Muskoka G8 is over!

It has been an exciting year surrounding the Muskoka G8 in our little Ontario town of Huntsville. Much has been said about the money spent on infrastructure and security costs for the G8 in Huntsville and I'm sure the discussion will continue for sometime.

For our little part, at Colonial Bay Cottage Resort we hosted a contingent of RCMP marine operators and rescue dive personal. These men (yes all men) represented the RCMP in an exemplary way. We shared our property with a group of respectful, engaging, humorous and dedicated officers for 7 days. Like most of our guests, we were sad to see them leave but knew it was time for them to return to their families. This group of guys came from all parts of Canada and many had worked at the Vancouver Olympics last winter. I think our hospitality and the good food provided to them from Pow Wow Point Lodge trumped the cruise ship experience of the Olympics!!

Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort and the surrounding area is quickly being transformed back to "Muskoka Style". Fences are coming down, hundreds of porta potties, temporary lights, trailers, tents and the like are being removed or picked up as I write. Our summer guests began arriving yesterday and we look forward seeing many of our summer friends in the coming months.

The Real Lake - Peninsula Lake Muskoka

The Huntsville Muskoka G8 is only weeks away and the buzz is building. We see what looks like a fair number of security people in Huntsville every day now. Restaurants and coffee shops are busy and it is nice to see all the activity. There has been much said about the security fence that is being constructed but aside from it looking like an Indy Car Race is about to happen on Hwy 60 it hasn't caused any trouble or inconvenience.

Like many Canadians we are enjoying a chuckle over the "Fake Lake" in Toronto at the media centre. It would be better if journalists from around the world could have the opportunity to come to Huntsville and experience the warm hospitality, boundless nature, spectacular Algonquin Park and the "Real Lake" - Peninsula Lake - home of the Huntsville Muskoka G8.

Maybe a few could stay in our cottages at Colonial Bay and have a chance to experience everything Peninsula Lake, Huntsville and Muskoka has to offer.

Muskoka Chair For You!

There is something magical about sitting by the water and gazing across the Lake. This Muskoka Chair is ready for you!

Boating on Pen Lake

Andy takes his new boat for a spin on Pen Lake with Scotty and Nikki. Andy, Scotty and their Mom and Dad have been visiting Colonial Bay since the early 70's.
Over the years Andy and Scotty have spent countless hours entertaining Luke and Ben with remote control cars, boats and even a helicopter during their visits. In recent years Addie has become quite attached to Emille and Theresa as they do more artsy things.
The highlight of the Victoria Day weekend is the fireworks display set off by Andy and Scotty. It rivals any display on the lake and each year gets better. This year there was an intermission as everyone needed to rest their necks from looking skyward.

Thanksgiving Sunday Morning

We've been blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Warm and sunny all weekend. Here is another short video of my favourite view from Colonial Bay.

Early Morning Mist

We experienced a little frost last night as the temperatures dipped just below freezing. It made for a neat morning to take pictures at the lake as the cool air temperature and warmer water combine to make a mist over the lake. The Sun was shining from the east and mad the far shore quite spectacular to see. Some guests that were on the dock taking pictures joked that it must be a good morning if the owner is out taking pictures!!