Fly-fishing the Beaver - GIAN B - Mountain Life Media
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
fa l l 2 0 0 9
G E O R G I A N B A Y
fly-
fishing
the Beaver
Surfing the Inland Seas
BOOTLESS ON THE BRUCE
Nomads of the himalaya
Dead Time: Haunting or Hoax?
mount ainlifemag.ca
KEEPING
IT REAL…
DEEP!
SURGEON GENE
RAL’S WARNING
Powder is highly
addict :
ive – side effects
a feeling of euph include
oric bliss, uncont
respiratory diffic ro lla bl e laughter,
ulties (choking on
overwhelming jo powder),
y and screaming
like a little girl.
Catskiing and heliskiing in the BC Rockies are world-renowned for having the deepest, driest
powder and the most diverse ski terrain on the planet. Let our lodge staff pamper you with the
highest levels of service and cuisine – for a truly unforgettable experience. Check out
Deeppow.com or call toll free 1.888.4CATSKI or 1.877.837.6191 and reserve your seat now!
Photo: Damian Cromwell Skier: Mike Douglas
Sample menu SelectionS
Appetisers
• Seafood Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
• Smoked Salmon
• Crab Cakes
• Shrimp Cocktail with
Mango Chili dipping sauce
Salads
• C&A Steak Company Salad
Mixed greens topped in maple vinaigrette,
with crumbled blue cheese, apple slices and
roasted walnuts.
• Tomato & Feta Salad
4 different heirloom tomato varieties topped
generously with feta cheese, red onions and
sun-dried tomato dressing.
Lunch
• 100% USDA Prime Burger generously
topped with havarti cheese & peameal bacon
• USDA Prime Steak sandwich
Entreés
• USDA Prime Tenderloin 8oz, 10oz or 12oz
The newest culinary experience in the Village at Blue Mountain is shaping up • USDA Prime NY Striploin
to be the Jewel in the Crown of dining experiences in the Georgian Triangle. • USDA Prime Peppercorn Striploin
• USDA Prime 28oz Bone-in Rib-eye
C&A Steak Company serves only the finest USDA Prime steaks. With a carefully
selected wine list to compliment the quality fresh ingredients, professional service
in elegant surroundings, the C&A experience is one that will have you returning
time and again. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, part of a
corporate retreat, or simply out to treat yourself for an evening, the C&A Steak
Company will create a memorable experience to make any occasion special.
Now open daily for lunch also, the perfect venue for a corporate lunch meeting
or casual get together.
Every creation is freshly prepared on site. Chef Lonnie’s sauces and soups are
simply delicious.
Proprietor Siobhan Dempsey has put a wealth of experience into designing the restaurant from the table settings to
the menu. “Attention to detail is imperative” says Siobhan “and no detail is too small in a restaurant of this caliber”.
Executive Chef, Lonnie Sundberg having held positions at a variety of high end locations throughout his 25 year career,
certainly has the right mix of experience and inspiration to be an exceptional Steakhouse Chef. Lonnie’s Iron Chef
classes and cooking courses are famous in the resort and a worthwhile fun experience for groups or individuals.
General Manager Jeremy Hall whose career has been highlighted by management positions at exclusive Caribbean islands
resorts, prestigious golf clubs, and private ski clubs, has surrounded himself with talented, highly trained and experienced service
staff. Jeremy is also the wine Stewart who has been writing lists for businesses and private collections for the past five years.
GM Jeremy Hall, Proprietor Siobhan Dempsey
& Executive Chef Lonnie Sundberg
* Join our email club today to receive information about our events, customer appreciation
nights, special dishes, wine tasting notes, updates on our Vintage Wine Selections and more.
166 Jozo Weider Blvd. Blue Mountains ON 705 444 8877 www.candasteakcompany.com
the explorer’s watch
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer II is the ultimate reference chosen by professionals
with a spirit of adventure. Successor to the original Explorer that first conquered
Mount Everest in 1953, the Explorer II, thanks to its third hand, keeps one oriented
night and day. Additionally, it is completely airtight, dust proof and scratch
resistant. Highly valued by mountaineers and speleologists, the Explorer II has
proven its durability and reliability on countless expeditions. Something any kind
of explorer can count on. Visit rolex.com. And explore more.
the ex pl orer ii
unt
m o u n taai
e i
u
nn
bl
bl
ACTIVITY CENTRal
Enter to WIN
A $5000 Vacation Getaway Package
While you and your family are having fun in Grey
County, remember to record your visit and enter your
best shot in our FUN in FOCUS photo contest.
PHOTO CATEGORIES
SPRING FUN
Golf, walk, canoe, smell the apple blossoms. Show
us how you celebrated spring in Grey County.
SUMMER FUN
Swim, dive, cave, picnic, bike, and kayak. How
did you spend your summer in Grey County?
FUN
SPRING
FALL FUN
Pick apples, carve pumpkins, go horseback SUMME
riding and explore our world famous fall colours. R FUN
What made you nd autumn joy in Grey County?
WINTER FUN FALL FUN
Toboggan, ski, snowboard, skate, snowshoe, snowmobile.
e.
Send us your favourite winter experience in Grey County.
visitgrey.ca for details and family savings
WINTE
R FUN
ravenatlorabay.com harrowsmithcountrylife.ca koolfm.com canadiangeographic.ca ontariotravel.net daysinn.com
All ReAl estAte seRvices ltd., BROKeRAGe. independently Owned And OpeRAted.
RoyalLePageCollingwood.com
At Royal LePage, we go to great lengths to attract buyers to our listings. Not only
do we have one of the largest Corporate Relocation programs in Canada, but we
are also the national Canadian partner of the Leading Real Estate Companies of
the World® who have 600 member firms in 35 countries around the globe with
nearly 150,000 sales associates committed to excellence. In today’s market, we
believe you need more than just a real estate sign and a sales associate. You
need to have a global presence.
*** Broker of Record **Broker *Sales Representative
Karen Poshtar* Doug Lindsay* Rick Crouch** Rita Giglione** Zig Glogowski* Alberto Zanchetta* Mardy Van Beest*
Cindy Ryerse* Phyllis A. Dineen* D. Barry Manchester** Maggi Olson* Sheila Shepherd* Jim Hanna* Ian Hawkins**
Helping you is
what we do.
Ralph Kertcher* Coral Robinson*
Vel Ivardi*** Vicki Bell** Neil Thain* Karen E. Willison* Doug Brown* Holly Stone* Bob Muir*
330 FIRST ST, COLLINGWOOD, ON
705.445.5520 • 1.877.445.5520All ReAl estAte seRvices ltd., BROKeRAGe. independently Owned And OpeRAted.
