Algonquin Woods Cottage Resort: News from the Woods

Web Site

2012-01-05T12:29:00.000-05:00

Just an apology again for our web site being down at the moment as we develop a new one. Please be patient with us and it should be up and running soon.

We still have our 2 winterised cottages available for the Family Day Weekend in February and of course they are also available for winter get aways of 2 days and up.

I have managed to get a small rink cleared off on the lake just in front of the playground, so hopefully mother nature will help me keep it going.

Last night we lit the fire for our guests staying in cottage #1. They had a good time while here and filled their days with skiing at Hidden Valley, tubing at Rockridge, a walk in Arrowhead, a visit to Ragged Falls (near Algonquin's West Gate) and skating in Huntsville on the new ice pad (thankyou G8). So yes, they enjoyed all that winter has to offer.

By the way, Arrowhead, which is jsut 10 minutes from us, as put in a new feature this winter, a ice skating trail. I have yet to check it out but when I do I will let you know. Visit www.ontarioparks.com for more details.

Till next time

John

New Website

2012-01-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are in the process of updating our website, so things will be a bit out of wack for a day or two. We were very happy with our old site, as were a majority of our guests (and it did win an award!), however we thought it time to give it a face lift.

Please be patient with us over the next few days as we get it up and running.

Also, the plan is to send out our deposit request letters/emails for Summer 2012 by next week, so please look for that in the mail or your inbox.

John

Seasons Greetings & Happy New Year To All

2011-12-31T16:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well winter has finally arrived up this way and I am watching Harriet slide down our hill on her new toboggan, Lucy is out at Hidden Valley teaching skiing, I just finished shovelling off a patch of lake for what I hope will be a skating rink and we have guests staying down in cottage #1 who have just finished spending the afternoon outside enjoying the white stuff.

I just want to say Happy New Year to all our friends and wish you all the best for 2012.

Till next time

John

Winter Update

2011-12-18T18:20:00.000-05:00

Well we have a cm or two on the ground and the lake is now frozen over, however we are in for some warmer temps, so who knows if it will stick around. We can only hope so! I am dying for a ski, snowshoe, skate ......

The Valley opened up today with 1 chair and one run, a valiant effort when you consider mother nature's contribution of near zero.

Till next time

John

Snow, Snow and more Snow

2011-12-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

Well it finally appears winter has arrived. It snowed most of yesterday and is snowing today. Our property is once again blanketed in white from head to toe and lets hope it stays that way for the next few months! I love winter, although by the time mid March comes around I am ready for some green grass and open water.

Had planned on skiing this weekend, however Mother Nature is not cooperating and so Hidden Valley Highlands has delayed their opening weekend until Dec 17/18. Fingers crossed we will be sliding in just over 7 days!

Till next time

John

Another big job done

2011-11-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday myself and Joe & Laura from Cutters Cove took down the huge dead Birch tree beside Cottage #4. In just over 3 hours we had it dropped (in the exact spot we wanted), blocked, split and stacked in the wood shed.

So I must say the place is looking rather neat and tidy and is all but ready for winter and I even have a jump on things for next year including a good supply of firewood for both the campfire(s) and the woodstoves.

Till next time

John

First Snow

2011-11-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday morning we awoke to our first snow of the season. And I had finished all my raking the day before!

It is still on the ground and roof-tops this morning, however I suspect the warmer temps and forecasted showers may make it all disappear.

Here is a photo I took yesterday morning.

John

Our First Snowfall

2011-11-11T09:44:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well we awoke this morning to a light dusting of white, although it will be gone by the end of the day as temps rise to above zero.

As usual it has been a busy time getting ready for winter. The cottages are now all drained of water, the entire property is raked, other then "the hill" which I hope to do next week, yesterday I disconnected the dock from the shore and pulled the bridge up on the beach and the day before I finally broke down and brought in our boat. I ended up having to go in the lake up to my knees and I can tell you it was a touch on the cold side! BBQ's are away, all boats stored, rooves and gutters cleaned on all cottages and a huge load of split pine is now "seasoning" for next summers beach side campfires.

Enjoy these last few days of Fall.

Till next time

John

Getting Ready for Winter

2011-10-26T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well I have been busy as usual getting things ready for the coming winter. Over the past few days I have shut down the pump house, drained the water from all the cottages, put away all the boats etc.. and started the job of all jobs, raking leaves.

The lake is very quiet now and I still have our boat in the water, so weather premitting I am still going out for a cruise. My guess is I am one of only about 4 other people on the lake who still have a boat in the water.

For those who are not aware, cottages 1 and 10 are winterised and are available for stays of 2 nights or longer from now until early May.

I hope to update our rates page soon and our vacancy calendar is up to date for summer 2012.

I received a very old photo from a guest the other day and I thought I would share it with you. It is Algonquin Woods (or Byways Cottages as it was known then) circa 1955. The place is hardly recognisable as the trees have grown so much since then. Enjoy.

Till next time

John

Colour Update

2011-10-11T11:05:00.000-04:00

Hi Readers

Well we had an absolutely fantastic Thanksgiving Weekend. Great weather and great colours. Yes they are past their peak in Algonquin but there is still great yellows in the Park and around Huntsville and Clear Lake we still have yellows, oranges, some red and some burgundy and still an abundance of leaves on the trees. The situation in Arrowhead, which is only 10 minutes away from us, is as follows:

Park : Arrowhead Report Date : 30/09/2011
Dominant Colour : Yellow/Orange Percentage of colour change : 90-100 %
Percentage of leaf fall : 20-29 %
Good Places for viewing : You can view the fall colours best drving along the main road, walking the beach shores, Arrowhead Lake Trail, or the Stubb's Falls Trail. As we move closer to Thanksgiving, Big Bend Lookout has a tremdous view of fall colours, and the Beach Area One will be a vibrant Yellow

Another beautiful day today and I imagine I will have a swim again! Yes, yesterday afternoon, before my turkey dinner, I had a quick dip. Very refreshing I can tell you.

Till next time

John

A Glorious October Day

2011-10-06T15:08:00.000-04:00

Well we are certainly being treated to an amazing October so far. Beautiful day up here today. I have been taking advantage of the sun and warm temps and doing some painting outside.

All cottages are booked for this coming Thanksgiving weekend and it looks like everyone will be in for some fantastic weather. Who knows, on Saturday I may get a swim!

John

Colour Change Update

2011-09-26T21:54:00.000-04:00

The colours are really starting to come on now and I imagine they will peak between this weekend and Thanksgiving. It is later this year, which is great, as other years they are all but gone by Thanksgiving.

If you are looking at coming up this weekend or for Thanksgiving, a bit of advice, ignore the weather forecast. They had predicted rain this past weekend and it ended up being a great weekend. I was swimming yesterday and today!! Yes the lake has cooled off, but after a day of painting I was ready for a dip.

We still have vacancies for this coming weekend and Thanksgiving, so if you are looking for a cottage, give us a call or send us an email.

We are about 40-45 minutes from the west gate of Algonquin Park and only a short drive to Arrowhead, which is also good for colours as well.

John

Fall Colours

2011-09-13T11:32:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

I have just posted the Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report on our website: Ontario Parks - Fall Colour Report There is also a link to the Ontario wide report as well.

For this area, the most relevant reports are for Arrowhead & Algonquin.

As far as colours go, there are some minor changes underway and a few trees on our property are starting to show their oranges, reds and yellows. I imagine by this weekend there will more noticeable changes.

Weather for this coming weeekend, Sep 16-18 is looking great. Some cool nights, but warm and sunny days. Local Weather

John

Late Summer Update

2011-09-12T12:58:00.000-04:00

Well this past weekend was just fantastic. Plenty of swimming, sunning, kayaking, canoeing etc..This coming weekend is looking slightly cooler, however sunny, so great for walks or just relaxing.

I brought in the Bongo yesterday and it is sitting up on the grass drying out. Raft is now in as well. Our canoe, kayaks, rowboat and peddle boat are all still in the water and will be until after Thanksgiving.

