Weather & News Forecasts

If you are traveling to Muskoka ensure you do your research. With a population of nearly 58,000 we are quite small and our region is misunderstood and often overlooked. In comparison, there are 10 million people residing in the Golden Horseshoe (this is about 1/3 of Canada's population), and 5 million of those live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). On long weekends the OPP predicts 1,000,000 of these people travel up highway #400 to visit us. Muskoka consists of the towns and villages around Huntsville we have little to do with Toronto far to the south. Our news, economy, weather, climate, topography and municipal politics differ to a great extent.

The Globe & Mail covers 'Ontario'. The Toronto Star's web page (bless them, too!) includes information for Toronto & GTA, plus a page for Ontario. Apparently, to the CBC, Ontario, Canada, consists of Ottawa, Windsor and Toronto: with nothing in between.

We cannot get a more regional CBC station and when we listen to 'regional' newscasts we get lots of information from London, Ontario. What London has to do with Central Ontario is exactly nothing. I know there are some tourists who travel here, but we are closer to Toronto and many, many folks must travel to south, often to Toronto, from Central Ontario for health care specialists, for example. My parents both fought cancer with several visits to Orillia's Soldier's Memorial Hospital (120 km north of Toronto), but most of the time they went to Toronto for radiation and chemo. Folks up here often go to Barrie (far closer than Toronto) for access to more stores, rather than driving a couple of hours to the south. We like to try to use local merchants to support the economy in Muskoka, which lacks much in the way of employment. We depend upon tourists and the service industries, which are quite seasonal. Our summer consists of many terrific outdoor shows (antiques, boats, art) and summer and fall fairs... but I digress.

It is quite humorous to listen to weather forecasts on CBC. There are no other choices for news, radio stations or other data. It appears that we are not part of their "listening area". For example, this morning at 7:30 they claimed temperatures in the listening area in the low 20s, but our overnight temperature was 15˚ Celsius. "Normal" temperatures for Muskoka are 16˚ in June with average overnight temperatures being 9˚. We are above that today, with this storm coming up from the US bringing a warm front.

The King City Radar shows thunderstorms to the east of Georgian Bay. We have had thunder, heave rain, and lightning for hours this morning. Toronto has been clear. As we know, Toronto is the centre of the universe, however, our weather often differs greatly! Those travelling the 200 km from Toronto to Hunstville must be prepared for anything. Rain, snow, sleet or hail and sometimes all on one day for those of us who remain behind in the winter.

Our weather is affected by the lake effect of Georgian Bay to the west of us. The winds pick up welcome moisture and send it to us, especially in those hot, more dry days of August. Visitors seem to need to make bonfires and that causes its own issues in terms of the quality of our air. The big cities to the south often send their smog from as far south as Toronto, Detroit and Buffalo.

It is a great place to live even if no one else recognizes us!

Everything you need to know about Muskoka bugs

We are plagued with many, many insects at this time of year: the first I spotted were the caddis flies, then the black flies emerged in May. By April the mosquitoes, although small, began coming out in force. I am seeing hummingbird moths, bees and dragonflies now. This morning I counted 20 mosquitoes hanging off the balcony screen door in anticipation of a feast. One survives by using the Muskoka Slap: any little itch and you slap yourself without looking. By the time you figure out if it IS a bug or not, they may have flown.

Of course, we need the insects for the cycle of life. From birds to bats, and dragonflies, many species are an integral part of this cycle. Without one the other will suffer.

The dragonfly larva climb up on docks as their exoskeleton dries and cracks they emerge, unfold their wings to dry in the sun.

In the early spring, with high, warm water levels (above 21˚ Celsius), the 150 - 500 eggs, that have been laid in water and on the shores of streams, begin to hatch. They need swift, running water. They over winter around fall ponds with water levels high from late rains. If there is Lots of water in spring they are swarming by May. But larva that haven’t developed yet in June will emerge now with the rainfall. If the weather is cooler, and ponds have water at high levels where eggs have been laid, their season can extend into July. With hot, dry weather, as ponds dry up, they are normally gone by late June, early July.