Ski Chalet Needs a Family! From the wraparound PRETTY RIVER ESTATES Upscale community. Heart
porch to the four bedrooms, wood burning fireplace, 330 FIRST ST, COLLINGWOOD, ON of Collingwood, beside Trail system. BUNGALOW,
basement rec room and two and a half baths, this is a 705.445.5520 • 1.877.445.5520 BUNGALOW/LOFTS, 2 sty., Backsplits $308,990-
charmer! $385,000. Karen Poshtar 705-445-5520 $442,990. Walk to town, Admiral (French Immer-
Ext 243 www.royallepagecollingwood.com sion). Rita Giglione, Listing broker 705-770-4039
THE RIDGE ESTATES $1,850,000 Incredible farm- ALPINE SPRINGS $589,000 7 bed/4 bath single Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath custom home. Exqui- One-of-a-kind! 4 bedroom, 2 bath Applejack condo,
house style stone home. This 4000 sq ft home is family property in an enclave of homes nestled at site finishes throughout, hand rubbed maple floors, numerous upgrades and the finest in finishes,
on a beautiful 1.4 acre lot overlooking the Geor- the base of the Alpine Ski Club. Enjoy the com- mahogany kitchen, granite & marble counters plus reclaimed Hemlock floors, granite counters, 2
gian Bay Club with views to the water! Call Holly munity pool & fitness centre. Call Holly Stone 705- much more. MLS 20093785 $629,000. Doug Brown fireplaces...a must see! MLS 20092441 $299,000.
Stone 705-888-5775 www.stonecustomhomes.net 888-5775 www.stonecustomhomes.net douglasbrown@royallepage.ca Doug Brown douglasbrown@royallepage.ca
Your Listing CouLd
Be detaiLed Here!
$250,000 Recently redecorated “Laguna” model 2 $699,000 Cheapest entry price onto a golf course lot $499,900 Beautifully upgraded Valiant garden suite Please contact me to discuss the market or value
bedroom, open concept, ground floor suite in Sunset in Snowbridge with river beside it. Lovely 3+1 bed- in Admiral’s Gate with expansive waterfront view, of your home – Maggi Olson Ext 248, Collingwoo-
Cove, large walkout patio. Maggi Olson Ext 248, Col- room, 3/1 bath open concept home. Maggi Olson Ext pool. Maggi Olson Ext 248, CollingwoodResort- dResortProperties.com
lingwoodResortProperties.com 248, CollingwoodResortProperties.com Properties.com
Ski season is coming! Great family chalet with 4 Privacy plus! 4 bedroom, 2 bath chalet/home, New Price $629,000–Best Value in Lora Bay. Live Executive Rental: Entertain & impress from this
bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, single car garage plus a over 2,000 sq. ft. with walkout lower level. Private the Lora Bay Lifestyle in this custom built 5 bed- prestigious 5 bdrm home on Georgian Bay, with
full basement that awaits your finishing ideas. MLS dead-end location with 131’ X 201’ treed lot. MLS room Chalet Style home. Quietly located backing gourmet kitchen & outstanding living space. Other
20092372 $379,000. Rick Crouch rickcrouch@ 20093257 $499,000. Rick Crouch rickcrouch@ onto the Georgian Trail. Call Sheila Shepherd direct Executive Rentals available. Call Sheila Shepherd
propertycollingwood.com propertycollingwood.com at 705-441-6085, sheilashepherd@rogers.com direct at 705-441-6085, sheilashepherd@rogers.com
Creemore, Village by the Park. All brick model Panoramic views of Georgian Bay! Pioneer log Ready for Ski season – Short walk to Village & 10 min to Osler Bluff Ski Club. Gorgeous 3 BR stone &
home! Still time to choose your ceramics and home with board and batten addition on 15 pri- only 2 min. drive yet far enough away for privacy frame home on 2/3 acre in Nottawa. Excellent shop/
hardwood floors. 3+ bedrooms and 3 baths. vate acres. Minutes to the Glen and Collingwood. & quiet. 3 bedroom, 3 bath, condo on desirable studio/garage. Ideal for ski house, artist or home oc-
$314,900. Call Vicki Bell direct at 705-446-4539 $799,900. Call Vicki Bell direct at 705-446-4539 Olympic Lane. $40,000 in upgrades, $289,900. Neil cupation requiring a studio or shop. $239,900. Neil
Thain 705-812-0627, www.realestatewiz.ca Thain 705-812-0627, www.realestatewiz.ca
NEW NEW
PRI PRI
CE CE
Georgian Bay Waterfront! Magnificent 3 Bdrm, 2 bth Recently updated 4 bdrm, 2 bath. Open concept, WATERFRONT BEAUTY 85 Feet shoreline, close to SPECTACULAR VIEWS of the BAY Charming new
home, approx 3200 sq.ft. Oversized lot w/inground irri- wood burning f/place, walk-out to large 2nd flr Georgian Peaks and Georgian Bay Club. 2500 sqft build has old farmhouse feel. 100ft lot nestled on
gation. Beautifully landscaped w/boat channel leading deck. Short walk to ski hills and Village at Blue. built in 2003, main floor master, unfinished base- the Escarpment between Georgian Bay Club and
to property. A must see! MLS 20091815 $889,000. Incredible views to mountain! MLS 20093768 ment, 2-car garage. Asking $1,149,900. Karen E. Georgian Peaks. Asking $795K. Karen E. Willison
Call Cindy Ryerse direct 705-446-7254 $389,000. Call Ian Hawkins direct 705-446-5136 Willison 705-888-0075, HomesofCollingwood.com 705-888-0075, HomesofCollingwood.com
GREAT VALUE! Custom built Monterra Estates MOUNTAIN SIDE A Taste of Tuscany, walk to GEN X MOUNTAIN CHALET; INCOME and/or BUILD- POWER of SALE; MEAFORD ESTATE/DEVELOP-
home, beautifully landscaped and PRIVATE back- Intrawest Village/Blue Mountain. Five bedrooms, ING SITE; 70’s chalet that offers an income history. MENT 99 acres with panoramic Bay views, minutes
yard. Live the life of recreation, dining, shops. kitchen designed for the finest chef, special fea- Featuring 7 bedrooms on a great lot with Mountain from schools, town and amenities (Sold in 2007 for
Asking $488K. Karen E. Willison 705-888-0075, tures throughout. Asking $899K. Karen E. Willison views out back. Asking $399K. Karen E. Willison $1.5M). Asking $750K. Karen E. Willison 705-888-
HomesofCollingwood.com 705-888-0075, HomesofCollingwood.com 705-888-0075, HomesofCollingwood.com 0075, HomesofCollingwood.com
Helping you is what we do.contents
58
Departments
14 Field Notes
Features 20 Feedback
58 Season’s End 22 Contributors
By the time Ken Haigh finally gets out for a day of fishing he realizes it’s the last day of
the season. In the vein of great writers from the beginning of time, Haigh takes the
24 Upfront
metaphorical approach to the sport of fly-fishing. 32 History
64 Surfing the Inland Seas 36 Golf
Sure the mercury’s dipping below the zero mark, but what can you do? Surf’s up. 40 Food
Darin Buckingham dives into the world of surfing on the Great Lakes.