Till next time

John

Come on in, the Water's fine!

2011-09-09T16:52:00.000-04:00

Just had a swim and the water is fantastic. And it looks like Saturday and Sunday will be great days weather wise as well. Also played 18 at Huntsville Downs today (eh I get to have fun once in a while too), The course is in great shape and I broke 100 (shot 99!!),

John

Where did everybody go?

2011-09-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Well here it is 5 pm and except for the family in Cottage #8 all is quiet here at Algonquin Woods tonight. Even the lake is empty of boats. Been a cloudy and cool day, very Fall like, however looking at the weather forecast just now it looks like we are in for a spectacular run of weather for the next 7 days with plenty of sun, warm days in the 20's and no rain.

Tomorrow we'll clean up all the cottages and I'll tend to some jobs that I have not been able to get during the summer. Cottagers return again on Thursday and Friday for weekend stays and it looks like they will be in for a great few days.

To all our guests, new and repeat, thanks once again for a magnificent summer.

Now, bring on the Fall colours and lets enjoy Autumn Ontario style.

John

Labour Day Weekend Greetings

2011-09-04T11:32:00.000-04:00

Well we had some rain early this morning and it is quite cloudy at the moment but it is still quite warm and humid. The lake is still great for swimming. Slightly cooler then a few weeks ago but I am sure we will be able to swim for another week or two yet. Some years I have swam until early October, so lets see how it goes.

Our Labour Day weekend guests had an enjoyable day yesterday. All the kayaks etc were out on the water and many were getting relief from the humid weather by playing in the lake, jumping off the Bongo or sunning on the raft.

At the moment one family is out in one of our boats fishing, another group is playing ping pong (I can hear the plunk, plunk, plunk from where I sit), another is off to Dorset to climb the Fire Tower and I can see someone coming out of the water after a morning dip.

I may take the Rave Bongo out next week, although if the forecast is good I may try and get another weekend out of it. Remember I have to swim under it to unhitch it, so I don't want the water too cold!!

We have a few cottages booked for next weekend already, and the weather forecast is looking excellent: cool at night and in the low 20's during the day. Perfect for golfing, hiking, canoeing, a quick dip, fishing and maybe taking in the start of the colour change.

I plan on getting the 2012 summer calendar up in the next week or so, We have had many inquiries as to what is available for 2012, so I will do my best to have that out soon.

Till next time

John

Last Minute Summer

2011-08-26T09:37:00.000-04:00

Well it is hard to believe but summer 2011 is actually disappearing! For those of you in panic mode realising you have not had a break yet, we have 2 cottages left for this coming week. Both are lakefront 2 bedrooms, #4 & #6. Cottage #4 is available between Aug 27 until the morning of Sep 2 and Cottage #6 is available between Aug 27 until the morning of Sep 1. Please give us a call if you are interested. Labour Day Weekend is fully booked, sorry.

After a so so week weather wise, today is absolutely glorious with crystal blue skies, not a cloud to be seen and heading for a high of 24. And the forecast for next week is looking excellent as well.

Till next time

John

End of Another Enjoyable Week, Start of Another

2011-08-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

Well, we just said goodbye to another 10 families and just welcomed another group to Algonquin Woods.

Light rain falling at the moment, but by late tomorrow we should be on track for another week of sun and blue skies.

Just received a great photo from one of our guests from this past week and I think it captures the joy the young ones have here at Algonquin Woods.

Till next time John

And the Great Summer Weather Continues

2011-08-20T08:02:00.000-04:00

Just had a look at the weather forecast for Huntsville and Burks Falls on the Enviro Canada site and it looks like another amazing week ahead. Probably showers this afternoon and over night and then the next 6 days look fantastic. Just keep it coming!

John

LAST MINUTE SUMMER 2011

2011-08-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well summer 2011 is gradually disappearing, however there are stll 2 weeks and a long weekend left so lets make the most of it!

Fantastic morning this morning, clear blue skies, mist on the water and you can already feel the warmth starting of what is going to be another gorgeous day up here on Clear Lake, The lake is still at a great temp for swimming and the nights have cooled off so sitting around the campfire is a pleasure as is sleeping.

We are nearing the end of a very full week, all 10 cottages plus all 4 campsites occupied, however we still have a cottage available for a week long stay and a 3 night stay starting tomorrow Sat Aug 20, so if you are searching around in panic mode for a last minute holiday give us a call asap. And if you need a few days to organise yourself, I have 2 cottages for the week of Aug 27-Fri Sep 2 up for grabs. Labour Day weekend is fully booked.

Till next time

John

Another Great Week

2011-08-16T09:38:00.000-04:00

Well another great week is underway here at Algonquin Woods. I just finished walking Mollie and it is nothing but blue sky, sunshine and mirror perfect Clear Lake. Had the smores last night and it was very enjoyable sitting around the fire now that the nights are cooling off a bit.

I had a good swim at the end of the day yesterday and the water temperature is still fantastic. Things are also greening up a bit since our recent showers, which is good to see.

A very full week this week, all 10 cottages are full as usual, however are 4 site campground is also at capacity, so plenty of kids for the nightly game of manhunt!

For those of you reading this who have yet to still grab a break this summer, we have cottages available for next week and the following, however Labour day weekend is now full. We would love to have you join us for an entire week, but if you can't afford the time we are happy to do 3 night stays or more beginning this Saturday August 20. Just give us a call or send us an email.

Till next time

John

August Accommodation Options

2011-08-11T20:20:00.000-04:00

During July and August we usually only accept 7 night stays (Sat to Sat) however we have a few spots still open from Sat Aug 20 onwards and are able to offer a few more options that may make it possible for those of you who would prefer less then a week long stay.

At this point we are fully booked up until Saturday morning Aug 20th. Then the week of Aug 20-27 we have 3-2 bedrooms and 1-3 bedroom available for 7 nights stay. Rates for the 2 bedrooms are $995 plus tax and the 3 bedroom is $1155 plus tax.

Aug 27 onwards we have the following:

2 bedroom lakefront for a 3-9 night stay, you can select the dates
2 bedroom 5 nights 27 Aug - 1 Sept
3 bedroom 2 nights 27 & 28 Aug
2 bedroom 2 nights 27 & 28 Aug
Labour Day weekend, 3 nights stay, 3-2 bedrooms available

If you are interested in any of the above options, please send us an email or give us a call. It has been a great summer so far and all indications it will continue so if you have not had a holiday yet, come on up and spend sometime at Clear Lake.

Till next time

John

Scavenger Hunt

2011-08-10T13:18:00.000-04:00

Well it is finally starting to clear and the sun is gaining an upper hand again. I have just sent the kids off on our regular weekly scavenger hunt. This must be the largest group of kids yet this summer and there must be at least 15 kids participating? It was supposed to be yesterday but mother nature did not cooperate.

No real winners or losers at the end, just for fun and everyone gets an ice cream afterwords.

Till next time

John

A few showers today

2011-08-09T12:23:00.000-04:00

Well it is a bit showery at the moment up here at Clear Lake, but I do know the grass, plants and trees are enjoying the chance to have a drink. The kids scavenger hunt is scheduled for 1 pm, however I may have to delay it due to the showers.

I awoke to a nice sight yesterday morning, a deer wandered right up the middle of the property. It is not unusal to see deer here, I see them all the time when I take a walk, however for them to walk through the cottages when we are fully booked is different.

Regarding other wildlife sitings, our resident snapping turtle has been spotted on numerous occasions this year and the loons are a constant presence as always. In fact a week or two ago I saw three loons together. Usually it is just a pair, so I am not quite sure how the third one fit into things! No bear sitings on our property to report yet although guests have seen a small bear out on the road. Earlier in the summer guests who went out for a bike ride came acrss a moose.

Well enjoy the showers...

