My husband also comes from a small town in West Virginia with beautiful scenery...I always explain our areas as very similar, I just had more lakes growing up and he had more mountains.
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| This is the Segwun steamship that still goes up and down the lake. A must if visiting the area! |
My Mom has remained in Muskoka since my Dad passed away in 2000 and we always enjoy a trip home. I would have to say that summer is my favourite time to be there....even with the bugs...to be able to hop in the car and be at the beach in 10 minutes or the boat and enjoy the water.
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| Little Miss enjoying her first ride... ready to take the wheel! |
Muskoka is actually a region of small lakes and towns that is about 2 hours north of Toronto, Ontario. (Well, 2 hours depends on what day and time of day you are travelling!) Lake Muskoka is the largest in the region (I believe) and probably the most populated as well. It has become 'home' to MANY large cottages (if you can call them that...they are right out of the House and Home Magazines!) There are many summer homes to Hollywood Stars, (Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell, Martin Short, Harry Hamlin & Lisa Rinna) Athletes (NHL players that I know of).
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| Little Miss and I riding the bow with Grammie at the helm! |
There are a lot of older cottages that go way back, big, old beautiful ones, I think the oldest ones (that are still in great shape) are on 'Millionaires Row', and they aren't even considered 'big' anymore! There is always a new cottage to spot on the shore when going up the lake to admire...not sure if I'd like mine there or in the sunny south...I think the south, then I can be warm all year long!
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| Hubby's first boat ride on Lake Muskoka |
Muskoka gets a lot of tourism because of our 4 seasons...the colours in the fall are magnificent and bus tours come up from the city for people to see. During the winter time, there are ski hills and snow mobile trails for those that like to play outside in the cold! Plus ice fishing! My Mom and I live about 3 hours apart and she has a few feet of snow right now, we have green grass (although this cold snap is keeping us indoors under the blankets!) ...now, this year, overall, has been much milder than the few previous, but I do not envy having to do the shovelling that she has right now!
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| Fall boating |
Thank goodness it's almost the end of January and spring is getting closer...I am dreaming of sandy beaches, waves crashing and the smell of suntan lotion.
We did just get to go the the beach...in Atlantic City though...not really ideal in January, but we were there for work. Despite the wind and rolling fog, I convinced Hubby to join me down on the beach for a quick walk. We took our hot drinks and off we went. This is actually the city we met in almost 13 years ago! Through a mutual friend, we were introduced, hit it off and 2 years later we were getting married!
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| The Revel - the casino/hotel we stayed at for work. |
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| Looking out to the thick fog |
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| Looking down the famous boardwalk |
Having a family of my own, I now understand the preciousness of family time and making memories together. I could write pages about the wonderful memories I have of family time by the water, whether it was spring breaks, summer vacations or just a day at the beach with my parents. My parents have imparted in me a love for the water and the desire to spend every possible chance by it. Hubby has come to enjoy water/beach vacations more and more...he especially likes it when there is an umbrella for him to escape under when he starts to get crispy. I am excited to make memories with our girls that they, too, will talk about for years to come. I think we have a great start already!
Now if I could just convince Hubby to buy a place of our own...I would gladly pack up and move for this view every day!
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| View from our room Galley Bay, Antigua |