46 Mountain Homes
70 Photo Gallery
52 Weekender
72 Artist Profile
78 Gear Guide
86 Back Page
mountainlifemag.ca
24 46 52 64
On the cover: Local legend Dan Fisher takes a break from home-renos
12 mountain life FALL 2009 and casts for the big one in Kimberley, ON. Colin Field photoGet in shape for the ski season.
Check out www.meritskivacations.com
for exercises from our pros!
eck
Af fl
ack
©J
Colorado
Some of the Best Skiing in North America and Merit’s Top Selling Destination.
At Merit our ski experts love Colorado for its sunny days, dry snow, après fun and endless days of powder.
Merit has the scoop on where the deals are this year at Vail Resorts, so call today for your personalized quote.
Extraordinary Resorts, Exceptional Experience.
At Vail, it’s the back bowls, Beaver Creek, the unparalleled service. For Keystone, it’s the family adventure. In Breckenridge,
it’s the historic town. No matter what you’re looking for in a winter vacation Colorado has it and it’s the best of the best.
Exceptional resorts. Countless reasons to visit. Unbelievable deals to be had with snow that isn’t easily forgotten. After skiing
in Colorado you’ll be smiling all year long. Book by Nov 1 and SaVE!
Vail Breckenridge Keystone
Voted in the top 10 ski resorts in North Come explore and be captivated Keystone Resort encompasses three
America by Conde Nast Traveler. by the history and charm that spectacular mountains – Dercum Mountain,
Breckenridge has to offer. North Peak and The Outback.
• 5 nights at Lodge at Vail • 5 nights at Breckenridge Mountain Lodge • 5 nights at Keystone Lodge
• 4-day ski pass for Vail, Beaver Creek, • 4-day ski pass for Breckenridge, Keystone, • 4-day ski pass for Keystone, Breckenridge,
Breckenridge, Keystone and A Basin A Basin, and half day at Vail or Beaver Creek A Basin, and half day at Vail or Beaver Creek
• Roundtrip transfers from Denver airport • Roundtrip transfers from Denver airport • Roundtrip transfers from Denver airport
• Taxes • Taxes • Taxes
5 nights 5 nights 5 nights
$1,310 per guest $1,121 per guest $945 per guest
Departs Jan 3 – Feb 10, 2010 Departs Jan 3 – Feb 12, 2010 Departs Jan 3 – Feb 12, 2010
US$, pp, dbl occ. Land only. Subject to availability. US$, pp, dbl occ. Land only. Subject to availability. US$, pp, dbl occ. Land only. Subject to availability.
200–111 Peter Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2H1 ON–4499356/4499372 | BC–33127/34799/34798 | QC–7002238
© Kimberly Gavin
© Jack Affleck
© Bob Winsett
1.800.268.5940
www.meritskivacations.com
www.meritskivacations.comFieldNotes
Choices
The phone rang early this morning. Too early. It was
still dark outside and the sound of wind and rain was oppressive. But
I got up anyway. And now I’m on the beach at Craigleith in rain that
is literally blowing sideways. My jeans just reached total saturation.
I can feel them clinging to my legs and my ancient Gore-Tex jacket
no longer repels water like it should. It’s soaking it up like a sponge.
Then I realize I’m shivering.
Seeing the windsurfer approach I remember why I’m here at this
ungodly hour in this ungodly weather and I raise my lens to get the shot.
Staring through the viewfinder I try to focus, but my camera goes this
way then that, beeping and struggling, confused by the layer of water
coating the lens.
Retreating to the damp foggy warmth of my car, I try to dry out but
it’s not happening. The car shakes steadily in the 40-knot wind as the
guy comes in to rig a smaller sail. His bare feet are bright red from the
cold and the rocky shoreline. Looking around at the nasty weather, the
shoreline getting pummeled with waves, I think to myself sarcastically,
Where is everyone?
And then the phone starts ringing. The news is, people are out in
this weather. A lone kayaker is riding the waves off Thornbury. A surfer
tells me that Lake Huron is going off. A bike mechanic says people are
cross-country skiing at Kolapore – there’s snow ‘up top.’
For some, if the weather is just cold enough, just windy enough and
just plain nasty enough then all the stars have finally aligned.
As the windsurfer grabs his board and heads for the water again,
I jump out of the car into the cold spray of the wind and the waves and
stare through the viewfinder again. My lens is totally fogged up.
I won’t get any shots today, so I just watch. I watch the guy blasting
off the lips of waves and throwing front loops into the cold water of
the Bay. I watch as a second and then a third windsurfer arrives and
starts rigging up. I watch as they too start slashing the waves on their
way out.
And I can’t help somewhat envying their passion, their skill and their
dedication. I envy how much fun they’re having out there. And that’s
when I know I have to leave. I have to get home. But should I grab my
skis, a kite or a kayak?
C oli n f i e ld
Editor
14 mountain life FALL 2009© 2009 Columbia Sportswear Company. All rights reserved.
THE FIRST DESCENTS ™ PARKA IS MADE FOR WINTER PASSION.
THERE’S A COLLAR VENTING SYSTEM FOR EASY BREATHING WITHOUT
FOGGING GOGGLES. IT INCLUDES WATERPROOF ZIPPERS AND A STORM
HOOD TO F I T OV ER H EL M ETS. NOT TO M EN T ION SEA M-SEA L ED,
STRETCH, WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE OMNI-TECH™ FABRIC ON TOP OF
A R E MOVA BL E DOW N L I N E R , T O K E E P YOU WA R M A N D DRY W I T HOU T
TRAPPING MOISTURE. IF YOU’RE INTO COMFORT, IT’S AN ATTRACTIVE WAY
TO ENJOY THE GREATER OUTDOORS. LEARN MORE AT COLUMBIA.COM.
Columbia Sportswear Company 705.443.5802
Located in the Village at BlueEditor Colin Field
colinf@mountainlifepublishing.com
photo editor Glen Harris
glenh@mountainlifepublishing.com
Fall At a Glance creative DIRECToR Gerad treanor
geradt@mountainlifepublishing.com
Managing EDITOR Ned Morgan
nedm@mountainlifepublishing.com
production director gerad treanor
geradt@mountainlifepublishing.com
webmaster Kevin Crawford
kevinc@mountainlifepublishing.com
CIRCULATION Don Ormsby
don@mountainlifepublishing.com 705.444.0045
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Ida Gibson
idag@mountainlifepublishing.com 705.443.1323
contributors
Leslie Anthony, Feet Banks, Eric Berglund, Kamil Bialous, Greg Bolton,
Darin Buckingham, Ed Cheung, C.G. Fuego, Rich Glass, John Haines,
Jordan Manley, Ethan Meleg, Paul Morrison, Ester O’Neill, Jeff Palmer,
meafordhall.ca Ri char d Roth, Al l en S mutyl o, Tel fer Wegg, Paul Wi l so n , Pat Wh yte
1.877.538.0463
Publisher
Glen Harris Tel: 705.441.6334
E-mail: glenh@mountainlifepublishing.com
IT’S NOT THE ROAD National account manager
THAT’S THE PROBLEM... Monique welbourn Tel: 416.937.1452
E-mail: monique@mountainlifepublishing.com
Glen Harris Tel: 705.441.6334
E-mail: glenh@mountainlifepublishing.com
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS
REGIONAL: SIMONE STERIO-RISK Tel: 705.888.1959
It’s finding THE RIGHT VEHICLE E-mail: simones@mountainlifepublishing.com
Matt Morris Tel: 519.538.2279
E-mail: matt@mountainlifepublishing.com
The markets have their ups and downs. In West Grey & Peninsula: Betty Ann Fawcett
the long run, a well-diversified mutual fund Tel: 519.986.2599 bettyann@mountainlifepublishing.com
portfolio can smooth some of the bumps, Publ i s hed by Mountai n Li fe Publ i s hi ng In c.