Till nex time

John

Till next time

John

August Showers

2011-08-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

Well for the first time in a very long time, we are getting a steady rain shower, but it is forecasted to clear by early afternoon and then it is back to sun, sun, sun. Remainder of the week is looking great.

To be honest we needed the rain to help green things up and settle down the dust.

Till next time

John

Summer Is Not Over!

2011-08-02T10:41:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Despite what the marketing gurus of the large retail chains want you to believe, summer is far from over and in fact we still have 4 and a half weeks left even before the kids go back to school! And usually the first few weeks of September are very summer like as well, so we probably in fact have another 6-7 weeks of the good ole summer remaining. Some years I am still swimming in October.

I just had to get this off my chest as winter is a long haul for us Canadians and we really should enjoy every precious day of sun and warmth that we get. So relax, keep on BBQing, having a cold one, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, golfing, cottaging, whatever it is that you do during our great Canadian Summer and ignore the bombardment of messages from the "back to school" advertising crowd. Life is way too short to rush it!

Till next time

John

The Great Summer Continues

2011-08-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

Well Mother Nature & Environment Canada are continuing to provide us with what I would call the best summer weather I have seen since I moved up here in 2004 and this week it appears to be following the trend and apparently it is to continue through August.

I just finished my early morning "walk about" and it is going to be another glorious day.

Found 2 of our guests reading quietly in the early light enjoying the morning tranquility, another pair sitting on our "mini" dock watching the mist fading from the lake and a one of our guest's kids swinging away eating her breakfast cereal on the swing! Also noticed one our boats was gone from the dock, so someone had gotten an early start on a morning of fishing.

Tonight we'll host our regular smores night at the fire, a continued hit with the young ones.

Wherever you are as you read this, I hope you have an enjoyable day.

Till next time

John

2012 Availability

2011-07-25T16:05:00.000-04:00

Yes I know, we are not even half way through this summer and I am talking about next summer, however, we are alreday getting requests for cottages from new guests for July and August 2012. So if you are interested in a cottage for 2012, the best thing to do is contact me now via email or phone and I will put you on our waiting list. Then once Labour Day is over, I will contact you and explain what vacancies we have for summer 2012. I need to wait until the summer is over as we do give current guests first right to the cottage and week for the next year and of course I do not know the complete picture until the end of the summer.

John

The Place to be in the Heat!

2011-07-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

Well like everywhere else it has been stinking hot up here but what a place to be when the temps are soaring. Everytime things get a bit unbearable it is into the crystal clear waters of Clear Lake. The lake is absolutley fantastic at the moment and providing such a welcome relief to the hot weather. Guests this week are having a blast and it looks like the good weather is going to continue.Too be honest we could use a drop or two of rain and it looks like we will get a welcome shower on Monday and then back to sun.

We are fully booked from now until Friday Aug 19, then we have a few vacancies for the last 2 weeks of August and Labour Day Weekend. We almost always book those weeks out so if you are interested do not delay and get in touch. I have been speaking to many dissapointed people on the phone this past week who were hoping to get a cottage for this coming week or the next but they are out of luck.

Enjoy the heat, till next time

John

Summer, Summer, Summer

2011-07-12T08:42:00.000-04:00

Well, after one the poorest springs weather wise we are being awarded with a magnificent summer so far. In fact we could use a spot of rain for the grass and gardens! But just a drop, not a deluge. Day after day of hot weather, the lake has warmed up nicely and our week 2 round of guests are enjoying themselves here on the south end of Clear Lake.

Last night the kids enjoyed our regular smores roast and this afternoon we will have our scavenger hunt. The Rave Bongo, Launch Pad and Log are getting a great deal of use (as always), kids are fishing off the dock, the kayaks are constantly out on the water and as they do every year, this weeks group are off for a round of golf on Thursday at North Granite Ridge http://www.northgraniteridge.com/

If you are looking for a last minute break, we have a cottage available right now through till Sat morning. After that we are fully booked until Sat August 20th at which point we have cottages available through till Labour Day.

Until next time

John

Summer Has Finally Arrived

2011-07-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

At long last and just in time, summer has finally made an appearance. Just finished taking Mollie for a walk and you can tell it is going to be a gorgeous day. And the forecast is calling for great weather for the next 7 days as well.

We are full for the first week, July 2-9, but still have 1 cottage left for July 9-16, so if you are still lookng for a cottage, give us a call or drop us an email. Still vacancies Aug 13 onwards as well.

Happy Canada Day everyone.

John

The Bongo is Back in the Water

2011-06-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I put the Rave Bongo, Log and Launch Pad back in the water. I was actually in the lake for quite a while and the water is just beautiful! Quite a job as during the spring break-up the ice picked up the concrete blocks I use for an achor and dragged them out into the bay. I managed to haul them up just off the bottom and drag it back to the correct spot in one of our little boats.

So everythings is just about in place for the start of summer. Guests start arriving tomorrow, in for a 3 night stay, then our weekly guests are back in on Saturday. At this point we have 1 cottage left the week of July 9-16, then that is it until August 13. So if you are thinking about a cottage holiday, give us a call.

Mid to late August can be a great time, the nights are starting to cool off nicely for sleeping and the bugs are all gone!

Till next time

John

Till next time

John

June at the Woods

2011-06-24T16:20:00.000-04:00

June Update

2011-06-20T13:22:00.000-04:00

Well things are progressing up this way. The lake is warming up nicely and at last we are getting some warmer and drier weather. Finally getting some painting done!

The summer is starting to fill up and we now only have 1 spot left if July and August is full up until Sat Aug 13, then we have spots available. So if you are putting off making your plans, I wouldn't wait much longer. We have had several past guests contact us this year expecting to book cottages, not realising we were filling up, so to avoid disspointment best to act now.

Till next time

John

Turtle Report

2011-06-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

We discovered a snapping turtle coming down our driveway behind the house last night around dinner time, obviously heading for the lake.

We kept Mollie tied up, she was pretty excited as you could imagine, and just let "snappy" make his/her way. I found him/her this morning only a short distance from the lake so I ran up to the house to grab my camera and when I returned he/she was no where to be found? The only thing I can think of is that once they get that close to the water they must really bolt (or at lease bolt as fast as a turtle is capable) and they are now safely in the lake.

Beautiful day today after yesterdays wash out. Everything is fresh and green and it is warming up nicely. I think a boat ride and swim are on the agenda today.

Till next time

John

May Wrap Up

2011-05-31T11:50:00.000-04:00

Well summer is certainly here today. It is stinking hot out there. I had my first swim of the season yesterday and the water is beautiful.

I will try and get the raft in today. Yesterday I replaced a float and I will paint it before launching it for another season. Will try and get the Rave Bongo out by mid-June, weather allowing. It still gets cool at night and if it cools down too much the Rave loses air.

Been busy painting, painting, painting and tomorrow will be cutting, cutting, cutting.

We have guests coming in Thursday for 3 nights and the weather is looking good for them.

Till next time.

John

Victoria Day Weekend Report

2011-05-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

Well another Victoria day weekend as come and gone and the weather was quite cooperative other then the heavy showers on Monday which made packing up and checking out a challenge!

Thanks to all our regular guests who just enjoyed their 7th season with us. There was plenty of paddling, some swimming, tubing (yes they went tubing!) and late campfires.

Till next time

John

Victoria Day Weekend Update

2011-05-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well what can I say. Up to this point we have had a pretty #$%^& spring up this way, however it appears Mother Nature decided to give us a treat and today is just spectacular with sun, a light breeze, and the temp heading for 26 c.

It is great to see our waterfront come alive again after being quiet for so many months. Our group of regulars who have been coming for 7 years now have once again filled all the cottages and are having a wonderful time. The rowboat, canoe, kayaks, peddle boat & surf bike have all been well used already and by the amount of wood that was left by the campfire this morning I would say that there were a few hardy souls who stayed up well into the early hours.

I don't think anyone has had a swim yet, although I imagine by the end of the day there will have been a few who take to the water.

