Sally’s View of the River

When you are cottage country real estate hunting in the Haliburton Highlands we wish to help you to find the real estate person who can best help you with your real estate needs. In the Haliburton Highlands there are many real estate folks to choose from if you are wanting to find the most trust worth folks we suggest that you come and stay with us at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast for a couple of nights and we would try to find the best real estate representative to meet your needs.

It is important to stay in the community of your choice to be sure that the area has all the components that you require of your cottage county cottage. If the Haliburton Highlands is your cottage country area of choice be sure to ask us about our Cottage Deal 8+1, Cottage Deal 10+2, or our Real Estate Referral Deal. Wish for more information please do not hesitate to give Sally a call at 1 888 786 6976 .

There is a time in people’s lives when the they consider that being out of the urban concrete for the summer or the fair weather is something dreamed about. North of Toronto there are a number of cottage country pockets that may be considered cottage country heaven. Whether you are looking in the Haliburton Highlands, Kawartha Lakes or Muskoka all these areas can offer the dream come true….cottage country.

When considering the purchase of a cottage anywhere there are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration. Take these suggestions as only suggestions and helpful hints that will make your cottage purchase experience positive.

How often will you be wanting to go to the cottage may help you to determine how far away from your city home you want the cottage to be. Initially consider day trips drives from home. If you want to be 2 hours away drive 2 hours and explore the area.

How do you believe you will use the cottage? Are you looking for solitude and quiet? Are you needing to see the sunset in the night sky over water? I recommend that you spend some time in the communities that you might consider. What better than to find a cozy bed and breakfast where you can experience some of the qualities that you are looking for. There are folks who own b&bs that are at the end of a country road in very beautiful wooded areas. There are bed and breakfasts that are on water with the comfort of the decks with a breeze so that you can sit out enjoying the evening and experience that sunset over the water.

Those of us who own bed and breakfast environments would be very willing to share our homes with you and are very willing to talk to you about what it is like to live where they live. We will often be very willing to tell you of the positives and negatives of cottaging in a certain area. Be sure to listen for these ups and downs and take what you are learning in and then go off and explore for yourself and build your own opinions.

Take year or so and be sure that you go and explore the area of your choice in all seasons. You will begin to see what services are open or closed in the 4 seasons. An example where we are in the Haliburton Highlands there are some restaurants that start up on Mat ong Weekend and close down at Labour Day. Some other adventures and outdoor activities that draw you to the community become slower and less available in other seasons. You will only really understand these pluses and minuses when you come to stay for the occasional seasonal.

Seasonal visits will also have you in the are to see the water fluctuations. If you are choosing a waterfront property you will sure want to know the water fluctuation and what impact this will be on your swimming, boating and other activities. And consider if you would rather your lake front be sand, mud or rocks.

Should you find the cottage or home that You feel is right be sure that you make it a condition of sale that there is a home inspection be done on the property. The structure it self is only one type of inspection to be done. Be sure water quality levels or septic maintenance or lack of be checked. Knowing what you are getting into in the way of repairs, replacement may mean your purchase will be more financially viable.

While experiencing a property consider how much privacy there is from other cottages. How much leave coverage would be at the difference seasons of the year.

Talk about access to the cottage. Better weather means better and easier access on dirt and gravel roads. If you plan on using the cottage in the winter find out if the roads are passable, many road associations arrange plowing of the road in the winter. Inquire about each cottages financial obligations to the maintenance of the cottage road. Besure that the cottage road association is in harmony with all road issues.

If being online is important to you make sure you have access to DSL or cell phone coverage. High Speed Internet and Cell Networks in cottage country there may be some areas of poor reception due to the hill terrain. Satellite Internet may be a solution…know your options.

Often folks are looking to the cottage as their retirement home. Your early cottage plan might wish to be more private and secluded and a distance from food, gas and booze is ok. As you age and the retirement transition happens your priorities may change. You may wish to be in the Haliburton Highlands on a Funtime basis and therefore being so secluded is less favorable and the need to be closer to a village and it’s services more important. As you age there is more of a need for medical services and attention…do you know where the closest hospital is?

Cottaging is a fabulous option for families looking for an option away from the city for the summer. Couples looking for a cottage may like to explore an area to see it’s merits before taking the financial plunge into cottage ownership. Know that there are many bed and breakfasts throughout cottage country with varying degrees of waterfront, seclusion, village, experiences to choose from.