twists and turns, while helping you ensure Copyright ©200 9. All rights reserved. Reproduction without
permission is prohibited. Publications Mail Agreement Number 4 0026703.
a more secure financial future Retur n undel i ver abl e Canadi an addr es s es to :
Mountai n Li fe Magazi ne, Box 5 8 6 , Thor nbur y, O N N0H 2P0
Tel : 70 5 .4 4 1 .6 3 3 4 FAX: 5 1 9 .9 2 2 .3 0 9 9
mountainlifemag.ca
Mountain Life is printed on paper that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
FSC is an international, membership-based, non-profit organization that supports environmentally
appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Call for a free consultation 705.445.9125Just a sample of what’s
happening this fall…. Meaford Scarecrow Invasion
mid-September – mid-October
Meaford’s Big Fall Weekend
October 2 – 4
Scarecrow Invasion Parade & Family Festival
Sydenham “Big Fall Weekend” Trail Hikes
Apple Orchard Tours
Woodford Turkey BBQ
Apple Harvest Craft Show
Meaford Municipal Farmers’ Market
Fridays until Thanksgiving
“Changing Colours” Art Show & Sale
October 3 – 25
Dragons’ Den Meaford
October 21
Meaford B.I.A. Christmas
Window Unveiling
November 21
Call 1-888-MEAFORD (632-3673)
for tourism & event information www.visitmeaford.caPROMOTION
If it’s in fashion, it’s at Furbelows
Massage Therapy
Reduces Stress
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of illness
is stress related. Perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally
and externally, than high stress. In warmer weather months
though, we have more opportunity to escape this everyday
stress and tension. We typically take time away from work or
escape our regular routines, to enjoy great outdoor activities.
furbelows
Biking, hiking, golfing, swimming are just a few popular
activities that benefits our bodies & minds. Massage therapy
can also play an important role to improve overall health
while recondition the body after physical activity. Eliminating
clothing B shoes B bags B belts B jewels anxiety and tension in our lives may be idealistic but outdoor
activities along with registered massage therapy can improve
38 bruce st s thornbury 519.599.5422 Monday—Sunday our outlook on life and help us deal with stressful situations
www.furbelowsfashions.com in a healthier way. Registered massage therapy, which is a
health plan benefit for many of us, can be a vital preventive
tool for injury, illness and stress management. Whether you
exert yourself physically on a regular basis or not, the benefits
of massage therapy are:
All Aboard for our NEW attraction...Rocky the Train!
.
• Relieves stress and promotes relaxation
m i l y F u n
• Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
Fa at Scenic Caves
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained
ligaments by reducing pain & swelling & also reducing the
formation of excessive scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance
www.sceniccaves.com •705.446-0256 • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
Suspension Bridge • Reduces blood pressure
• Relieves tension-related headaches
Caves and Caverns • Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
Gemstone Mining • Strengthens the immune system
• Enhances sleep quality
Big Rock Railroad
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
Family Picnic Area
In essence, getting a massage can do you a world of good.
NEW Playground Getting massaged frequently promotes a healthy lifestyle
Mini-golf and well-being. So, be sure to treat those muscles to a nice
relaxing registered massage. Whether your arms and back are
Snack Bar / Gift Shop sore after a day on the fairways or your legs are sore after
a day on the trails, your body will thank you for the healthy,
relaxed feeling.
Daniella Luciani RMT
Daniella works at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain. Enjoy a
registered massage treatment & the renowned Scandinavian
RUNNING / HIKING SHOES REQUIRED Top of Blue Mountain Baths experience. For more information, call (705) 443-8484
or visit www.ScandinaveBlue.comCASUAL DINING
Located in the original Blue Mountain Inn,
the Pottery is the best place to dine out &
celebrate with friends and family.
Our varied menu and exceptional service make
it easy to cater to groups and get-togethers.
Experience our warm casual atmosphere,
seasonal specials & incredible breakfast buffet.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Children’s menu available.
OPEN DAILY 705.443.5509
ORIGINAL APRÈS
The original Jozo’s bar in the Blue
Mountain Inn has been a long-time
favourite hangout for après activity.
Located at the base of the slopes,
it’s the perfect ski-in haunt for resort
guests and locals alike to enjoy the
spirited atmosphere, live bands and
special events.
Jozo’s is also the perfect place for
sports teams and groups to gather.
www.bluemountain.ca 705.443.5508Feedback
DO IT IN THORNBURY
Mi n u t e s f ro m Blu e M ou n tain R esort
Long May
You Skate
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you in regard to the Mountain Life article in
which you featured longboarding.
I want to thank you for the article. Will, and the late Ian Cotter,
are my nephews and your article brought tears and touched my
- 2009 - heart. The loss of Ian has devastated our family and your article
CALENDAR OF EVENTS left a piece of Ian that really and truly was Ian. Not to mention the
bang-on description of Will.
I would also like to ask you if you could take a moment to pass
this letter to Andrew Christie and thank him for writing a beautiful
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL - Oct 9th - 12th memory of our Ian.
Activities for the whole family Sincerely,
Cathy Cotter
THORNBURY TREE LIGHTING - Nov 13th
The Boarderline story received more response then perhaps any story
OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS - Dec 12th that has ever run in Mountain Life. We’re happy to have helped your
family remember your lost nephew. The passion, skill and fearlessness
it takes to break the 100-kilometre-per-hour mark on a skateboard is
an inspiration to us all. –Ed.
No Bikes Allowed
Dear Gentlemen,
The most recent issue of Mountain Life states that our trail
is open to mountain biking along the Bighead River in Meaford.
This is not the case. Our trailhead signs indicate that the trail is
only a walking/hiking trail and is not designed nor approved for
biking by the private property owners along the trail. I am not sure
from where you received your information, but it is not correct.
Would you please, in your next issue, inform your readers of the
situation and hopefully avoid any unpleasant confrontations? In the
meantime, we will erect some additional signs to try and head off
bikers from using the trail in an unauthorized way. You are right
about one thing though, it is a beautiful trail and we are pleased
that you agree.