Till next time

John

SANTA'S VILLAGE & SPORTS LAND

2011-05-17T18:10:00.000-04:00

Once again this year we will be offering discount coupons for Santas Village in Bracebridge. The savings are substantial, so please, if you are staying with us this year and plan on visiting Santas Village see us before you go.

Details as follows:

Our guests will receive the following rates:

Santa's Village Regular Admission ticket (Ages 5 and over) $25.00 tax included. Regular Rate at the gate is $29.95 plus tax which is $33.85 - SAVINGS $8.85 per ticket

Santa's Village Discount Admission ticket (Ages 2-4 and Seniors) $21.00 tax included. Rate at the gate is $24.95 plus tax which is $28.19 - SAVINGS $7.19 per ticket

NEW IN SPORTSLAND THIS YEAR is Fishpipe. The world's first rotating barrel ride - a new and unique type of water ride where you slide further than the longest water slide in the world. It will take 3 ride tickets in Sportsland. Remember, Sportsland is our Pay-As-You-Go Centre offering go-karts, batting cages, 18 holes of mini-golf, Lazer Tag and now Fishpipe. People can purchase a book of 10 tickets for $30.00 or single tickets for $3.50 per.

Till next time

John

Springing Along

2011-05-13T14:15:00.000-04:00

Well despite the delayed start to spring this year things are getting done. I just finished installing a brand new ultra violet (UV) system in the pumphouse and many of the cottages are now back on water. Monday sees the big spring clean start, along with a host of other chores that need to be completed before this fully booked May Long Weekend.

The lake is warming up nicely and although I can't brag about swimming yet, I did spend a fair bit of time in it up to my knees two days ago while I sorted out things with the docks. And of course Mollie, our Golden, has been swimming since the day the ice went out!

Till next time

John

May Update

2011-05-06T08:39:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well despite the delayed start to spring things are progressing in regards to opening up the place for another busy season. Yeterday, I am happy to report, saw the last patch of snow melt away, there is however still ice in the ground in places.

The place is now raked from the road to the waterfront, dock reconnected to the shore (that involved yours truly having to go in the lake!), kayaks and canoe out, storm windows off 1 & 10, ping pong tent back up along with the ping pong table (complete with a new net and paddles), horseshoe pits raked and ready, shuffleboard court swept and all the picnic tables and chairs out. Not bad for one weeks work I guess.Next week the water goes back on and the following week our annual spring clean of all the cottages is scheduled.

I have been out for a few quick paddles in the canoe but have been just too busy to venture out too far.

Till next time

John

Finally, the First Day of Spring Arrives in the North!

2011-04-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

It is a fantastic day today, sunny and heading to 17c, and at last I have been able to start my spring chores. Raking has begun in earnest (it is at least 2 weeks behind) and I will be busy all this week on outside jobs. Believe it or not we still have 2 large patches of annoying snow hanging around and I am thinking about getting a hose out and washing them away!

Hope to get the main dock connected back to shore in the next few days. I may have to go in the water, so I am just giving the water a few days of sun. Our Rave Bongo anchor, which is 3 concrete blocks and heavy chain that takes 2 people to move, was picked up by the thawing ice and moved aways out so I will somehow have to haul that back in.

I'll keep you up to date on progress over the next 3 weeks.

May 24th weekend, Victoria Day, is fully booked, however all the weekends are open after that until July, so if you want a mini holiday come on up in June. Most years the best weather we have all summer is mid to late June.

Summer is filling but we still do have vacancies in 2 weeks, July 30 and August 20, plus a cottage or 2 in some of the other weeks. We always fill up, so please, if you want to avoid dissapointment don't leave it too late.

Those of you who are looking for a shorter stay in July or August, say 3 nights or longer, we will consider those once we get closer to the date.

Till next time

John

Ice Out!

2011-04-28T09:51:00.000-04:00

Finally, yesterday, April 27, late afternoon, I was looking at open water in the south end of Clear Lake. This morning it is all clear other then a few thin, crusty ice sheets floating around.

I just finished walking Mollie and ran into someone who said they have been up here for 32 years and it is the latest break-up they have seen.

Till next time

John

Lake Ice Report

2011-04-27T08:35:00.000-04:00

April 27 and the lake is still frozen. I thought it would have gone by today.

The other day I heard our loon call and I think there was a sense of panic as there was no open water in which to land!

John

Ice Update

2011-04-25T16:13:00.000-04:00

Well here it is April 25 and the lake is still frozen, although it is breaking up around the shore. I suspect it will go tomorrow or Wednesday. Definitely the lastest break-up I have seen since I have been up here. At least most of the snow is gone from our property now.

John

Where is SPRING!?

2011-04-19T08:33:00.000-04:00

Where is spring?

Last year at this time the lake was open, I had my raking well underway, painting started... Right now I am looking out at a still very frozen Clear Lake (which is not surprising considering it was 6 below when we awoke this morning), several large patches of snow refusing to melt, one deep enough to still not allow me to even drive down to the cottages, and to top it off, 10-15 cm of snow forecasted for Burk's Falls for tonight (we sit halfway between Huntsville and Burk's Falls so who knows what we will receive)!

Lets go, winter is over.

Till next time

John

Cottages for Muskoka Triathlon/Duathlon Weekend

2011-04-13T16:39:00.000-04:00

Just a note to say we have cottages available for this years Muskoka Tri weekend, June 25 & 26 2011. Last year, unfortunately, the tri was moved to July due to the G8, and we were fully booked with summer guests. However this year it is back in June and we have cottages available for participants, their families and supporters. Just give us a call or send us an emails.

Details are as follows:

•Saturday, June 25, 2011

◦Sprint Triathlon

◦Sprint Duathlon

•Sunday, June 26, 2011

◦Long Course Triathlon

◦Long Course Duathlon

Location: Huntsville, ON. (Canadian Summit Centre)

For more details go to Trisports website http://www.trisportcanada.com/muskoka.php

I don't want to brag, but the year that Samantha McGlone won she was a guest with us. I like to think we played a small part in her victory! Here is photo with our daugther Lucy.

Till next time

John

Spring News 2011

2011-04-11T10:12:00.000-04:00

Hi Readers

Thought it was time to update you on springs progression here at Clear Lake.

The lake is still frozen (I walked out aways 2 days ago to retrieve the chairs I had out there for our ice rink) and I suspect it will be for another 2 weeks or so. There is still a good amount of snow in the trees and probably about 50% of our place still has snow cover. In town all the snow is gone.

We are booking up for the summer but still do have some vacancies in some choice weeks, so please see our vacancy calendar for details http://www.algonquinwoods.com/ . The May Long weekend (Victoria Day or May 24) is full but if you want a spring getaway come on up in June. Usually by mid June the lake is warm enough for swimming (last year we started swimming the May long weekend!), the bugs are backing off and I try and have the Rave Bongo and raft out by then.

Hope everyone enjoyed their winter. We had a great ski season at Hidden Valley Highlands (I ski patrol there and Lucy now teaches on weekends) and had a blast on the final Sunday with Harriet entering a dummy in the infamous Dummy Race.

Now I await anxiously for this snow to go and the ice to break up so I can get at my spring chores.

Till next time

John

March, Come On Spring

2011-03-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Just a hello from us at the start of March. Hopefully spring is not that far off, although we are still enjoying our time skiing at Hidden Valley.

As far as summer goes, we are about 80% booked, so if you are a new guest or someone who has stayed with us before but have yet not booked, please do give us a call or send us an email. Of those who have rebooked for this year, over 75% are repeat guests, so that sure makes us happy!

We have had a few guests stay with us for winter weekends this year and at present I still have cottages 1 and 10 heated and open as they were occupied for the last 3 weekends.

Anyway, until next time, enjoy what is left of winter and here is hoping for a early not too rainy spring.

John

February Update

2011-02-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Just a quick up date on "goings on" up this way.

Both our winterised cottages are booked out for this coming Family day weekend, sorry and both are also taken for the following weekend.