Only the females bite. Blood has protein and they need this energy to lay their eggs. Black flies are sloppy eaters: they have scissor-like biting tools and an anticoagulant they inject into the site. Then, they drink from the pool of blood. Many of us are allergic to anticoagulant, which is why the wound site swells. If my husband and I walk together I know he is often plagued more than I. Some people attract bugs more than others: they are visual creatures with good eye sight, and darker hues attract them. They are drawn to the levels of carbon dioxide you emit and if you engage in physical activity with high carbon dioxide levels as you exhale, you are a magnet for them). They are not active in the night. A late night, while out to fetch the cat, only brought mosquitoes, no black flies. They do not haunt you indoors, they leave that to the mosquitoes who prey on sleepy humans and buzz to eternal damnation.

They like enclosed spaces to crawl into – so tuck in your long sleeves and pant legs. Dawn activity and dusk get them into a feeding frenzy, especially in good weather conditions. From a CBC Radio interview with Doug Curry curator: entomologist.

Glorious day!

Saturday proved to be a wonderful day after a 7:00 a.m. canoe ride, and risking life and limb in the calm lagoon where the bugs dance on the water. The fish must be relishing the buffet of treats. Back out into the main part of the lake, the clouds parted to let the sun's beams shine on our shores.

As I paddled down the lagoon, the soft swish of water keeping rhythm as I made my way, I spotted a female merganser. This handsome lady was taking a break on a dock in the shelter of the lagoon. It is delightful to paddle quietly around the lake and see the wildlife in its natural habitat. The law of nature and environmentalists is to do no harm, to leave the critters be and only shoot with a camera.




On the other side of the lake the heavy rains of the night flowed quickly to refill the lake and drain the land. The calm reflection does not show the bugs that haunted me the minute I put down paddle for camera. I hustled out of this sheltered shoreline. I made it back to our cottage to find our handsome mallard males taking a break on our swimming rock. The flew off as I approached.

I managed to work in the garden without too much damage. I have several bites on the back of my legs. The wind kept down most of the mosquitoes, but those black flies were quite vicious.

The sun was hot and bright, eventually the clouds cleared away, but the 30 ˚ Celsius temperatures in the city did not manifest here. The wind was refreshing. The clouds took off to harass folks in the south and the sun came out to provide energy for our resplendent foliage. I cleaned up our shore and played in the water. It took me an hour to reorganize the shed - the tools of spring and summer needed hanging. The mosquitoes helped a great deal - ensuring that I hurried.

Bethune House in Gravenhurst

Outside the Gravenhurst Opera House, you will find a stunning statue of this man. I just noticed, after living in the region for 3 years, that the side of the base features stunning images, as well. Be sure to check them out!


Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst in 1890. Henry Norman Bethune's story started in Gravenhurst, Ontario, a small lumbering town 100 miles north of Toronto.

Dr. Bethune (1890 - 1939) did phenomenal work in China, and learned much that helped contribute to the MASH-type surgery in the field. We have many visitors to the museum, where you can see a short video, and visit Bethune Memorial House. The artifacts, and visual images, provide an understanding of this man using photographic and literary archives.

This is my kind of history book. It is large, with great photos, maps, stamps, and other resources. It is not so much a biography as a testimonial that is designed to go hand-in-hand with other more scholarly sources. The final chapter examines the deep love the Chinese have for the work Dr. Bethune did for the people as evidenced by sculptures and memorials in that country.

Currently it is not available on either Amazon.ca or Amazon.com, but they are for sale in the local museum in Gravenhurst!



See also:
Gravenhurst Museums:
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada

Bethune House
In 1973 Bethune Memorial House was purchased by the Department of External Affairs on behalf of the Government of Canada. Restoration of the building was subsequently undertaken by Parks Canada, which is now responsible for its operation.

Journalists vs. Editorialists vs. Experts

RE: "Earlier discussion
Jane Taber took questions on the Bernier resignation
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080527.wlivetaber0527/BNStory/National/
JANE TABER
May 27, 2008 at 7:51 AM EDT"

I have a question for this newspaper. Since when did a journalist become an authority on subjects? They are biased and report and create editorials based on the newspaper's political viewpoint and biases.

I know that Jane Taber, for example, has had great opportunities to cover politics and is often on CBO on a panel, but when did we begin to see journalists as experts?
It is one thing to write about a subject, to report on it and to be interviewed, but quite another thing to be seen to be an expert and to be able to answer questions from on-line readers.