Ron Knight, President, Trout Hollow Trail, Bighead River
Oops. Sorry about that. If we had an editorial intern to blame, trust
me, they’d be out the door. If there was a fact-checker we could fire,
we’d fire them. Unfortunately our bare-bones crew of writers and
photographers sometimes forgets that just because it’s fun, doesn’t
mean it’s legal. Thanks for being so understanding on this and we’ll
be sure only to direct hikers your way from now on. –Ed.contributors
eric E r i c B e r g lu n d
Eric Berglund is a freelance photographer, fisheries biologist, father,
surfer and outdoor enthusiast based in Thunder Bay, Ontario on the
shores of Lake Superior. He is well rounded in aspects of life that bring
creativity, adventure, sweat and happiness and he focuses his passion
and lens on capturing these moments in everyday living. Eric is also
purveyor of The Fresh Aspect, a blog filled with photography of his
adventures, wild places and simple existences from home and abroad.
thefreshaspect.blogspot.com
All e n S m u t y lo
Born in Toronto in 1946, Allen Smutylo is an Ontario College of
Art Honours graduate. He has exhibited in countless national and
international shows and is included in over 300 corporate and public
collections. Smutylo’s work has won numerous prestigious awards
including Graphex and the Sapporo International Print Biennial. His
adventures and art were featured in Radio-Canada’s film The Last
Frontier. Allen Smutylo resides in Big Bay, Ontario. Check out his work
at allensmutylo.com
Da r i n B u c k i n g h a m
Darin Buckingham currently resides in Barrie, where he is in proximity
to the shores of Simcoe, Huron, Ontario, and Erie. He can be found
along the Great Lakes shores surfing and kiteboarding, on the roads of
Ontario as a sales representative in Ontario’s Action Sports industry, or
in the Collingwood area during the snow season. His interests are many:
surfing, snowboarding, kiteboarding, mountain biking, windsurfing,
sailing, music, art, and travel. Darin is co-founder of originsurf.ca
G r e g B o lto n
For many years, Greg Bolton worked as an advertising copywriter and
a ll e n Da r i n
occasional journalist. Recently he and his wife, Liz, dropped everything
and opened Pantry, a gourmet food store and café in downtown
Toronto. While the store occupies most of his time, he contributes
writing and photography to many publications including Edible Toronto,
goodfoodrevelation.com and the music site rockpeaks.com. He also
writes a regular column for the Bell Sympatico website. Greg is proud
father to Benjamin, 5, and Andre, 2.
K a m i l B i a lo u s
Ontario presents diverse outdoor opportunities and having grown up Greg Kam i l
here, photographer Kamil Bialous is continually trying to discover new
hidden gems. Shooting for seven years, Kamil photographs outdoor
adventure and the culture living through it – with a focus on kayaking,
climbing, and travel – but in the end, it’s purposeful people who make
compelling images. In his time off he does what he photographs: surfing,
travel, and the pursuit of happiness in the backcountry. Many of his
photographs can be found at kamilbialous.com
22 mountain life FALL 2009It’s Great to be a Man in Times like These
Scott Waters
www.scottwaters.ca
September 30 - November 1, 2009
Opening Reception and Artist’s Talk
October 3 , 2009 7-10pm
Juried Photo Show: November 4 – 29, 2009
Gallery Hours
Wednesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm
Sunday 12 - 4 pmupfront
Boot(less)
on the Bruce
There’s a world record for just about anything these days: most t-shirts worn at
one time (155), longest lawn mower ride (23,487.5 km) or the most books typed backwards
(67), are just a few examples. Sometimes you can’t help but think to yourself, Why didn’t
I think of doing that? Well, here’s your chance. No one, yet at least, has managed to hike
the entire 885 kilometres of the Bruce Trail barefoot. But someone is working on it.
Wolf Starchild (yes, that is his real name), a.k.a. ‘Wolfmaan’ started his shoeless assault
on the trail in June with a 60-day leave of absence from his job. He set off strong, covering
over 100 kilometres in the first week, and just under 100 the second week. Then, due to Toetally record-breaking.
C.G. Fuego photo
poor weather and a lack of campsites on the trail, he spent the third week at his home in
Niagara-on-the-Lake. “I really don’t want to be forced to break the law to
complete this expedition,” he says in a press release,
explaining how he couldn’t get permission to camp
along the trail.
Weeks four, five and six saw him cover about
another 244 km (he was going home on weekends
to dry out his gear from the wet summer), but it was
on week seven that his through-hike came to an
end. After drinking some contaminated water he felt
a little light-headed and ill, and fearing what could
happen if he passed out on the trail he requested
A soleful approach to the Bruce Trail. extraction, according to his blog. A family member
C.G. Fuego photo picked him up somewhere on the Dufferin Hi-Lands
section of the trail.
Growing up in the country Starchild explains that
he has always hiked barefoot. But when he joined
a hiking club in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area, the
club said he couldn’t come with them without shoes.
He was a liability. It was then that Starchild came
up with the plan to complete the entire Bruce Trail
barefoot.
“I didn’t ever mean to be out to set a world record
by hiking the Bruce Trail barefoot,” he states on his
blog; “it’s just who I am.”
With no injuries to report so far, Starchild says
the most challenging parts of the trail are the road
sections – especially the gravel sections, which are
particularly hard on his feet.
Now returning on weekends to wherever
he previously left off, Starchild is continuing his
expedition. As we go to print, Starchild is only just
at the halfway point and admits that he won’t hike
barefoot in temperatures below 10 degrees. Which
suggests that perhaps, he won’t complete the trail
until spring or summer 2010. Starchild is the first
person to complete the Niagara, Iroquoia, Toronto,
Caledon Hills and Dufferin Hi-Lands sections of the
Bruce Trail barefoot. Will he be the first to complete
the entire trail? That depends on whether you think
your feet are up to the challenge.
Learn more about Starchild on our online
exclusive page at mountainlifemag.ca ml
– Colin Field
24 mountain life FALL 2009more than just great buns * Daily lunch specials * Homemade bread & baked goods * Eat-in or take-out * Free wireless internet! * Dinners-to-Go * Frozen Entrees * Catering thornbury bakery café 519-599-3311 12 Bruce St South Thornbury - Closed Mondays
upfront
Where
the Wild
Things Go
A prime piece of waterfront real estate on the
east side of Meaford is going to the birds. And the
raccoons, deer, foxes, turtles and any other native
wild animals in need of help.
The Toronto Wildlife Centre, a not-for-profit
charity dedicated to rehabilitating wild animals,
recently received a donation of 82 acres from
Dr. Bohdan S. Zaputovich and Dr. Maria Hrycaiko
Zaputovich. The landowners have left the property
untouched since the 1970s and though it once
hosted a clay tile factory, the only building still
standing is a small cabin. The forested land borders
the Georgian Trail on one side and Georgian Bay
on the other.