In regards to summer, anyone who booked a cottage for 2011, your deposit is now due and unless you have been in contact with us, we can no longer retain your reservation. So please, if you did book a spot and do plan on returning, get in touch with us as soon as possible to avoid dissapointment. If you are still looking for a spot for summer 2011, we still have 20 or so openings, so give us a call or send us an email.

If you stayed with us last year, or in previous years, but have not re-booked for this year, it is not too late. We would love to see you spend another week with us this summer, so get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Till next time

John

Deposits Now Due

2011-02-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

Hello People

Just a reminder that for those of you who booked a cottage for this coming spring or summer, your deposit to secure your reservation is now past due (February 1). It would be great if you could give us a call as soon as possible or even just send us an email if your plans have changed. This is the busiest time of year for us in terms of inquiries and so we really need to know what we have available.

For those of you who have not yet booked but are looking for a cottage, please appreciate that our vacancies change daily at this time of year, so if what you see on our web calendar is not showing the week or cottage you are looking for, send us an email regardless. I do my best to keep it current, however sometimes it changes a few times within an hour!

If you are a repeat guest and have sent us a cheque, please send me a quick email letting me know it is on the way.

John

Winter Happenings

2011-01-16T15:57:00.000-05:00

Just a few photos of the place for those summer guests.

More Comments from Past Guests

2011-01-14T10:49:00.001-05:00

Hello Readers

Just thought I would share some more comments from past guests.

Hi John,
Just to let you know that we really enjoyed our short stay... that was winterland perfect. We will probably do this again next year.
Thanks for the hospitality, everything was great.
Enjoy your little corner of paradise

John,
My husband and I stayed at the one of your cottages this past week and we wanted to thank you so much. We were so pleased with your resort. We probably won't make it up your way again but if we were, we would stay at Algonquin Woods again. Thanks again

Hi John and Louise.
It was great to finally meet you. Just wanted you to know what a wonderful time we had at Algonquin Woods. The kids still wake up and talk about sleeping at the cottage, going out on the lake, playing at the beach and having a marshmallow roast.
Thanks for helping to make our family vacation so memorable and pleasant.

Dear John and Louise
Thanks so much for hosting us at Algonquin Woods last week, and sorry we didn't see you to say 'goodbye'.
It was a perfect place for us to come - even though the weather was a bit lousy, we and the kids had a really good time. We'd love to come back again one day...
If we get any good 'photos perhaps we'll send some copies.

Hi John
It was great to stay at the Algonquin Woods cottage for race weekend. Everyone agreed we should stay for longer next year.
Thank you and see you next year.

Confirmations for 2011

2011-01-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Letters went out yesterday to all guests who have rebooked for summer 2011.

The letter confirms your reservation and asks that your deposit to secure your booking is paid before February 1 2011. If you are reading this and you do not receieve your letter by January 20, please let us know as soon as possible. Letters go missing, people move and we do not have your latest address, we make mistakes etc...If you wish to change your reservation (different week, different cottage, cancel) please let us know as soon as possible.

Those of you who have not yet booked, new and rerturning guests, please see our up to date vacancy calendar for availabilties and our rates page for the 2011 rates and policies.

Regards

John

A Belated Happy New Year to Everyone

2011-01-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all our guests, and we hope you had an enjoyable holiday season.

We are in full winter mode up this way. Skiing at Hidden Valley is excellent and we have a great ice rink down on the lake. In fact, it is the best rink we have had in the 7 winters we have been up here.

To all of you who have already booked for this coming summer, your letters or emails confirming your reservations, plus a request for a deposit to secure your reservation, should be in the mail next week. That said, if you are a repeat guest and want to send in your cheque or give us a call with your credit card details prior to receiving your letter, that is not a problem.

We still have a number of openings, so if you are a new guest or have stayed with us in the past but have not booked, give us a call as soon as possible. I know summer seems a long way off but we do book out every summer, so to avoid disappointment now is the time to firm things up.

Till next time

John and family

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-20T08:41:00.000-05:00

Seasons Greetings to everyone from John, Louise, Lucy, Harriet and Mollie.

Winter is in full swing up this way. I spent yesterday skiing at Hidden Valley Highlands and conditions were great. Almost all runs are open and the 3 chairs and rope tow are in operation.

Clear lake is frozen although I have not ventured out more then 50 feet or so. As you can see our friend who sits by the fire circle in the campgound is patiently waiting for springs return.

Till next time

John

At Last, Winter Fun Is Here!

2010-12-08T10:42:00.000-05:00

I am looking out the window at a frozen Clear Lake, although the ice will still be very thin. It was well below zero this morning at around -12c and this Saturday Hidden Valley will open for skiing and boarding,
http://www.skihiddenvalley.on.ca/ I was out there last night completing another segment of my ski patrol recertification and they are doing an amazing job with the snow making. The red and blue chair plus rope tow will be open this weekend, along with a portion of the terrain park. Then starting Sat Dec 18 they will be open 7 days a week for 3 weeks straight over the school holidays.

Till next time

John

Snow, snow, snow

2010-11-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well it has finally started to snow. In fact the kids have a Snow Day today! I pretty well finished all my Fall chores although I never do get to everything on my list.

I will update our rate list for the coming summer soon, and once completed post it on the web. As usual, letters or emails confirming your reservation and requesting a deposit will go out in early January to all of you who have booked a cottage for 2011. If you stayed with us last summer and did not rebook, but would like to reserve a cottage, please get in touch by phone or email. We still have some spots open and there is always a shuffling around in January/February.

Till next time.

John

Wintery warnings

2010-11-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

Well we have another dusting of snow about the place this morning and they are saying we may get 2-4 cm tonight. I am just getting ready to take Mollie out for what I think will be a rather blustery, cold walk. All the BBQ's are away, all the cottages vacumed and tidied up and I have been busy winterising our boat. Next on the list is finishing off some raking and preparing the new dock for the winter.

We are off tonight to see the latest Warrem Miller ski film at the Algonquin Theater, getting ourselves fired up for winter.

Hidden Valley is getting geared up for another season of great down hill skiiing & boarding. Remember they are only 25 minutes away from us. Hidden Valley has upgraded the air side of the snowmaking system to ensure snow can be made at warmer temperatures under the Blue Quad. Combining this with the addition of 20 new snow guns for the property will allow the snow making team to start up sooner and put down greater amounts of snow at a faster rate. Also new for the 2010 / 2011 season, they have purchased a Piston Bully Park 400 edge.This Park Cat will greatly improve their abilty to build proper transitions and landing zones in the Terrain Park. If you would like more info about skiing at the Valley take a look at their website,
http://www.skihiddenvalley.on.ca/ . I ski patrol at the Valley and so I am a great source of info as well.

Till next time

John

November at the Woods

2010-11-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well we have snow, have had it since yesterday morning. I thought it would have dissappeared but our roof tops and much of the ground is still dusted in white!

I thought it was time to take out our boat, so yesterday I brought it in but not without a final spin around the lake. Something to be out on the lake and see nothing but snow covered trees and cottages! From my trip it looked like there were only 2 other boats left on the lake, Adams next door at Winning Techniques and Joe and Lauras boat over at Cutters Cove. As I was cranking the boat up onto the trailer a snow squall hit, so that was good fun.

The cottages are all drained of their water and I have done all the raking except for the big hill. I had 2 huge dead trees taken down and that was quite the cleanup job which thankfully is now completed.

Till next time

John

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-10-11T11:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone

It was a beautful weekend up here and our guests were treated to lovely warm days and cool nights (near 0). We still have one guest staying with us tomorrow.

The weather is looking good for the next week and this coming weekend, so assuming that it stays as forecasted I will keep the cottages open until early next week. So if you are looking for one last getaway before the end of Fall, come on up. Although the colours have peaked it is still an amazing time of the year when the days are sunny and an excellent time to hike in Algonquin Park.

Next week I will begin the process of putting the place to bed for winter, however don't forget we do have 2 cottages that are winterised.