In our bed and breakfast ownership of the last 17 years we have helped hundreds of visitors to Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast find their cottage country real estate. Some folks have even realized that because of our location on water, a water falls, rooms with an incredible view, large common areas, access to their own kitchette and BBQ, incredible breakfasts each morning, 1000s of square feet of decking to rest and have happy hour, lake swimming, flat water canoeing for 5 lakes, kayaks, paddleboats and bikes available….and so much more that Sunny Rock B&B offers…our guests have even forgotten about the need to buy a cottage. Our 9000 square feet of buildings means we own the capital expense of cottaging and our guest can enjoy looking to our home, B&B and property and facilities as their cottage….with out the financial burden. Hmmm,….food for thought. As us Sally or Jan about the cottage deal when you call 1 888 786 6976 .

The Canning Lake Property Owners Association was formed in 1962, which makes the CLPOA 50 years old this year. A celebration is planned for August 25 at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast.

The association was the result of hard work of many people who formed the first executive. Sherman Taylor was the foundling father and the first President of the CLPOA. In 1938 Sherman and his wife Aileen Ellis purchased lakefront property on Canning Lake for approximately $10,000.

Harry Stark son of the owners and operators of the Silverwood Lodge was probably the creator of the”sea flea” said to be first created and raced in 1946.

Tom Barrett bought lake front property in 1939 in the midst of “The Finnish Village”. Tom’s wife Irma , was born in Finland and knew many of the Local residence as they once were guests of the Sunny Rock Lodge (presently known as the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast). Tom was the treasurer of the first CLPOA and was very supportive of earlier initiatives.

Fred Jones bought a cottage on Canning Lake in 1950 following years of being a guest at Rest Point Lodge. His first home was built by Jalmari Kaasailnen of the “Finnish Village”. The house on the same property today is called “Rigney’s Roust” and has been the home of the Annual General Meeting form many years. Fred was very generous with his time with the Canning Lake Property Owners Association.

Paul Saarimaki came to Canning Lake with his father Adiel, mother Ilmi and 3 sisters in 1929. They bought their property from the Konni’s who went on to build the Sunny Rock Losge that became the hub of the Finnish Village. A cottage was first built but then so many friends and relatives came up to visit that more cottages were built on the property and became the Rest Point Lodge. Paul assumed the responsibility of preparing the printing and publishing in the early Association newsletters and directories.

Many of the lodge guests from Sunny Rock Lodge, Rest Point Lodge and Silverwood Lodges Later bought property on the lake, built cottages and became members of the CLPOA.

Sally Moore, owner of the Sunny Rock Bed & Breakfast, takes guests on informative walking tours of the history of the Canning Lake. Call Sally for a reservation and a tour. 1 888 786 6976