I am concerned that the media has moved from reporting to interpreting (which is based on their experience, knowledge and research) to now giving their opinions as truth. I am not being disrespectful of highly regarded journalists, but simply questioning the purpose in this. Sometimes, the viewers/internet users have more knowledge and experience than the journalists, but not often. On the other end of the spectrum what is the reason for the 'man-in-the-street' polls and interviews? We take as gospel truth the opinions of those casually approached in TV Media, the Globe publishes polls with viewer responses. This violates all aspects of good research validity and reliability. I continue to be amazed that media devotes pixels, ink and air time to these pieces.

I would prefer that the Media deliver the news.

May's Ferocious Flying Visitors

May you be a half hour outdoors before the bugs know you are there!

The past month has been great for the black flies and mosquitoes. The black flies love the cooler temperatures and have been thriving. Mosquitoes turned up in April but didn't really go after us until May. Our daytime temps have fluctuated between 3 degrees in the early morning, to 10 degrees during the day. Last weekend it warmed up some, and cleared up by the time the tourists had to go home. This is bad for business! So many residents rely on the tourist industry for their livelihood.

The cat sits on the deck and eats a bug a minute. A bug a minute eats me and my husband. We have to keep moving and stay in the sun. The mosquitoes are pesky, and come out in the warmer weather. The black flies go away if I work in the sun shine, then come back the moment a wispy cloud comes between me and the warmth of the day. Last night the cats were pleased with the warm evening and took off. By 1:00 a.m. I was worried about our kitten and went outdoors to find him. There were no black flies, but a few mosquitoes bzzzzing around. I kept moving and calling and made it in the house without being taken away by these wicked little beasts. I have to put salve on the black fly bites, though. Big chunks of flesh torn out and a large lump remaining. They get in behind eye glasses and if your hands are dirty you risk much. One of them bit a chunk out of me just beyond the outside corner of my eye. I look bruised, my eye is swollen and have to assure all that I am OK.

There are those who say we only have three seasons in central Ontario: construction, bugs and snow. In the past few days we have felt 20 degrees celsius, and a welcome break from the coolness of the previous days. It helps of you refrain from perfumes, hair products, and other body lotions. Staying in the sun helps, if you cannot abide long sleeves, pants and hats. I still find that Skin-So-Soft works well on a normal day. This isn't normal, though. They swarm the moment you leave the sanctuary of the house. Starving, voracious little breeders, they need blood to survive. (Think of the mother bear defending her cubs!)

I know that the warmth and eventual heat of June and July will kill of the merciless little beasts who like to take a chunk out of skin. The mosquitoes circles around, often indoors, and drive the sleep deprived nuts as they try to kill the last bug keeping them awake. Next it will be the ants that come in for a break. I can't wait.

I pity the wildlife in the forest. There is nothing as irritating as that sound of the dreaded bugs. Some nights I hide under the blankets if we have been slow at closing doors. (The cats help indoors as well: often trucking nimbly after a flying insect.) Moose run across the forest floor trying to escape. The birds by the shore seem as unfazed as the cats. Although the geese and ducks have an elaborate bath ritual. Perhaps I was mistaken and they are trying to get rid of the flying bugs, not crawling ones!

Of course, the 'good' bugs are out, too: bees and hummingbird moths spread pollen. The dragonflies eat up the bugs, too.

May 2008 was a great year for photos!

Spring slowly unfolds

It is wonderful seeing spring slowly develop. As I look across the lake, I notice many different colours. I absorb the energy and the spirit of nature: destiny unfolding, as it should. Each day, as I observe in quiet mediation, or driving by the deep forests, I noticed that the buds on the trees get larger and larger. It looks as if an artist had gone out in the night and painted more buds. The maple trees had bright red buds. The greens and yellows of the other hardwoods began to hide the homes of permanent residents, as if they were protecting them from the tourists who would soon arrive from the big city. Eventually the homes will no longer be visible. The pine trees are becoming bright green in contrast with the brown of the tree trunks. The colours are beautiful.

In Autumn, the trees proudly display their changing leaves; arrogantly bragging and showing off their striking formal dress. The varied greens, reds, and yellows of spring are more subtle than the glorious fall showing. The buds, as they develop, have much more texture with leaves in varying states of development. The few blossoms in our tough deciduous forests; crab apples, aromatic poplars, compete with trillium in the forest. It is a beautiful scene. The sun sparkles on the water with a brisk wind whipping up the waves, a fine frame for the scene. With cold nights and cool days, the black flies are merciless. The wild animals are irritated. School busses have to wait for moose to cross the road. The animals are hungry as they break their winter fast.