We are having out turkey today.

Till next time

John

This Weekend

2010-10-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

Hello Again Readers

Well the great weather continues. Although a touch cloudy today it is still warm and the forecast for the weekend continues to be brilliant! Here is the link for the Algonquin Park weather:

http://www.meteo.gc.ca/city/pages/on-29_metric_e.html

I have been busy tidying up and getting ready for the weekend. Fixed up one of the docks today (I was in the water knee deep for over an hour!). I do believe if it does get up into the low 20's on the weekend I may get another swim in.

We still have 4 cottages left, so if you are looking for a Thanksgiving getaway, give us a call or send us an email.

Till next time

John

Thanksgiving Update

2010-10-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well after what I would call the worst September on record weather wise, Mother Nature is treating us to a glorious October! Yes I know it is wet and cool down in Toronto and Southern Ontario but up here it is sunny, 18c and there is not a cloud in the sky. And that is the forecast for the wext week right through to Thanksgiving Monday.

I just finished cutting the grass down at the lakefront in shorts and a T-shirt. It really is fantastic.

Anyway, if you are thinking about taking advantage of the long weekend and getting a break before winter, come on up (or down) this weekend. We still have cottages available, including #2 our most popular 2 bedroom lakefront cottage.

Till next time

John

Colour Update

2010-09-27T11:23:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to the Fall Colour Report for Arrowhead and Algonquin Parks.

http://www.parkreports.com/fall

John

Colour Update

2010-09-26T12:46:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well the cavalcade of colours has begun and it really seemed to take-off after Tuesday's storms. We are starting to see great colour change around here and there is a good carpet of leaves scattered about the grounds. This morning we were greeted with a magnificent rainbow across the southern end of the lake.

Those looking to see colours next weekend, we have one 2 bedroom cottage left. It is lakefront with a woodstove and sleeps 4. Rate is $260 plus tax. With the delay in the leaves changing I imagine we will have a spectacular Thanksgiving Weekend, Mother Nature willing, and we still have cottages left for a Friday-Monday stay. 2 bedrooms on the water start at $450 plus tax, for 4 people.

I was swimming on Tuesday! The water was not bad, a bit fresh, but so refreshing after a day of hard work. I hope I will get in a few more times but who knows.

Our Thanksgiving Weekend is starting to look like our summer business in that all the guests currently booked have been with us for Thanksgiving before.

Till next time

John

Colour Update

2010-09-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well we had just a beautiful day today. We have guests staying in cottage #1 and they had a glorious day sitting in the sun by the lake and paddling about in the rowboat & canoe. Tonight they are enjoying a cool crisp evening around the campfire with an amazingingly clear night sky over head. Tonmorrow I believe they are heading into Algonquin Park for the day.

The colour change has commenced and apparently the hwy 60 corridor in the Park is around 10-20%. Around here I would say it is about 10%-15%. We are starting to see some lovely oranges and reds on the tops of the trees surrounding the lake and the ground is getting a nice scattering of leaves.

We had a group in this past weekend and yes, some were in for a swim. The temps are looking like they may rise over the next few days so I am hoping to get in myself. Some years I have managed to swim right up until early October!

Till next time.

John

Fall Colour Report

2010-09-14T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hi Readers

Just so you are aware, the Fall Colour Report is now available and a great way to keep up to date with how the colours are going. See http://www.ontariotravel.net/publications/fallcolourreport.pdf

Or of course you can just send us an email and we will give you our opinion on how the colours are going.

The Rave Bongo is now out of the water as well as the raft. I took them out on Sunday when the weather was still on the warm side. Actually the water was quite nice and hoepfully I'll get one or two more swims in before the end of the season.

Till next time

John

September News

2010-09-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

Well hello Readers

So where did the summer go? Anyway, it has been a cooler and wetter week up this way but things are looking up for tomorrow and Saturday with sun in the forecast. I will probably take the opportunity of warmer temps and bring in the raft and Rave Bongo for the year. I have also been busy catching up on jobs around the place and getting ready for the next round of Fall guests.

There is already some slight colour change to some of the leaves and even a few have hit the ground. I will keep you posted as to the progress as I know a majority of you who come up this way in September & October do so for the colours. It is also a good time for walks in Algonquin Park and Arrowhead.

We have plenty of openings for the coming weekends so if you are looking for a quick break give us a call. For anyone interested in a stay of 3 nights or longer please note we give a reduced rate.

Thanksgiving always fills up, so if that is in your plans let us know.

For those of you who have stayed with us in the fall before, note we have installed new heaters in cottages 6, 7 and 8, so things should be a nice and cozy should the temperatures drop. We also have a new dock and a additional kayak in our fleet.

Till next time

John

Last Chance!

2010-08-27T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Okay, mother nature dropped the ball slightly over the past few days and it has seemed a little more "Fall like" however Summer is coming back with a vengance starting tomorrow and we still have 1 lake front 2 bedroom cottage available from this Saturday (tomorrow) until Friday Sep 3. So if you want a final taste of summer before Labour Day, give us a call. From Sat onwards we are looking at temps in the high 20's, even 30c and nothing but sun, sun, sun....

Till next time

John

August Wrap

2010-08-24T16:27:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Yes I can not believe it myself either but we are approaching the end of August and back to school and .....

That said, for those of you who have yet to take a break, there still is a window of opportunity to take advantage of. We still have a 2 bedroom lakefront cottage available for a 6 night stay starting this Saturday August 28, checking-out Friday sept 3, for $830 plus tax. The weather forecast is looking amazing and enviro Canada has us hitting 30c this coming Sunday and Monday. Why be down in the city for that when you could be up here at Clear lake! Anyway, if you are interested give us a call or send us an email.

It has been a fantastic summer so far and lets hope it continues well into September. There have been years when we have been swimming right up until early October so here is hoping!

Till next time

John

Mid-August News

2010-08-11T14:51:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well where is the summer going! And what a summer so far. Weather has been good, the guests are just loving the Rave Bongo (water trampoline) and the water is just beautiful. I am heading down for a swim in the next hour.

Just 3 spots remain for this summer, so if you are still looking for a holiday give us a call asap.

Those of you thinking ahead to summer 2011, keep your eyes out for our 2011 calendar after Labour day Weekend. A majority of our guests are rebooking, but there will be some vacant spots for next year.

Till next time

John

July Update

2010-07-28T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Sorry for the lack of blogging but I have been busy, plus if I am not working I am outside enjoying the fantastic summer we have had so far.

Our Rave Bongo is proving to be a huge hit (it was not in the water last year for our return guests up to this point) and those of you coming next week and onwards will see we have added a Log to the Bongo. Water temp continues to be perfect. I did have a thermometer in the water but it dissapeared a few weeks ago and I have yet to replace it.

We are fully booked up until Saturday August 21, then we have 2 spots open that week and one spot the following week, so if you are still considering a summer holiday give us a call quickly.

Labour Day is now booked out, sorry, but we have plenty of openings in September and will do stays of 2 nights and up.

Till next time

John

June Windup

2010-06-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

Well Readers, it is hard to believe it but July is almost here and summer is well and truly underway. I am still very busy getting last minute things done (my to do list never shortens but lengthens as I go!) but all will be ready for our first round of weekly guests arriving this Saturday.

If you are still looking for a cottage, we still have spots for the weeks of Aug 21-28 and a 6 night stay Aug 28 until Labour Day Friday. We also still have a few spots for Labour Day weekend itself.

If you are waiting until September to have a break, take note we take $200 off our summer weekly rates and will also offer great rates for stays of 3 nights or more.

Really looking forward to seeing all our old friends again and meeting those guests who will be staying with us for the first time.

Till next time

John

Muskoka Triathlon

2010-06-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

Hello Tri Participants and Supporters

I just wanted to say that we are sorry we are not able to offer accomodation this year to those of you in the Muskoka Triathlon. Unfortunately, as you have probably seen from our vacancy calendar, we are fully booked with weekly summer guests on that weekend.