MadeInHaliburton.ca announces the official launch of their online gallery business with an exhibition of the work of the artists who are partnering with them. The public is invited to join owners Don & Marie Gage on Saturday April 7 at 11:00 am for the official ribbon cutting at The Art Hive to celebrate the start of this new enterprise.
This innovative business brings together interested artists who have an affiliation with the Haliburton Highlands, Ontario Canada to market and sell their products online. The website at its launch already has 35 well-known Haliburton Highlands artists and art organizations and over 300 products. The number is growing weekly.
For the buying public this new enterprise offers a constant supply of Canadian made products that will be shipped directly to their home. These artistic creations can be enjoyed yourself or shared with family and friends on a special occasion.
Marie is passionate as she explains why the couple have created an online gallery for the Haliburton Highlands. “It’s simple really: this is a very talented artistic community and the work of local artists deserves to be showcased and marketed world wide. Don and I believe that MadeinHaliburton.ca will introduce both our artists and the Highlands community to an online market. ”
Since 1968 a small group of citizens envisioned that the Haliburton Highlands could become a renowned artistic centre. The rugged landscape of forests and lakes was thought to be an ideal location for artists to be creative in their home-based businesses scattered around the region. Forty years later the arts have truly blossomed in this community. It is now the home of a full-time Fleming College campus that attracts approximately 150 full-time students, and 3,500 students for week long courses given by over 150 artist faculty members who are associated with a variety of media and methods. There are 190 artists and arts related organizations registered with the Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands. It is known that this is only part of the total composition of the arts within the Haliburton Highlands as some individuals choose not to become members. There are several year round public galleries; five community museums; three studio tours; two dance studios; the Highlands Summer Festival (live theatre), the Highlands Opera Studio; and a variety of live musical performances through the Forest Festival and Folk Society . All of this has been created by a small but, vibrant community with only 15,000 permanent residents. Art “production” is one of the main economic development enterprises of this region.
Don adds that although The Haliburton Highlands Studio Tour and other tours and events do bring many visitors to see local art studios and some artists have a presence on the web, there are few “buy now” opportunities for the public to take advantage of. “We are now taking their work to the world through our online gallery and marketplace and offering people around the world the opportunity to “buy now” 365 days of the year 24 hours a day.”
Dani Stahle, one of the 35 artists participating in the website, says “I am excited to be part of the Made In Haliburton website concept! I like to think about this website as an Online Studio Tour for people who cannot make the trip to Haliburton. Marie and Don have taken great care with every detail to make sure all artists who participate are professionally represented.”
Charles O’Neil, a well-known wire sculptor, states “MadeinHaliburton.ca is a perfect marketing tool for me. Now I can spend more time in my studio creating work and letting someone else handle the selling, shipping etc. I also like the fact that it is promoting the Haliburton Highlands in general. The more attention we bring to our community the better for everyone. “
Start-up costs of the business were partially covered by a grant from the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s Cultural Strategic Investment Fund (CSIF). The Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands, The Art Hive Maple Lake Artists Collective and RightEyedDeer Press received funding from this grant to assist in marketing MadeInHaliburton.ca. A committee of the Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands is responsible for steering the process of development and will continue to provide assistance with the jurying process of applicants.
The Gage’s have been investigating and developing this idea for almost two years. Thanks to a very hard-working committee of the Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands, and the cooperation of the artists, the website is now a reality. Although the official launch is not until April, MadeinHaliburton.ca is now live on line and open for business. The exhibit featuring participating artists will be on display at The Art Hive until April 22.
Marie or Don Gage
705-286-5085
info@MadeInHaliburton.ca

CELL PHONES AND SAP BUCKETS tells stories of living in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario.

Not long ago, Neil Campbell and his best pal, The Brown Dog Jiggs, celebrated with champagne and liver treats when one of them was declared Ontario’s best weekly newspaper columnist.
These award-winning columns for the Minden Times (Minden Ontario) about their lives together in the Haliburton Highlands woods have been collected in a book called Cell Phones and Sap Buckets: Six Years on Sapsucker Ridge.

For a preview of the book, please click on:
www.crystalimagestudio.com/preview/cpsb.pdf
Neil Campbell, retired from a long career at The Globe and Mail, typed the stories, however Jiggs is the real star of the book. Jiggs takes Neil on long walks and gives him little glimpses of the secret lives led by the creatures who live all around them.

They watch a romance between two snapping turtles and the unfolding of a sibling rivalry in a heron nest that turns fatal. A hungry fawn sucks on Neil’s pantleg and a bear swats Jiggs.

Jiggs noses out clues while Neil savours the changing of the seasons. Along the way, he deals with the challenges of living off the hydro grid on 50 acres of upland hardwood forest in the Haliburton Highlands Ontario two miles from the nearest public road.

When Campbell’s not being walked by the dog, Neil makes maple syrup, cuts his own firewood and works to preserve the Haliburton Highlands landscape as a member of the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust.

Also in the book are 15 original drawings by Haliburton artist Charlie Teljeur.

Campbell’s 40 year as a professional journalist included Ontario stops with the Richmond Hill Liberal, Oakville Daily Journal-Record, Oakville Beaver and Owen Sound Sun-Times, along with the Edmonton Journal, The Canadian Press, and 26 years with The Globe and Mail.

To contact Neil Campbell at neilcampbell@xplornet.ca for information on how to order directly and for Author signature.

Copies of Cell Phones and Sap Bucketscan be purchased from the following outlets throught Ontario

Bancroft — Ashlie’s Books.
Belleville — Greenley’s Bookstore.
Carnarvon — That Place in Carnarvon.
Gelert — Wintergreen Maple Products.
Haliburton — Country Rose, Foodland, Haliburton County Echo, Maple Moon, Master’s Books, Studio Rose, Undercover Books.
Kinmount — Artisan’s Market Place, Gateway Variety.
Lakefield — Happenstance Books & Yarns.
Lindsay — Joyce’s Place.
Minden — Dollo’s Foodland, The Fast Lane, Home Hardware, Organic Times, Pharmasave, R.D. Lawrence Place, Whispers North.
Orillia — Manticore Books.
Owen Sound — Downtown Bookstore.
Peterborough — Chapters, Titles Bookstore.
Rosedale — Kawartha Lakes Trading Post.
West Guilford — Cottage Country Log Cabin Trading.
Wilberforce — Agnew’s General Store.

