commercial value.” But it’s hard to prove a negative. Just because he’d not made a big strike didn’t mean Muskoka was barren of gold. Gold in solid rock had been worked at Rosseau, between Muskoka and Parry Sound districts. Two decades later in the summer of 1944, Frank Brown, operating a sawmill on the former Thomson homestead along Macaulay Township’s Kirk Line, wondered if the rocks that confounded Thomson’s farming might reward him differently. He went to North Bay to see Professor Peter Christopher McKenna, often tapped for his sixth sense knowledge about places distant. Clairvoyant McKenna had never been in Muskoka, except passing through by train. However, in their “consultation,” McKenna not only accurately described the old Thomson place but saw a valuable deposit of gold on it. Three weeks later, he came down to Bracebridge, on Brown’s dime, and drove a stake into the ground indicating where the gold would be found. Brown next contracted a Kirkland Lake diamond drill expert. In March 1945, the crew drilled directly down at McKenna’s stake and struck gold. An assay of the rock samples revealed gold in excellent commercial quantity. Brown told Redmond Thomas, the ever-circulating Gazette editor, his riveting
news, which made the front page of the paper’s March 29th edition. Professor McKenna never learned about Brown’s rewarding experience; he’d died that winter, before drilling proved again his allseeing powers. That’s something clairvoyants relish hearing, but are never surprised about. The bigger mystery is why Frank Brown’s Macaulay Township gold mine, apparently, never proceeded. Elsewhere in Muskoka, the astonishing discovery of a single gold nugget on a Monck Township farm east of Ziska sparked at least a localized rush. The gold was above the surface, and, well, in the farmhouse actually. In the kitchen, dressing a turkey for roasting began by scooping out its guts. The farmwife’s “Eureka!” moment came upon discovering in the stomach’s contents a rounded stone of gold. She excitedly showed around her sudden wealth. Because the bird had been born and raised on their farm, it was a reliable harbinger. The family, with such proof that great wealth was at hand, never did eat roast turkey that night. The priorities of avarice kept them outdoors, searching every gravelly zone where turkeys dined, or might have. Several days’ intensive ground scratching failed to produce further gold, though just pecking the surface showed this family resembled their turkeys more than serious prospectors. They settled for a lame quip. “We didn’t have the goose that laid the golden egg, but the turkey that swallowed the gold mine.” Which is why there’s gold still waiting, just east of Ziska.
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 55
PORTER’S Article by Meghan Smith / Photography by Tomasz Szumski
T
he summer commute between Toronto and Muskoka has become more streamlined. On Thursday, June 27, the first official 20-minute Porter Airlines flight, from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Muskoka Airport, was welcomed with a water cannon salute and a large crowd of dignitaries, partners and community members.
56 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
Spearheading the initiative was Regional Tourism Organization 12, which is known as Explorers’ Edge and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Explorers’ Edge first approached the District of Muskoka’s Planning and Economic Development Committee about the potential for developing commercial air service at the airport in 2015.
SCHEDULED AIR SERVICE Connects Muskoka to Opportunities
Firefighters from Bracebridge and Gravenhurst joined forces to provide an honourary water cannon salute for the first flight of Porter Airlines’ scheduled air service to Muskoka Airport.