We have always been more then happy to offer accommodation to those participating in the Tri as well as their families and supporters, and in fact we had the winner Samantha M. staying here with us the year she won. However, moving the Tri from its usual weekend in June to the July weekend due to the G8 meant we had no places available. Hopefully next year the Tri will be back to its June weeekend and we can again offer Algonquin Woods as a great place to stay for those of you in the race.

Regards

John

Great Day

2010-06-15T21:25:00.000-04:00

Another fantastic day up this way. I painted the outside of Cottage #5 today as it was looking a little tired. Also touching up railings & steps/decks.

It's still looking like a reasonable weekend, so if you are looking for a break, give us a call.

John

Come on in, the water is fine!

2010-06-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

Hello readers

We launched out Rave Bongo yesterday, and have also put out the Launch Pad and something new for 2010, a Log. The water is beautiful and when I last looked it was approx 72 F.

The forecast for Huntsville for this coming Friday, Sat, Sun is sunny and 25c, so if want to do something special for Father's Day, come on up. Two bedroom cottages are available starting at $250 plus tax for a 2 night stay.

Santa's Village also will open this weekend and I have discount coupons for tickets.

Till next time

John

What's New at Algonquin Woods for 2010

2010-06-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

I am waiting for the rain to subside so I can get back outside and continue working, so I thought I would take a moment and just update everybody on what is new for summer 2010 at Algonquin Woods.

First, in the late fall last year we had tonnes of gravel brought in to raise up and smooth out the driveway from Bay Lake Road through to the front of the office and also around the back of our house. So no more huge lake at the entrance when it rains.
Last July (2009) we launched a Rave Bongo with a Launch Pad. Thank you again to those guests who helped out! This will be a new addition for those who come in the first few weeks of the summer. In addition, for this year we are hoping to add on a Log.
We have a new dock! The old dock has been replaced with a 4 x 8 ft ramp and 6 x 24 ft floating dock. The old dock has been strategically cut up by "yours truly" and is now set up as 2 smaller docks, one to make it easier for the kids to tie up the peddle and row boat, the other with a chair to provide a quiet spot for early morning coffee or a late afternoon cold one.
Cottages 6, 7 & 8 now have direct vent propane wall furnaces, so although not that exciting for our summer guests (here is hoping for a nice hot summer), it will definitely make for a warmer, cozier cottage come September.
The old green garbage bin has been upgraded to a freshly painted, proper Bear Bin. So no more squeaky, heavy sliding door. It has a special latch that Yogi can not open, but is much easier for us.
The old green propane tank has been replaced by a newer, freshly painted white one.

There are propbaly other minor changes here and there that I forget about but you will probably notice, but those are the major ones.

Well the rain has stopped so I'll head outside. I have a flat tire on the van to change before I can do anything.

John

June News

2010-06-04T19:44:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well the weather has become a bit more seasonal and the real hot temps are gone. It has been a great spring so far. The bugs have not even been that bad.

Last weekend we were full again and a group that takes 6-7 cottages has now officially become regulars, booking again for next year. We also had a German couple staying with us for 4 nights and they enjoyed visits to Algonquin Park and Arrowhead.

Things are coming together for the summer. I have yet to get the motors on the boats and I need to get the Rave Bongo inflated and put out. Still want to get some painting done as well. The new dock looks great and I have converted the old dock into 2 small docks so there is somewhere to tie up peddle boats etc...When I finally pulled apart the old dock you should have seen the things I found under there!

Anyway, time to go and watch the hockey game.

Till next time

John

John

May 24th Weekend

2010-05-25T21:13:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well what a May 24th weekend! You would have thought it was July or August up here. People swimming, kids on the kayaks, in the peddle boat and canoe and peddling around on the surf bikes... and the bugs were not even that bad. It really was a spectacular weekend all around and I'd like to say thanks to our "group" who have been staying with us now since May 2005.

Today was another scorcher and I cut grass until I could take no more. I was in the lake tonight and the water was just fantastic. It is warming up everyday and is now in the high 70's. Took the kids for a tube tonight after school and they had a ball.

It looks like this weather is going to continue and this coming weekend looks great weather wise, although just slightly cooler. We still have 1 cottage left if you are looking for a weekend get away.

Till next time.

John

Happy May 24th Weekend

2010-05-21T18:04:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well the past few days have been pretty chaotic, getting ready for our first round of guests of the season.

We now have a new floating dock consisting of a 4 x 8 ramp and and a 6 x 24 dock, so just over 32 ft out. In addition, Cottages 6,7 & 8 now have direct vent propane wall furnaces and the old green propane tank is gone, replaced with a newer white one.

Our May 24th guests are starting to check-in and already people have been swimming and the surf bikes have gone out for the first time this season. Looking like it is going to be a fantastic weekend and a great start to summer.

Till next time

John

Winter May be Gone (at least until next Novemeber)

2010-05-16T18:36:00.000-04:00

Well we had a spectacular day today and the next week and right into the Long Weekend is looking even better. The water is still a cool 60 F however it should warm up this week with day time temps in the mid 20's.

Spent a good part of the day raking/tidying up as well as putting the water back on in the campers washroom.

This week is the big the spring clean inside the cottages.

Till next time

John

May Update

2010-05-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

Well all the cottages are back on water again. Started cutting grass, it has started growing like mad with the recent rain and warmer weather. The weather for the May long weeeknd is looking fantastic. A nice change from past years. Who knows, people might get in swimming!

More bookings this week and July is now almost full. Still a few spots in August and the very first week of June 26-July 3 is wide open. We will do shorter stays if that is what you are looking for in that week so give us a call.

Till next time

John

May Update

2010-05-12T14:15:00.000-04:00

Well the snow that fell on Sat and Sunday melted quickly, which was a relief. Yesterday I spent the day on "water" and now have 5 out of 10 cottages back on water. Next week the forecast is looking very promising (sun and 20c), so that always makes the big spring clean an easier and more pleasant task. Happy to report I have not been bothered yet by any black flies or mosquitoes, so I am foolishly hoping that the cold, snowy weather took a bunch of them out already!

Harriet and I had a lovely boat ride last night, the only ones on the lake and actually quite warm.

Till next time

John

A Chilly, Snowy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T08:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are Mom's. Up this way it is certainly not the usual spring like weather we usually have on this day. It is below zero right now (9:00 am) and there is a fine white dusting on the ground, trees and cottages. Oh well, what can you do. It appears things will be more seasonal by mid week. I want to get the water back on this week.

Till next time

John

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW......

2010-05-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

Good morning readers. Yes, it is May 8 and the white stuff is falling and falling hard. Huge flakes and it is accumulating! All the cottage rooves are now white and it is starting to stay on the ground. I'll let you know if I actually have to get out a shovel!

Till next time

John

May Up Date

2010-05-07T06:58:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well things are progressing nicely up this way in terms of getting everything ready for summer. That said, I have just looked at the forecast for Burk's Fall's which is just to the north of us and tomorrow we are in for a high of -1 and 2-4 cm of snow!!!!!!

I have been busy setting up the ping pong tent and table, splitting firewood, cleaning out gutters, readying the BBQ's, raking... the spring clean of the cottages is booked for the week of May 16, and big, big news I have just placed an order for a new floating dock. More details to follow later. Also in the process of replacing the old wood stoves in cottages 6,7 & 8 with propane wall furnaces with fans, similar to the models that fight off the chill in cottages 1, 2, 10 & 9.

We are fully booked for the May long weekend and the weekend after is almost full, however there are still 2 cottages left. Summer is filling up but we still do have openings, so if you are still on the search for a cottage for a week this summer give us a call. We still have 4 spots left in July and a number of spots from mid August onwards.

Till next time

John

No, not SNOW!!!!

2010-04-09T10:33:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Yes, we awoke this morning to a fine dusting of white on the cottage rooves, trees and tables. I have been
outside raking/tidying up in blowing snow with a temp of just above zero. At least it is not too hot to work!
Just came inside for a brief break and check for emails and phone messages. Better get back to it.