Or, contact Neil Campbell at neilcampbell@xplornet.ca for information on how to order direct.

The True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob’s wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn’t understand why her mommy could never come home.
Barbara looked up into her dad’s eyes and asked, “Why isn’t Mommy just like everybody else’s Mommy?”
Bob’s jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger.
It had been the story of Bob’s life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports.
He was often called names he’d rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived.
Evelyn’s bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums.
Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn’t even afford to buy a Christmas gift.
But if he couldn’t buy a gift, he was determined to make one – a storybook!
Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal’s story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope.
Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about?
The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form.
The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was.
The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn’t end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book.
Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer _ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in
their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.
That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of War ds returned all rights back to Bob May.
The book became a best seller.
Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn’t end there either.
Bob’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of “White Christmas.”
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn’t so bad.
In fact, being different can be a blessing.

The Haliburton Highlands Ontario has excellent trail systems. Be it cycling, hiking, horseback riding, or even walking in the tree tops in a canopy tour. We have the trails to suite every ability.

Combine trail adventures with GPS technology for geocashing fun throughout the Haliburton Highlands.

Mountain biking challenges are available in the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve and the Sir Sam’s Ski and Snowboard Area.

Warm up your winter with snowshoeing on over 100km or trails for dogsledding adventures.

www.trailandtours.com
www.haliburtonforest.com
www.sirsams.com
www.cyclehaliburton.ca
www.geocaching.com
www.winterdance.com
www.haliburtonholidays.com

The hosts of the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast know the trails intimately and would like to lead you to the trails of your choice.

Over 100 km of Cross Country Ski Trails are maintained by the Haliburton Nordic Trails Association as well as an additional 25km at the Leslie Frost Nordic Ski Centre. Permits are required. Check the websites for updated ski conditions.

Alpine Skiing is available at Sir Sam’s Ski and Snowboard Area in Eagle Lake Ontario. 12 groomed runs will challenge every level of ability.

www.skihaliburton.com
www.skithefrost.ca
www.sirsams.com
www.haliburtonholidays.com
Many Cross Country and Alpine Skiers enjoy the “Après ski” activities at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast. During the Winter snow on the ground months we would be happy to provide for you an ”après ski” dinner. You need only ask when you call for your reservation.
Call Sally
1-888-786-6976

Haliburton Highlands Ontario ATVing
As an ATV drivers you can take advantage of ideal conditions to follow scenic trails to your favorite lakes or hilltop lookouts. With thousands of kilometers of trails in the Haliburton Highlands to explore, you spend fun filled days immersing yourselves in the beauty of the Haliburton Highlands. And when rumbling engines stop, you often find yourself in places that few people have ever seen.
ATV riders must have a valid ATV Permit. To purchase a Haliburton Highlands ATV map or permit visit the Highway 35 Visitor Information Centre (1-800-461-7677). ATV tours and rentals available as well.

www.haliburtonatv.com
www.backcountrytours.ca
www.haliburtonholidays.com

What better place to explore the world of the arts than in the natural environment of the Haliburton Highlands Ontario? Anchored by the Haliburton School of the Arts, The Haliburton Campus of Fleming College, the Haliburton Highlands is an inspiration of the growing number of artists that live and work in Central Ontario’s playground.

Visit public galleries, museums, artist studios, community theatre, opera and more. The Arts Council ~ Haliburton Highlands provides information on arts organizations and studios to visit in its annual directory.

A heritage map is also available from the visitor information centre.

Unique attractions include the Haliburton Sculpture Forest in the Haliburton Village Glebe Park. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is a 2 km trail available year round, dotted with a variety of sculptures, making for an intriguing outing.

www.haliburtonarts.on.cawww.haliburtonschoolofthearts.ca
www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca
www.haliburtonholidays.com
The Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast is a member and business supporter of the Atrs Council ~ Haliburton Highlands. Your hosts know a number of the artists personally and can assist guests with finding their perfect gift of keepsake.

The Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast is on the property of the Sunny Rock Villa/Lodge. Although not designated a heritage building or a century home the original log structure holds stories and memories of the Finnish Village. Your host is prepared with stories and tales of the original inhabitants and takes delight is storytelling.