“Our objective is increased international visitation to this part of Ontario,” explained James Murphy, executive director of Explorers’ Edge. “The team has recognized and continues to recognize the importance of building new audiences for Muskoka and for this region, including Algonquin Park and Parry Sound. The marathon continues
for our team and we couldn’t be more excited to see the results of our very strategic efforts.” “Explorers Edge led a multi-year charge in attracting Porter to Muskoka,” said Robert Deluce, executive chairman for Porter Airlines. “I can tell you that they were ambitious, persistent and creative, and willing to see
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through the very smallest of those details that ultimately got us here today. They remain an important partner in helping us promote the route to travellers throughout our network.” The 10-week seasonal service is a trial program, similar to the first flights Porter made to Mont Tremblant but seasonally reversed to those offered in Muskoka. Now, service to Mont Tremblant has expanded to a regular service, sometimes with multiple flights per day. The hope of everyone involved is the continued success and expansion of the Muskoka service. “Partnering with someone like Porter Airlines, which has incredible gateways to the world, you could almost say the sky is the limit,” said John Klinck, Muskoka District Chair. “I am proud to welcome the Porter family to the Muskoka family.” “This has been too long an undiscovered gem of Muskoka,” said Bud Purvis, chair of the Muskoka Airport Board, in describing the airport. “We’ve all been excited about the opportunity to welcome more guests from farther points,” shared Leah Leslie, chair of the board for Muskoka Tourism and director of sales and marketing at the JW Marriott, The Rosseau in Minett. “Now that this service
District of Muskoka Chair John Klinck welcomes Porter Airlines on its first scheduled flight to Muskoka Airport, which is owned by the District of Muskoka. Klinck was one of a number of federal, provincial and municipal dignitaries to offer well wishes. is available, getting the message out and making sure everybody knows about it is our responsibility.” Regularly scheduled flight service to Muskoka increases the accessibility and simplicity of travel to the area. As a tourism-based economy through all months of the year, with the most visitors through summer and fall, Muskoka thrives on travellers coming to and staying in the area. Visitors, seasonal residents and local residents have the opportunity to decrease their drive time and increase the ease of connecting to other flight paths with the use of the new Porter Airlines service. Significant time and effort from numerous parties including representatives of the regional tourism organization, municipal staff, airport staff, business groups, tourism groups and others went into preparing the airport for commercial service.
Porter Airlines executive chairman Robert Deluce, foreground, walks across the tarmac after arriving on the first scheduled flight to Muskoka Airport.
The Requirements of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and Transport Canada for commercial air services were not accessible to municipal airports until the passing of the Transportation Modernization Act in 2018. The act, brought forward by Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, allows airports to become eligible for security screening and processing. By working with Porter Airlines and recognizing the value of the Muskoka Airport, Muskoka is the first community to take advantage of the availability of these resources. The local effort to bring scheduled service to Muskoka received praise from Porter’s Deluce. “This is a fantastic welcome for Porter and a testament to the effort that has gone into making this new route a reality,” shared Deluce. “Porter prides itself on providing a distinct level of service and I know that passengers will experience Muskoka’s own unique brand of hospitality and I know that they’ll really enjoy it.” “We, at Explorers’ Edge, are committed to ensuring the service is a longterm success for everyone involved,” confirmed Murphy.
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 59
Photograph: Deerhurst Resort
Whats Happened
From its early beginnings with a single lodge and 18 guest rooms, Deerhurst Resort has grown to a 760-acre property with capacity for 2,000 guests. Its latest addition, Lakeside Lodge houses 150 units, built at a cost of $60 million.
Deerhurst Resort unveils a new gem on Peninsula Lake: Lakeside Lodge When Charles Waterhouse opened Deerhurst Resort in 1896, he couldn’t have known what a legacy he had created. From its early beginnings with a single lodge and 18 guest rooms, Deerhurst has grown to a 760-acre property with capacity for 2,000 guests. Its latest addition, Lakeside Lodge, sits on the site of the original lodge and is a modern take on Waterhouse’s early vision. “We have been opening our doors and sharing the beauty of Muskoka since 1896,” Jesse Hamilton, general manager at Deerhurst Resort, told the crowd assembled for the Lakeside Lodge grand opening on June 27. “We’re not just looking to the future and thinking about what we’ll become and how we’ll grow but it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our past and look at how it is that we got here. Lakeside Lodge opening up today is as much about the Waterhouse vision for what Deerhurst would become. “It has a lot to do with the ideas and the hopes that other owners have had, and it certainly is the first major milestone in
60 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
Skyline’s plans for Deerhurst Resort.” The goal for the 150,000 square-foot building, which was designed by architect Robert Wengle, with interior design by Marlene Card and landscape design by Mark Pettes, was to create a modern take on the era of Muskoka’s grand hotels. It houses 150 units with one, two and three-bedroom layouts and was built at a cost of $60 million. Charles Waterhouse’s great-grandchildren, siblings Bob and Sally Waterhouse, and Bob’s sons Brandon and Ryan were present for the ribbon-cutting. Bob thanked Skyline, the company that now owns Deerhurst, for “allowing the legacy of Deerhurst to endure.”