According to TWC Executive Director Nathalie
Karvonen, “the site is fantastic especially for doing
outdoor rehabilitation work. Many of the animals
we work with – all native wildlife recovering from
injury or illness or from being orphaned – require
a lot of space.” Larger flight cages for birds of prey
and larger pools for aquatic birds are among the
much-needed facilities planned.
Though for the first few years it will probably
not be open for the public to bring wildlife to – that
would require building emergency medical facilities
– Karvonen hopes to see activity on site by next
summer. “The needs are pressing right now to They tried to make me go to rehab…
have access to large outdoor enclosures. We had Colin Field photo
four river otters this past winter and nowhere to put
them. We were forced to rig tunnels from one cage More acreage will also allow the TWC to take in white-tailed deer fauns. “Nobody in
to another. The Meaford facility will allow us to take the GTA and very few rehabilitators in the province can rehabilitate deer fauns right now
in more animals, and rehabilitate them faster.” because they require a lot of space,” says Karvonen. According to Dena Lewin, former
Vice President of the Alliston and District Humane Society, development in the southern
Georgian Bay region has severely displaced the deer population. “These animals have
nowhere to go. You wouldn’t believe how many orphaned faun we’ve brought in this
year.” Lewin was trained in animal rehabilitation by the OSPCA (Ontario Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and nurses orphaned baby raccoons and many other
animals in her Meaford home. In the past she’s been obliged to take the animals to the
nearest facility, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau. Lewin stresses that a wildlife
rehabilitation centre is desperately needed locally to deal with deer and other animals
(such as foxes) hard-hit by development. “People say we’ve got too many raccoons or too
many squirrels … but compared to what? When you think about it, the human population
is completely out of control. We devour habitat.” ml
–William Shelley
26 mountain life FALL 2009Fall
Programs
featuring
•Guess Garden Grown Bird Feeders with the Serpent Beneath explores common
•Kushies Anastasia from the Flower Farm
Thursday, October 15, 7:00 pm
paradoxes of these relationships and has
received rave reviews from both Quill
•Organic Wear Cost $15 (all materials included in the cost) and Quire and The Globe and Mail.
Space limited. Register at the library *In partnership with Jessica’s Book Nook
•Baby Legs Terry Fallis Book Talk Deirdre Kelly Book Talk
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 pm
Sunday, October 18, 2:00 pm
Terry Fallis, author of the Stephen Leacock An amusing reminiscence of growing to
Award winning novel, The Best Laid Plans, womanhood through eight visits to Paris,
will be reading at the Library. Award winning Globe and Mail columnist
*In partnership with Jessica’s Book Nook Deirdre Kelly talks about her new book
Paris Time Eight.
Georgian Bay Reads *In partnership with Jessica’s Book Nook
Saturday, October 24
Join us for a rambunctious evening at Saturday, November 7 ,1:00-4:00pm
the Station on the Green in Creemore Join local jewelers and Grey Grannies for
Support our defender, local author this excellent one day pre holiday shopping
Ken Haigh, as he makes persuasive opportunity! Part of all proceeds will be
arguments for his selected Canadian going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
book title. Read along with us, and feel
the excitement of Georgian Bay Reads! Steve Hoffmann Tribute
Sunday, November 8, 2:00-4:00pm
Erika Ritter Book Talk A Reception and Art Show to honour
Wednesday, October 28, 1:00 pm the memory of Steve Hoffmann. The exhibit
Animal lovers join us for a compelling will include various works created by Steve
talk about human-animal bonds; Ritter’s including paintings, sketches, architectural
recent book, The Dog by the Cradle and models and photography.
FLOWERS ON MAIN
15 Bruce St. S. L.E. Shore Memorial Library 183 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
Thornbury 1/4 page ad opt 2 12/13/07 4:43 PM Page 1
519 599-6606 • 1 888 867-0976 519-599-3681 www.thebluemountainslibrary.ca
�
blue mind.
YOGA
b o d y.
l i s e s m u l d e rs ke r i s a ley
signy teague laura euesden
519.599.6901 info@blueyoga.ca
w w w. b l u e y o g a . c a
for information + schedules
spirit.upfront
Home sweet home!
Inspiration is what it takes to add a special touch to
the place you call home. Sometimes it’s just one wall
of colour, sometimes a revised point of view
on the lighting that calms your moods, sometimes one
great new piece of furniture that makes it all come
together so you can’t wait to get home and just
hang out. Downtown Collingwood, with 22 shops
specializing in home style, is the place to The good old days. Telfer Wegg photo
Scott Hunermund/At Home Interiors – one of 22 outstanding! homestyle shops and galleries in downtown Collingwood.
find that inspiration, and take it on home to sweeten
Country
your life.
Convenience
Last summer found mountain bikers, hikers and road cyclists
repeatedly disappointed as they rolled up to the Ravenna General
Store, famished for their favourite baked goods. After nearly 126
years of service, there was no longer a store in Ravenna. And no
butter tarts to soothe a rumbling belly.
www.collingwooddowntown.com Thankfully Roy Genoe and his wife Monica Wolf have stepped
in to remedy this dire situation. With plans to open October 1st,
Genoe has gutted the interior and is installing an industrial kitchen.
They will offer soups, sandwiches and baked goods from Sara’s
Incredible Edibles, the Blue Mountain Bakery and the new kitchen
itself. Renamed the Ravenna Country Market, this will once again
be the place to get your laminated map of the Kolapore Uplands
trail system.
At one time a thriving community complete with a post office,
blacksmith, shoemaker, sawmill, wagonmaker and, in its heyday, three
hotels, Ravenna’s original incarnation of the General Store opened
in 1883. In 1946 it relocated to its current location and has been a
staple in the community ever since.
And as the road cyclists give way to cross-country skiers,
it’s good to know Genoe is also installing insulation into the old
building, meaning for once, the store will offer warm, calorie-filled
treats as well as a warm place to thaw your bones. Selfishly we
wish congratulations and good luck to Genoe and Wolf; because
nothing beats a chocolate bomb after sweating your way through
The Gulch. ml
–C.G. FuegoCHA:CHA 9/24/09 7:07 PM Page 1
Your mouth waters!
It seems almost not fair for one little downtown to
have such a heady population of superb chefs. Each
dedicated to make your taste buds go dancing.
Each committed to presenting you and yours with a
memorable meal, and counting on you to come back
time and again. There are 34 cafés, pubs, specialty
gala fundraiser foodie shops and restaurants, tucked away
DANCING here and there in Collingwood’s historic downtown.
Just follow your taste buds!
for
Mario Brunello/Brunello‘s 27 on Fourth - one of 34 outstanding! foodie stops in downtown Collingwood.
DOCTORS www.collingwooddowntown.com
The Raven Grill at Lora Bay
Saturday, November 7th
8:00 pm
t i c k e t s $ 12 5
(substantial portion tax-deductible)
shuttles provided
For tickets email dancingfordoctors@yahoo.ca
or call MaryLiz Hoffmann at 519.599.6279
www.communityfamilyhealthcentres.org
About 2,000 people in our area cannot find a family doctor. Money raised from
this event will build clinics in Thornbury and Meaford to attract doctors.2010: Escape the crowds.