The sounds of nature explode with honking of geese, chirping of spring peepers, buzzing of insects. The hummingbirds have come back, too. The irritating noise of the motor boats break the calming sounds, but week days are much quieter. The boats do not scare Eddie and Eva, or Oscar and Myrtle our ducks. The blue heron has returned, as well. She is quite frightened by the sudden influx of two-legged ones. I hope for peace and harmony as we teach our city visitors how to treat nature and wildlife.

Victoria Day Long Weekend: May 16 -19

The week began to the north, with four-wheelers in Parry Sound. We drove up for a few errands. There must have been nearly a dozen of these vehicles driving around the town. Good thing there wasn't much traffic! What a sight to see!

The weekend started with a bang - or, I should say, a wail. With 1,000,000 people predicted to travel highway 400, the Ontario Provincial Police, with many crime alerts on the highway, had a helicopter posted to spot speeders and wacko drivers. They hired another helicopter to patrol over highway #69. With 8.1 million people living in the Golden Horseshoe, we have always found that people are either driving to or fro around Ontario, and this region. StatsCan says that this comprises 2/3 of the population of Ontario and 25% of the population of Canada. When we travel to visit our son, an actor in two shows at Shaw Festival, highways 400 & 407 are always busy. A drive around Lake Ontario is an adventure. Traffic is heavy and continuous on such weekends with folks going from Toronto to Niagara, as well as Stratford, for the many festivals that mark tourist season.

There are those who visit our area and bring the stress and the desperate hurry of the city with them. They fail to take time to feel, listen, look, and smell the scent of the country. The lessons of the wildlife, who sit contented at the shore, escape them as they escape their city life. In my middle age have found much healing at the water's shore. Some people drive as if they are on their way to an emergency and put many of us at risk. We know that the OPP has been vigilant in tracking those who speed. We take our time and pull over when we encounter such drivers. It is simply not worth it to feel their stress as they anxiously tailgate in their hurry to make it to their important destination. The OPP have targeted these city drivers, and rightly so.

Friday afternoon, as we sat by the water in the sun, far from the crowds, we could hear sirens about every 20 minutes. I think I heard a firetruck, too. We saw the helicopter go over head as we worked by the water, embracing sun and wind and watching out for the blackflies. They are wicked at this time of year, especially in the cooler weather. You have to stay in the sun, as it is chilly with temperatures of only 18 degrees or so. The problem is that the blackflies are numerous and you really need to find a hot, sunny, sheltered spot to sit or work. The wind keeps the flies down, but it is a bit more chilly.

Our birds, and Bea, the racoon, continue to feed at the shore. The heron has been visiting more frequently, although there are not many frogs or other prey, although one hopped across and under my way as I knelt working in the garden. In the pond I can see many clusters of eggs with the tadpoles growing inside. I have warned them all that the tourists are arriving soon. The geese sit on our rock and watch the odd boat go by, apparently non-plussed. The cat will sit on the dock and observe our beloved creatures, even Bea has come to terms with the cats, who realize she is a frowsy-looking mother seeking to feed her young.

The violets and the forget-me-nots show off their purples and blues. They embrace the cool weather, the warmth of the sun, and present their spring colours. The few hardy pansies that I planted show their faces and smile, content in the breath of spring air. The daffodils have faded, but many of the other garden plants are beginning to raise their heads to nod at the arrival of spring. We cannot compete with the beauty of the showy trees of Niagara, but the green is startlingly bright with the rain and the growing conditions.

Eddie and Eva and the battle with lonesome Charlie!

This is the story of Eva, Eddie and Lonesome Charlie!  What a trio. They made up in the end, and flew off to raise their young.
Eddie likes to protect his rock. Off he goes after Lonesome Charlie, Charlie takes off. Please with his effort, Eddie goes back to his rock. Another chase, as Eddie gives it another try.
Eva ignores the boys as they fight. Charlie comes back for another go at it. Eddie looks over at the cracked corn on the rock. Eddie is vigilant, Eva grooms. Closer and closer. he wind ruffles Charlie's feathers. Eddie figures he needs to put some grooming time in, too. One big happy family? The third time lucky, Charlie watches as Eddie postures. He made it. Eddie ignores him. It is spring, and the water rises, as do the hormones. I don't know what it is that Edie allowed Charlie, and the ducks, to feed. They all lived happily ever after. Actually, they disappeared, I presume to raise their young.