TriMuskoka launches fundraising for public outdoor exercise stations Since its inception, Muskoka’s triathlon club, TriMuskoka, has promoted healthy, active lifestyles for everyone. That mandate is reflected in its annual triathlon event, the TriMuskokan which emphasizes personal challenge more than competition. And it’s the basis for the club’s latest initiative, the MSCLE Project (Movement for Strength,
Conditioning, and Active Lifestyles for Everyone). It’s a multi-phased project which aims to get people moving by installing easily accessible outdoor fitness equipment. The project will include stand-alone park-bench fitness stations, body-weight open-air plyometric and calisthenic gyms, a parkour-style obstacle course, and aerobic workouts to link all of the movement equipment together. The club began fundraising at this year’s TriMuskokan – as a non-profit, all of the proceeds from the event are directed to a local cause – and will require between $250,000 to $350,000 to bring the project to fruition. Donations can be made at trimuskoka.com/events/the-mscle-project/.
Artists of the Limberlost offer a peek into their studios Some of the joy of making art is in sharing it with others. And not just the art itself, but the way in which it was made. It’s one of the reasons studio tours are so popular with artists and art fans alike. The Artists of the Limberlost Summer Studio Tour got its start 13 years ago. Many of the artists who participated in the inaugural tour, which features studios along
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Increased access to high-speed internet creates greater opportunity for business growth
Photograph: Muskoka Futures
Photograph: Brian Markham
devastating effects of March 1, 2019 are eligible for the enhanced extreme weather in the funding under the pilot. future. In June, the provincial government announced a pilot program – the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program – which As Muskoka becomes more connected, will provide financial particularly in its more remote areas, the Visitors to the studios taking part in the Artists of the Limberlost assistance to eligible opportunity for businesses to expand to the Summer Studio Tour can see the space where each of the principal communities that face area – and for both year-round and seasonal artists work. extraordinary emergency residents to work remotely – increases as well. the Limberlost Road corridor, to the east of response and repair costs after a natural A prime example was announced on July 8 Huntsville, were part of the long-running disaster, and will help them build when Muskoka Futures announced the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour. infrastructure that can withstand such winner of its inaugural Muskoka 4.0 Brian Markham, who has been on the extreme weather events. Investment Competition. Artists of the Limberlost tour from the “This spring we saw the devastating The competition offered a $250,000 beginning, said the artists felt it would be effect of flooding in many Ontario investment to a new and emerging business more effective for them to have a smaller communities,” said Steve Clark, Minister of already in or willing to locate in Muskoka. tour with just a handful of studios, and to Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We want “The goal of this investment is to help invite guest artists to join each of them. to help municipalities build back better – to spur diversity in our local economy and to “Because it’s geographically such a small flood damaged roads, bridges and other showcase that many forms of business can area, people can see a broad range of artistic infrastructure to a higher standard, so it can exist in Muskoka,” said David Brushey, formats in a short time,” said Markham. better withstand extreme weather and we executive director of Muskoka Futures in a Visitors to the studios can see the space know that some municipalities have limited media release. “With our broad access to 1gig where each of the principal artists work and financial resources to improve local technology making internet connections can learn more about the artistic process of infrastructure. By not having to rebuild the more stable, doing business on a global scale both the principal artists and their guest same washed-out road or bridge again and from Muskoka is easier than ever.” artists. And, “it’s a beautiful drive up and again, communities will save money over The inaugural investment opportunity was down Limberlost Road,” added Markham. awarded to Rolldog, a CRM (Customer the long-term.” The 2019 tour includes six studios and Relationship Management) software MPP Norm Miller noted that as part of 18 artists. New this year are the studio of application for sales organizations. Rolldog the $1 million pilot project, the province painter Peggy Bell and guest artists Terri co-founder Craig Crawford said the company will provide municipalities that qualify for Howell at Bell’s studio, knifemaker Craig plans to open a corporate office in MDRA funding with up to 15 per cent Henshaw at Danielle Goulet’s studio, and Bracebridge and will hire key people to fulfill above the estimated cost of rebuilding fibre artist Pam Carnochan at Brian executive, support, sales and professional damaged public infrastructure to make it Markham’s studio. more resilient to extreme weather. Examples services roles as it grows. Learn more about the Artists of the could include raising Limberlost Summer Tour, which runs roads to provide August 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. better overland flow both days, at artistsofthelimberlost.ca. of water, improving the columns or footings of bridges, or increasing the size of ditches and catch basins to increase their capacity to With two “hundred-year floods” hold water. occurring in less than 10 years, Communities municipalities in Muskoka, and others like that were affected by David Brushey, executive director, and Tyler Lockhart, investment them across the province, need help to deal spring flooding that consultant, both with Muskoka Futures, present Craig Crawford of Rolldog with the aftermath and prevent the occurred after with a $250,000 cheque.