Photos: Adam Stein
No hassles. No lift lines. Pure simplicity.
SKI & STAY FROM $89 PER DAY PER PERSON*
Ski some of Canada’s best snow while enjoying
convenience of the slopeside village and ski-in, ski-out
accommodation at Canada’s 2nd Best Ski Resort.†
SKI FREE DAY OF ARRIVAL, JUST
SHOW YOUR BOARDING PASS!‡
It’s easy to get here! Non-stop to Kamloops Airport from Vancouver and
Calgary, and same plane service from Edmonton. From Toronto – fly
Kamloops via Calgary, or non-stop to Kelowna.
Central Reservations 1-877-212-8021 or visit www.sunpeaksresort.com
*Starting from price is based on 4 nights and 4 days skiing package, double occupancy in standard hotel or suite. Blackout dates are December 24, 2009 to January 4, 2010 and March 6 – 14, 2010. Taxes extra. Subject to
change. Upgrades to townhomes and condos are available. †Condé Nast Traveller reader poll, 2008. ‡Via WestJet Calgary connections only, valid for half day afternoon of skiing day of arrival, must surrender boarding pass.
Find out how YOU
YOU can be the Sun Peaks
Snow Bum at www
www.snowbumcanada.comALL THE TRAILS AT BLUE
LEAD TO ONE SPOT...
FALLICIOUS - 2 FOR $23*
GET ANY TWO PIZZA’S OR PASTA’S
OFF OUR MENU FOR JUST $23!
AVAILABLE OCTOBER 22 - DECEMBER 3
* Dine-in only. Does not include the Build Your Own Pizza.
Taxes & Gratuities not included.
SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
LIVE BANDS EVERY SUNDAY STARTING @ 10PM
GREAT DRINK SPECIALS & DOOR PRIZES!
Check out our website for
updates and band line ups!
PIZZA • PASTA • PINTS
Healthy Food For Your Active Lifestyle
IN THE VILLAGE AT BLUE firehallpizza.com 705-444-0611
Treat Yourself Today
HUMBERTO PINOCHET
“Paris Exhibition” November 2009
Exclusive Showing
The Village at Blue Mountain
705 445 4999history
Where’s the Mystery Machine when you need it?
dead time By N e d M o r gan
p h oto by C oli n f i e ld
Owen Sound’s Billy Bishop Home & Museum hosts a paranormal investigation
“Up table. Up table. Up table,” we chant. We display cabinets, installations and mannequins featuring militaria, artifacts and clothing.
repeat the words until they sound so clunky that I We’re gathered here to participate in a paranormal investigation organized by the
almost begin to laugh. After about four minutes we Museum and Jeff’s Paranormal, a group based out of Barrie. According to Museum curator
fall out of unison until the net effect is no longer Mary Smith, the house has a history of haunting. She describes various reports of movement
chanting but an unhinged babble. But I can’t laugh, in the attic, cold spots on the stairs and poltergeist activity in the kitchen. More recently,
not here, not now. We’re standing around the table several eyewitnesses have reported apparitions in Victorian dress.
in a serious attempt to levitate it and make it ‘talk.’ Founder of the not very imaginatively named Jeff’s Paranormal, Jeff Ostrander’s sturdy
To my amazement, it begins to move. build, height and booming voice make his presence central in a crowded room. He begins
with an introductory talk explaining the layout of the investigation. He’s more interested
The Billy Bishop Home & Museum, a National in the science of ghost hunting, though he has worked with many mediums (those able to
Historic Site, is the birthplace of William Avery ‘Billy’ communicate directly with spirits). Tonight is an all-business investigation, medium-free,
Bishop (1894-1956), the World War I fighter pilot with lots of surveillance gadgets. On the main floor in the former kitchen there’s a base
credited with a record 72 victories and famed for his station complete with five video monitors fed from cameras in different rooms of the house,
solo missions deep into enemy territory. Though quite and part of our job as investigators is to sit periodically in the base station watching these
plain on the outside, the 1884 Queen Anne Revival monitors for activity.
house on downtown Owen Sound’s 3rd Avenue Tonight’s participants are quite varied, with couples both young and older, ghost-
West is nonetheless full of rich period detail including experienced or merely ghost-curious, a few lone ghost enthusiasts plus a sister and
decorative woodwork, original Victorian furniture, and brother from Wiarton, Shauna and David, who of everyone present, seem to have the most
32 mountain life FALL 2009COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO
Prof ile:
Patrick Coulter
Shaw w oo dw ork S
“Collingwood is one of Canada’s best kept
secrets. The Town and surrounding area
offers the amenities of a world–class, four
season resort. The community was built and
continues to prosper through cooperative Passion:
municipal government and with great respect Golf: beautiful, challenging
for family values. public, semi–private and
private clubs.
Our business designs and builds commercial
Skiing and après ski:
store fixtures and information kiosks which Blue Mountain Village.
we ship across North America. Theatre: professional and
All of this is located 40 minutes from the live, produced by Theatre
Trans–Canada highway and one hour Collingwood.
and 40 minutes from the Toronto
International Airport.”
Let Collingwood show you the
ideal place to grow your business
...and your family.
Naturally Wonderful
Town of Collingwood, Economic Development • investcollingwood.com • email: ecdev@collingwood.ca
Call:1.888.265.9663 or 705.445.8441(ext.3234) • 105 Hurontario St., Collingwood, ON L9Y3Z5history
experience of ghosts. We’re divided into three groups. in great respect and would like to make contact with you…” And just in case the spirit is
My group begins with an EVP (Electronic Voice a technophobe, she adds: “There is a machine in the middle of the room – a microphone
Phenomena) session in the parlor, the showpiece and a tape recorder. Please do not be afraid of this, as it will not harm you.” Then, following
room of the house, with ornate settees and cabinets around in the circle, we introduce ourselves, and the questions begin: “What year is it? …
and a ceramic-tiled fireplace with fluted columns. As Do you like dolls? … Are you happy or unhappy? … Where are your friends?” and so on.
both digital and analog voice recorders roll, our group Nobody responds to us.
will sit in a circle to try to summon spirits. Later my group heads upstairs for a “dead time” session in the old master bedroom (we
As a prelude to the EVP session, Jeff plays the can use the d-e-a-d word, just not when addressing spirits directly). Dead time is also an
group an unidentified voice he recorded at an earlier, EVP session of sorts, as we take turns operating a parabolic microphone, a homemade
non-public investigation at the Museum. Assistant contraption in which the mic is surrounded by a metal cone to increase its sensitivity. We
paranormal investigator Tara Vandermeulen, a serene also take readings with two kinds of thermometers. Nothing happens, and Tara begins
young woman who specializes in EVP, talks to the to make overtures: “If there’s anyone here, could you make two knocks to let us know?”