May 24th weekend is almost full now, with just 1 cottage left and the weekend after, May 28/29 is filling up fast as well and we have only have 2 cottages left for that weekend. We have been starting to get some interest in the first week of summer, June 26-July 3, but as it stands all 10 cottages are available. It can be a great time of the year and if my memory serves me correctly, the past few summers the last week of June has provided us with some of the hottest weather.

Till next time

John

3 Weeks Early

2010-04-01T15:13:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well the lake is all but free of ice, at least looking north from this end. There are still a few bergs/sheets floating around our dock, but that is it. I have been out in the canoe already, paddling out to fix up the buoy marking the spot where the Rave is anchored. I have also started raking and general cleanup, unheard of for the 1st of April!

Hope everyone has an enjoyable Easter Break.

Till next time

John

The Big Break-Up

2010-03-31T08:58:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Usually Clear Lake does not break up until around April 23, at least that is my experience having now been up here for 6 springs, however this year it is well ahead of schedule. There is open water already and with the weather forecasted, I suspect it will go before this weekend?

We still do have pockets of snow around the property, and the one between cottages 3 & 7 is still deep enough to prevent me from driving all the way down, however again I imagine that will go over the next few days.

Last night, Mollie, our Golden Retriever decided to run out onto the ice after our walk and she broke through out near where I anchor our raft. As she tried to crawl back up on the ice, it just kept breaking and I could see that there was no way she was going to make it due to the extreme cold. So...... I had to plunge in, busting my way through the ice and ended up going out as deep as the top of my thighs before I could grab her collar and haul her back in. Least to say it was the coldest water I have ever been in and the earliest swim I have ever had in Clear Lake!

For anyone looking for a cottage for the May 24th weekend/Victoria Day, we have had 2 cancellations and now have a 2 bedroom waterfront and small 3 bedroom cottage available.

Summer is filling up and as most of you know, we usually book out, so if you are still looking for a summer week long holiday, give us a call. The word/rumour is that we are supposed to have a nice hot summer.

Till next time

John

Come on spring

2010-03-26T10:21:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Well spring is here but this morning when I took Mollie for her walk it was about 15 below! We still have patches of snow but a majority of it is gone. The lake is still frozen although there was water at the edge yesterday. Usually the lake does not break up until April 23 or so, however this year I suspect it will go sooner.

I can' t remember if I mentioned in early blogs that I took down the old birch tree that hangs out over the water. Yes, a landmark and an easy way to identify our place from the water, however it was getting very dangerous and the easiest way for me to bring it down was onto the lake while it was frozen. It had been hanging lower and lower every year due to its weight and the sandy shore line and this winter I noticed it was even lower. There was a time when you could easily walk under it or even boat under it but when I took it down it was really not that far off the ice.

In the fall we also had several loads of gravel brought in to tidy the driveway up from the road all the way to just in front of the office and around the back of our house. So this year we do not have our usual "lake" to cross through just before the road.

Summer is filling up, we are over 80% booked, but we still have some openings in most weeks. So if you have stayed with us before or are looking at coming up for the first time, there is still cottages available. Just give us a call or send us an Email.

Till next time

John

Spring News

2010-03-22T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers

Just a brief update on things up this way.

Our snow is almost gone although the road down to the cottages is still snow covered and there is still quite a bit in the bush and of course Clear Lake is still frozen. Hopefully by the end of next week things will be at a point where I can start the post winter tidy up (branches etc.) and start moving towards getting the cottages opened up.

The ski season ended a week early this year and Hidden Valley had to close last Friday which was a dissapointment for us avid skiers! It seems like the season had just begun.

I escaped over March break and took Harriet, Lucy and a friend of Lucy's down to Vermont for 4 days of skiing at Sugarbush. Had a great time despite the warm temps down there as well.

Till next time

John

What Weather WOW!

2010-03-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

The forecast for the next 7 days is sun, sun, sun and more sun. Below freezing at night and up to 6/7 c during the day. That means that this weekend we will have spectacular spring skiing & boarding at Hidden Valley. I am schdeduled to patrol on Sunday and I can't wait.

Both our winterised cottages are available, so if you want to enjoy some spring like sunny weather with plenty of the white stuff still on the ground, come on up.

Till next time

John

March Update

2010-03-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well here we are in March already and spring is just around the corner although we still have plenty of snow up this way. At the moment we are getting nights below zero and days just above freezing with plenty of sun, so ideal for winter acitivities. I was skiing Sunday at Hidden Valley and conditions were still very good.

Thanks to everyone who has paid their deposits for summer 2010, it is very much appreciated. We still have cottages available in most weeks, so if you are one of those still on the search give us a call. We book out every summer so don't leave it until too late or you will be dissapointed.

Till next time

John

February News

2010-02-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well we just finished another great winter weekend. Both cottages were booked and our guests enjoyed all the white stuff we have up here. I skied Sunday and Monday at Hidden Valley and conditions were superb.

Just a FINAL reminder that deposits for booked cottages were due January 31. If you have not yet paid your deposit, can you please do so before this Wednesday, February 17 2010. If you are not wanting to retain your booking can you please drop us a quick email and let us know. After Wednesday I can no longer hold cottages without deposits so please let us know what your plans are asap. For those of you who have already paid your deposits, a big thankyou.

Those still looking for a cottage we have openings in most weeks and still a great selection, so give us a call or send us am email. We are also happy to wait list people if the week or cottage you want is not available. Just send us an email with your request and contact details.

Till next time

Regards

John

Deposits

2010-02-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

A beautiful day up here today and the next week is looking like sun, sun, sun. Plenty of snow as well (thigh deep in places on our property). Last night I patrolled at Hidden Valley and despite it being on the cool side conditions were fantastic.

Just a final, friendly reminder that those of you who booked a cottage for this summer your deposit was due January 31. Please understand that we can't hold cottages without the security of a deposit, so get in touch with us as soon as possible to avoid losing your cottage.

The calendar is filling up for summer , however we still have some spots, so if you are looking for a cottage give us a call.

Till next time

John

Dog Sled Races

2010-02-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

This coming weekend is the Kearney Dog Sled Races. If you have never seen a dog sled race then come on up. We still have both winterised cottages available.

Sorry but both cottages are now booked for the Family Day weekend in mid February.

Just a reminder deposits are now due for those who booked a cottage for this summer. Please understand that I can not hold cottages without the security of a deposit, so if you have not yet done so, give us a call or send us an Email to arrange payment. This is a very busy time for us as far as booking inquiries and we need to know what we have available.

Till next time

John

Deposits For Summer 2010

2010-02-01T14:21:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Just a very friendly reminder that to secure your booking for Summer 2010, you need to have submitted a deposit of $300 or $350 by now. If you have not done so but plan on returning, please give us a call as soon as possible to provide us with your credit card details. If you have booked a cottage but have now changed your mind, could you please let us know via Email. We receive requests on a daily basis at this time of year from people looking for cottages and so it really helps us out if we know for certain what we have available.

Till Next time

John

Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow.....

2010-01-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well we got dumped on last night I can tell you. In the 5 and a half years we have been here I have never seen so much snow fall in one night. It was a struggle getting out of the driveway this morning I can tell you. It is clearing now and sunny but very cold and windy.

Definitely going to be some fantastic skiing to be had, both cross-country and downhill.

Don't forget please, deposits for booked cottages are due before January 31.

Till next time

John

It's Snowing

2010-01-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

Hello Readers

Well winter has returned and yesterday we picked up a few cm's of the white stuff and we are forecasted to get a fair bit today, tonite and tomorrow. Sking should be superb when Hidden Valley opens up tomorrow.

I just finished taking Mollie for a walk and it was a very peaceful and picturesque stroll I must say.

People don't forget the end of the month is drwaing near and deposits are due.

I hope you like our new look Blog. I thought it needed some freshening up.

Till next time

John