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Cooking with golden honey is sweeter than sugar Article by Karen Wehrstein / Photography by Tomasz Szumski The use of honey in cuisine definitely goes back to the ancient Sumerians and probably long into prehistory, and continues to this day, right here, in Muskoka because it’s so good. Packing more sweetness power than sugar, the golden product of the busiest of insects adds a special intensity, which can perhaps only be described as floral, to any sweet dish. Honey starts with bees, of course, so we’ll start with Muskoka’s largest When collecting honey, the workers at beekeeping/honeyMuskoka Honey Bee Products don suits producing business, that make them look like astronauts to Muskoka Honey Bee of protect them against being stung. Dwight, co-owned by Annmarie Boehm-Tapley and her husband, Ross Tapley. They boast they are the fourth generation in her family, training the fifth. Boehm-Tapley’s paternal greatgrandfather was of German extraction Bracebridge. but lived in what was then Yugoslavia. At Throughout her the end of World War II, he brought his childhood and youth, family to Canada as refugees from a Boehm-Tapley devastated continent. Moving to the Delhi, helped maintain the Ontario area, they became tobacco farmers. hives. Her grandfather had died in the war; her In 2002, she, Ross father was a young boy, who learned and their young beekeeping from his grandfather and father-in-law. Once grown up and running a daughters also moved to Muskoka and decided in business in Toronto, he kept bees at his 2011 or thereabouts to cottage near Rosseau as a hobby until he pursue beekeeping as a and his wife retired and moved to
64 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
business rather than a hobby. “The demand for honey was huge up here,” she says. “We kept running out.” Increasing production allowed her to sell at farmer’s markets and retail stores. In 2013, Muskoka Honey Bee Products was incorporated. Boehm-Tapley now works four farmers’ markets – Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Rosseau and Parry Sound – and sells through a number of stores and special events, listed on the company’s website. She also supplies many local restaurants and bakeries. Muskoka Honey Bee Products owns hundreds of hives on former homestead properties around Muskoka, and keeps their locations secret; a fullyoperational hive is worth $1,000. “There are only certain areas that have the wildflowers available in enough quantity to have hives,” BoehmTapley explains. “There has to be a water source, usually a stream, the right orientation to the sun,
Colony collapse disorder, the scourge of honeybee operations worldwide, is not the same problem in Muskoka because there are not the same volumes of farming operations that use pesticides.
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shelter from some sort of forest and open fields of all wildflowers starting with dandelions in the spring to the blooming trees to goldenrod in the fall – a constant turnover of flowers.” You may curse at those first yellow-gold blooms in your lawn in spring; not Boehm-Tapley. “I am the happiest woman in the world when I see dandelions,” she says. “So many pollinators survive on that first flower of the year.” Beekeeping in Muskoka, due to the short season, requires extra work to keep the bees alive over winter. They are fed hard sugar candy in the fall, then again in spring as soon as the family can get to them. “We also
give them pollen patties, as a source of protein, and that triggers the queens to start laying eggs,” says Boehm-Tapley, who is a licensed queen-breeder, qualified to raise and sell queen bees. What about colony collapse disorder, the scourge of honeybees worldwide including in Ontario? North of Orillia, she says, it’s not a problem. “There is no commercial farming anywhere near us,” she gives as the reason. The family never uses pesticides, convinced they are poisonous to the entire ecology of the land. Colony collapse disorder, she notes, pits farmers against beekeepers, when
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Huntsville Brewhouse features Muskoka Honey Bee Honey Garlic Chicken Wings as one their favourite menu items.