group about the recording process. “You’re trying Silence. “You don’t have to be afraid of us, we’re just here to visit.” Silence. “This is a very
to find a sound that shouldn’t be there. Sometimes lovely home, we’re very happy to be here tonight.” More silence. D-e-a-d silence.
ghosts sound electronicky. Sometimes you’ll get a yell For a few minutes I operate the parabolic microphone, which is on a long handle and
that no one reacts to in the room … it’s about finding attached to headphones, but all I hear is a constant white noise that causes pressure to
something that’s not quite right.” build in my ears until I’m forced to take off the headphones. When I describe this to ghost-
The recording Jeff plays falls into the “not quite experienced David, he tells me he’s had similar experiences in haunted places: “Sometimes
right” category. He plays us a strange voice calling you get a feeling like someone’s holding a glass over your ear, that vacuum pressure.”
what sounds like the words “Shot it!” It sounds male, Someone listening nearby says, “I’ve felt that! I always thought it was just something wrong
but with a youthful quality that renders it almost with my ear.” David replies: “No. That’s a ghost trying to tell you something.”
feminine. Yet the voice is abnormal, especially At around midnight, we take a break in the kitchen and David’s sister Shauna tells me
in the way it appears in the recording – you can that as she was on her way into the house before the investigation began, she saw an
hear the investigators talking and then the voice, apparition – the face of an old man in the attic window. I ask her to describe his expression.
sounding urgent, suddenly drowns them out, like a “Like a kid playing hide and seek,” she tells me. The attic is used for storage and was
clumsy overdub. The voice is distorted, compressed- locked and in complete darkness at the time. I press Shauna a bit. “Was he looking at
sounding. Says Jeff, “We did not hear that when we you? Or just looking out?”
were recording. It happened while we were setting “No, he was looking at me.”
up in the base room. At that moment, I had the porch “How could you see him if it’s so dark up there? Was he glowing?”
door open. Maybe the voice is telling me to ‘shut it!’ “No, his face was pressed right up against the window.”
because I wasn’t supposed to have that door open.” Other than this tidbit, and another unconfirmed sighting of a shadow in Billy’s bedroom,
“Shut it,” not “shot it” – this certainly sounds the consensus is that we’re getting spirit-skunked.
plausible. “I don’t like to tell people what I think it is,” To close the evening, Shauna and David organize an impromptu Up Table session
Jeff continues. “I like to play it for them and hear what in the old master bedroom. We place our fingertips lightly on the top of the table and
they think it is. Everyone hears an EVP differently.” begin our chanting. Ideally, after enough chanting, the table will rise on two legs and
Whatever it is, I’m convinced it ‘talk,’ swinging up and down against the floor, acting as a conduit for
is not a hoax. Any hoaxer would spirit communication.
surely plant scarier words. The The table slides away from us. As we chase it, our chanting suffers.
randomness of it suggests radio Before we David calls to us, “Brace it with your foot to keep it from sliding!” but once
frequency interference – which we brace, the table stops moving. And when we resume position and start
can be caused by two-way radios begin, Tara chanting again, the table begins to slide, but refuses to be corralled.
or electrical devices in the vicinity Still, the fact that the table moved on its own is thrilling enough.
whispers:
– but this seems to me a very Shauna and David tell of Up Table sessions where tables danced
remote possibility. “we try to across a big room.
My group settles into our Shauna finishes with a comment that seems to sum up the evening:
chairs in a circle, hosted by Tara avoid the “They’re just making a game of staying one room ahead of us.”
Vandermeulen. With the aid of Jeff Ostrander and his colleagues and their modus operandi may be
flashlights in the darkened parlor, d-e-a-d influenced by television shows such as Ghost Hunters and Paranormal
we ask pre-written questions State. However based on fact these shows may be, like any television
on pieces of paper handed out word program, they’re the product of laborious editing and storyboarding.
to us, one by one at 15 second Knowing this, I can never fully accept their validity, no matter how
intervals. Before we begin, Tara
in our convincing. These programs may not be all-out hoaxes, but in the editing
whispers: “we try to avoid the questions room everything is heightened for the sake of salable television and we
d-e-a-d word in our questions to can never distinguish the lived experience from the show. During the
the spirits.” Then she preambles to the spirits.” investigation at the Billy Bishop Home, there was little suspense. I can’t
with a message to anything that explain all that I saw and heard that night but one thing is certain – it
might be listening: “We are here wasn’t television. ml
34 mountain life FALL 2009Golf
Tough Putts, by j e ff palm e r
Fierce Fairways
With dense forests, bogs, and ravines all ready to
rob your tee shot, this region boasts some tough “Going up!” Osler Brook’s 18th.
holes. A pro shares some coping strategies.
This is an amazing area for golfers. In the past decade the region Hole #4- Mad River, Par 4, 572 yards
has blossomed: we are now home to some of the finest golf courses in This thing will give the most seasoned golfer nightmares. On the tee
our province and a legitimate destination for golf nuts from around the of this Bob Cupp–designed torture chamber of a hole it’s hard not to
world. From name course designers such as Hurdzan and McBroom to feel claustrophobic. Coming out of a very narrow shoot there is danger
the hosting of marquee events such as the Telus World Skins Game, everywhere. It’s like being on the set of Indiana Jones and the Temple
these tracks have it all and possess an element of challenge that will of Doom. You need a bullwhip and a fedora to keep it in play here. There
have even the scratch capper quivering with anxiety. As if the game is a dense forest to the right of the fairway and a bog to the left and
wasn’t tough enough, here are the region’s toughest holes. once in the fairway a lay up to about 150 yards is the most intelligent
play. Lashing it to the front of the green and getting down in two for a
Hole #1- Georgian Bay Club, Par 4, 453 yards par will seem miraculous.
The opening number at this beautiful Michael Hurdzan–Dana Fry
designed layout is not for the weak-hearted. Entranced by the Hole #11- Raven at Lora Bay, Par 4, 486 yards
shimmering views of Georgian Bay an unsuspecting player can easily Even though the prevailing wind helps a player on this Thomas
forget about the disaster that lurks on either side of this fairway. A large McBroom/Tom Lehman designed masterpiece of a hole it often swirls
ravine on the left side will gobble up tee shots that are fearful of the making this hole more confusing than the Pythagorean Theorem.
deep fairway bunkers to the right. If a hack is lucky (or good) enough to A bombed drive will still leave a long iron to a narrow green that is well
find the fairway then a deft iron shot to a tight and sloping green waits. guarded by deep bunkers lined with tall fescue. Hitting a power fade
Putting at this award-winning course is tricky as greens are undulating here will leave the expert golfer with a good look at the green from the
and very fast. Number one is no exception. An uphill putt here is ideal left side where the pin will be more accessible. This hole evokes rural
to making a low score. Good luck, chop. Ontario with a hallmark rustic barn as the backdrop. A par will seem
like a birdie on this beefy beauty.
Bunker imminent. Raven at Lora Bay’s 11th.
36 mountain life Fall 2009You can also read
