If were to chose a location in which to live, without needing to consider cost, job, post educational opportunities for the children, or proximity to family, the choice would be easy.
In the Muskoka region.
Having spent many weeks throughout my childhood and teenage years within it’s wooded camp grounds, hiking the forests as a girl-guide, learning how to canoe on its pristine lakes, exploring some of Algonquin Parks many, many campsites, sleeping under innumerable bright stars shining in its clear, night skies, Muskoka left a deep imprint in my heart and soul, never diminishing even after over 30 years.
Having a friend move to Muskoka was a bittersweet experience, she and her family were moving away, but hey, they were moving to Muskoka, not far away at all, and I knew a most favourable and doable opportunity to visit would come soon.
It didn’t come soon enough, but when it did, I jumped at it.
It rained most of the short few days we stayed with Jackie and her family, but for me, Muskoka in the rain or in the sunshine is still lovely Muskoka, so I was not in the least bit sad or discouraged, there would be lots to do, and we were not camping, we were at a lovely and very cozy home with one of the most hospitable persons I know.
We arrived Thursday evening to a very warm welcome, very excited children and a lovely, beautiful home. Even little 3-year old Jonah was allowed to stay awake to wait for our arrival. Catching up with a good friend means not getting into bed until way too late at night, not very considerate of me keeping the 8-month pregnant hostess up so late, but time just flew by.
Next day was pretty incredible because the Muskoka magic showed itself and we took every available opportunity to avail ourselves of its wonder. After a delicious breakfast in which all 10 of us took part sitting around the table right by the lovely view of the woods through the large window, we cleaned up and took off to Bracebridge to a park where we could walk and see the old Grist Mill setting, the falls and the old location of the Wool Mill. It was really lovely.
Bracebridge
Of course the kids did not stay on the path, instead they climbed up the rocky walls or down the rocky shores near the water, always exploring, the little ones always trying to keep up with the older kids, climbing almost as high or trying to coax mom to allow them to go down to the rocky shores (not happening..!)
Exploring the dangerous rocky shores.
Bracebridge has changed significantly since I last saw it when I was a teen.
During our walk, we found a tall plant that had hollow stems, something between a cane-type and a rhubarb plant. I tried to identify it using Leafsnap, but it didn’t work. Anyone know what this plant is?
Of course, my men turned the stems into blow darts, using seeds, weeds, dandelion heads, anything with enough density that would fit inside the hollow tube and could be blown out with enough force to justify beginning The Battle of Flying Fluff that arose between the two of them. Boys and their plants, give them a reed and they blow each other to imaginary smithereens .
Weapon of mass airsplotions.
Afterwards, we returned for lunch and nap-time, but not before we checked on the chickens….
Feeding the chickens.
For my children, crucial life lessons and the opportunity of learning new life skills were always just around the corner during our visit to Muskoka, and our hosts always ready and willing to bestow them upon a couple of most willing learners. In one of those instances, my kids found it most interesting to discover that you can throw a live chicken into the air, and they land just fine. They seemed fascinated and yes, maybe even amused at the seemingly benign outcome of the chicken after having experienced a propelling launch forward from their hands, and felt the need to perform the deed a few times just to make sure the results were consistent each and every time, which they were.
Up! Up!
And AWAY!!!
Safe landing…
Having learned the proper Scientific Method of observation and repeatable experimentations proved useful once again. Another accolade for STEAM education!
After a delicious lunch, at which I began another adventure that I later named “Travelling the Four Conners of Alida’s World”, in which I attempted to sit during meal times at a different corner of the large table before my stay was over, we decided to go and explore some of my friend’s property. Yes, I am really a high-maintenance guest. I forced my hostess, (did I mention she is 8 months pregnant?) to take us into the woods, in which there were sections where there was no clear path, no open area, and lots of brush underfoot, forcing her to get those stomach muscles in shape for the probably-sooner-than-later labour she will experience. There was a lot of high-knees happening during that walk….
Unfortunately, my son seemed to be as appealing to the Muskoka Masses of Monsterquitos as he is to less populous Citysquitos he is used to. In the short time we were out and about our forest roundabout, he was bitten over 40 times around the neck, the ears and the head, forming a perfect circular ring of connecting bites. They swelled of course, making it seem as if he had a sweat band around his head, but he was a good kid and didn’t let that slow him down for the rest of the fun scheduled, such as shooting his compound bow and losing his arrows in the trees…
Wanted Poster
Our time to leave came too soon for all of us ( time DOES fly when you are having fun! ), though I did manage to travel to all the four corners of Alida’s World and interview the natives as they ate in their natural environment, including little Jonah who was truly willing to come home with me, even if mommy and daddy stayed home. Really, really, really, really!!!
The Big Boy!
Part of me remains in Muskoka, including my DNA inside several of the MMM, and my new pet hen, Henny Penny. She unfortunately cannot live with me, and is now an official permanent guest at Muskoka Koop Lodge, where she grazes freely, is allowed to bathe in sandy soil, is given healthy treats, and keeps her cardiac health top-notch through the innovative exercise program developed by the proprietors, which allow her to also develop her sense of balance and aerodynamics. Lucky hen!!
Henny Penny with a few of the Muskoka Koop Lodge
Cannot wait to return, probably in the winter, and maybe get re-aquainted with Henny Penny in a whole new real-close-and-personal- kinda way…..
Muskoka Rock
Chaos To Grace 