traditionally they were one and the same. “We need to get that balance back.” Muskoka Honey Bee currently sells wildflower honey, creamed wildflower honey and cinnamon creamed honey (“you can make great little cinnamon rolls just by putting that on”), as well as non-food but
fragrant products such as beeswax candles, honey soap and lip balm. As soon as Muskoka Honey Bee has the proper licensing, they will open their
Muskoka Mead division to sell honey-based alcoholic beverages. Two products are planned: Traditional Corked Bottle Honey Wine, which Boehm-Tapley hopes to start MUSKOKA MADE
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making in fall 2019 and selling in fall 2020, and Canned Carbonated Mead, which, “if everything aligns in the universe,” in her words, will be available next spring. She is confident this aspect of the business could provide livings for both her grown daughters, if they so choose. Oddly, when the family works the hives, wearing suits that make a person look somewhat like an astronaut, their millions of tiny winged staffers tend to sting some family members more than others. One doesn’t mind, however: “My dad doesn’t wear gloves,” Boehm-Tapley says. “He likes to get stung because it helps his arthritis.” Now on our honey-based culinary journey, we will visit two happy Muskoka Honey Bee customers. We’ll start with one
that provides an entrée: Muskoka Honey Bee Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, as served at the Huntsville Brewhouse in downtown Huntsville. Affiliated with Lake of Bays Brewery in Baysville, it’s a very beeroriented establishment, with brewing facilities right on the premises and a row of taps at which you can freely taste from all to find your fave. But they serve gourmet food, also. Chef Brian Stone, originally of Pickering, wanted to cook professionally from childhood. Trained at Georgian Brown College, he did a simultaneous three-year apprenticeship at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. He went on to work for 17 years at the Royal York under Master Chef George McNeill, providing cuisine to diners such as Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Queen Mother, Pierre Trudeau, Ronald Reagan and the Sultan of Brunei. One time, required to stay on call overnight for the Sultan’s family, Stone was charged with fetching a bowl of cereals. In return, he was politely handed an envelope containing US $500.
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Muskoka Honey Bee Honey Garlic Wings Brian Stone at Huntsville Brewhouse
Glaze Ingredients: 2 cups Muskoka Honey Bee honey (if available, or other honey if not) ¾ cup tamari sauce ½ cup minced garlic
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Instructions: • Slowly warm combined ingredients until simmering then shut off heat. Cool completely. Makes enough for four or five dozen wings, keeps well in fridge. • Bake chicken wings until crispy, toss in a bowl of glaze and serve. Chef ’s Tips This glaze can be used on other cuts of chicken, ribs, other meats and other foods. Don’t glaze before cooking as the glaze will burn black.
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Whimsical Bakery owner Christine Kropp takes a non-traditional approach when creating her baked goods. “But I always loved the thought of living in a small town for a balanced lifestyle for me and my family,” Stone, who has three children, says. When the opportunity came up to work as a sous-chef at Deerhurst Resort, he took it. “I thought I’d be here just for a short time. But it was my last move. You’re on break having a cigarette and looking at boats, a lake, cottages; in Toronto, you’re looking at walls. Muskoka has all the things you wished for as a kid.” Stone worked at Deerhurst for 20 years total, again serving world leaders during the 2010 G8. But, he explains, “as a sous-chef or executive sous-chef, you spend a lot of time sitting in an office.” Working at the Brewhouse since it opened in May 2018, he can do what he loves most: hands-on cooking. His philosophy: cook from scratch favouring local fresh ingredients and products. Nearby suppliers in addition to Muskoka Honey Bee include Whimsical Bakery, Windmill Bakery, Four Season Greens, Spring Hill Farms, Kawartha Dairy and Belly Ice Cream. Baked to crispy perfection and sticky in your fingers as honey-garlic wings should be, these tasty morsels have a brightness in their flavour, even a delightful faint note of citrus. The recipe is deceptively simple (you already know two of the ingredients) …for a dish fit for a president, prince or Sultan. And now, to a dessert featuring honey. Did I mention Whimsical Bakery? Across and a little way up Main Street in Huntsville, this establishment supplies the Brewhouse
68 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
with brownies, smores and carrot-cake. “Our name is Whimsical,” owner Christine Kropp points out, “because we aren’t traditional.” Kropp, who used to bake Christmas cakes for all her friends, has been in Huntsville since April of 2012, starting a strictly-byorder business offering mostly wedding cakes, celebration cakes and cupcakes, and using an offsite commercial kitchen. Only since April of 2017 has the permanent staff of four, plus an additional two or three in summer, worked in their current location, with store, kitchen and eatery under one roof. Here you can buy locally-produced jams, granola, juices, Beaver Rock coffee from Joe Boehm joins his daughter Annmarie Boehm-Tapley and her husband Ross Tapley, suitably attired to Barrie, espresso, soup, frozen yoghurt, collect honey from beehives. Boehm-Tapley is the fourth generation of her family to be honey producers. Kawartha Dairy ice cream, a sit-down light
Upside-Down Pecan Cupcakes
Adapted from Style at Home by Christine Kropp
Cupcake Batter Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 1 egg, large 1 egg yolk, large 1 cup white sugar ½ cup canola oil 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup sour cream 1 ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions:
• Sift and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. • Beat the egg, egg yolk, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, until thickened and lightened to a cream colour (about two minutes). While mixing, stop to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. • On low speed, mix in the oil and vanilla extract until blended. Mix in the sour cream until no white streaks remain. • Add the flour mixture until the batter is smooth.
Cupcake Topping Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 5 Tbsp Muskoka Honey Bee honey (if available, or other honey if not) 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
Instructions: • Combine all ingredients and cook in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter and sugar are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Instructions for Baking the Cupcakes: • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. • Spray the inside of each cup of a 12-extra-large muffin tin with nonstick spray. • Roast chopped pecans until toasted (6 minutes). Remove and turn oven up to 350. • Evenly distribute topping in the 12 cups. • Do the same with the pecans. • Do the same with cupcake batter. • Bake until the top of each cupcake feels firm and a toothpick inserted in the centre (just into the batter, not the topping) comes out clean (about 25 minutes). • Cool cupcakes in the pan for two minutes. • Loosen cupcakes gently around the sides with a small knife. • Place wire rack over cupcakes, then invert the pan and rack so cupcakes fall onto rack. Cool completely and serve. Chef ’s Tip About Baking “Most chefs don’t like to bake, because what we do is put in a bit of this and a bit of that,” says Brian Stone. “Baking is about measuring.”
Baker’s Tips • Measure ingredients by weight metrically. “It’s more precise,” says Christine Kropp. • Always use unsalted butter in baking. “Because then you can control the amount of salt.” • Kropp’s formula for substituting honey for sugar in a recipe: for every 1 cup of sugar use a ½ cup of honey, and for every cup of honey, subtract a ¼ cup of liquid. • Any nuts will work in the above recipe. When you’re roasting nuts: as soon as you smell them cooking, they’re done.
August 2019 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 69
breakfast or lunch, and a wide range of baked goods made from scratch. And Muskoka Honey Bee honey, of course. “We put it in our granola,” Kropp explains. “For sticky buns, we interchange it with syrup (in maple syrup season). We use it in our muffins, too.” Why Upside-Down Pecan Cupcakes?
“We were looking for a sticky bun recipe with no yeast in it, so we didn’t have to do the whole rise-and-bake thing,” she says. “It’s very much a coffee-cake-type texture, light and airy and sweet. You’re not getting that heaviness. And it’s easy.” Kropp speaks not a word of a lie. If you want to get your fingers all sweetly sticky,
this cupcake will certainly satisfy, but it is indeed light, as well as tender, juicy and cheerily rather than intensely sweet. The pecans are crunchy in a moist, melt-in-yourmouth kind of way. Royal families should find out about these, too. Their sweetness did start with a queen.
If you want to get your fingers all sweetly sticky, Whimsical Bakery’s Upside-Down Pecan Cupcakes will certainly satisfy.
Hospice Muskoka presents
“Beauty, Badges, Bags & Bingo” THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 • 6:00 PM • BRACEBRIDGE SPORTSPLEX ~ Free Bus to Port Carling, Bala and Gravenhurst Return ~
Fabulous Fashion Show BADGES - Muskoka’s Finest Serving You BAGS & BINGO - Win Designer Bags at Bingo (Included) BEAUTY -
WALL OF WINE • SILENT AUCTION TABLE COMPLIMENTARY WINE & LIGHT SUPPER INCLUDED!
Girls Night Out Will Never Be the Same! Tickets $50 Each on sale online or at Hospice Muskoka. For more information call 705-646-1697 or visit us at www.hospicemuskoka.com
70 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
TIMELESS DURABLE AUTHENTIC
THERE’S A TILLEY FOR EVERY OCCASION
AVAILABLE AT
28 MANITOBA STREET, BRACEBRIDGE | 705-637-0204
Muskoka Moments
The sounds of kids and families By Adam Nicholson
Photograph: Fred Nicholson
hearing “Yahoo!” and Since the moment I was “Cowabunga!” as they jump asked to write this article, I’ve into the water. While I don’t been trying to figure out my like the sounds of that one favourite “Muskoka person who decides to Moment.” There isn’t just one, wakeboard or use a personal as any day I get to be in watercraft all the time in Muskoka is a treasure. It has front my family’s cottage, to always been “home” for me. them I say, keep on doing it The sounds, the boat rides, and have fun, but on the the many friends throughout three Muskoka Lakes, we the years, the regattas – all are have a big open space – go memories I treasure. explore and spread your joy! While I don’t get to spend With each generation, as much time in Muskoka as I Muskoka has changed and once did, every moment there the way I enjoy Muskoka is priceless and I look forward has changed. If you haven’t to passing on some of my Cole Nicholson joins his parents, Kimberly and Adam, as the next generation of his been for a while or have traditions to our son, Cole – family to enjoy Muskoka traditions. never gone – visit a local our next generation. Last year, aquatic or sailing regatta this summer. Who innertube races – and my favourite at The he was too young to really appreciate what knows, maybe you will meet that friend you Kettles was the tug of war, which featured Muskoka has to offer but so far this year, he had as a kid and they have kids now, or two canoes tied together to see who reached is enjoying the outdoors and spending time maybe you will make new ones. the other side first. Held at the end of the with his grandparents who live here. Wave to everyone you pass in your boat day, many paddles would break in this Thinking back, my childhood was to say “Hi.” We are all neighbours and share competition and everyone would be cheering amazing. I lived for the summers. My the luxury of living in one of the greatest on their favourite team. When I attended parents enrolled me in swimming lessons at lake retreat areas in the world. Kettles Swimming (near Mortimer’s Point on these regattas, I remember the docks being Oh, I just remembered the one thing I Lake Muskoka) when I was two. Then, when full with only standing room. Now they have to do every year at least once. On a seem to attract only a fraction of the crowd I I was seven years old, I “saw” the sailboats at clear moonless night, just sit on the dock or remember. the back docks, thought they looked neat boathouse and view the stars, and their The Sunday of the same weekend would and wanted to try them. That started me on always be (and often still is) the MLA Sailing reflection in the water. I do that with my dad a path that neither I nor my parents ever still and I look forward to doing that with Regatta, where I got to repeat the anticipated – competing in sailing events at Cole, maybe next year. competition – but this time it was in a all levels and making the National Team for sailboat. Those 5 or 6 a.m. wake up calls to the Finn Class which gave me the get the boat ready and start the tow up to opportunity to sail all over the world. For me, one of the many highlights of my Lake Rosseau or to Beaumaris on Lake Adam Nicholson grew up in Muskoka and lives summer was the aquatic regattas, held by the Muskoka was always tiring. However, it was in Toronto with his wife Kimberly and son all worth it for me to have fun in Muskoka. Kettles Association and the Muskoka Lakes Cole. They visit “home” on weekends and For me, the sounds of Muskoka are not Association. On the Saturday of the Civic about the peace and quiet that everyone says holidays. He is an actor, producer, director and holiday weekend, I remember competing writer; you’ll be able to see him this fall in a they seek. Instead, it is about the sounds of against new and old friends to see who was new series called “Phobophobia.” kids and families, laughing, playing, and best at swimming, canoeing, flutter board,
72 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2019
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