Posts made in August, 2014

A Perfect Storm Comments Off on A Perfect Storm

A Perfect Storm

That is…no wind.  But it did not start out that way.  As I’ve said and written many times, “there is lots of money around, but there are not that many great ideas!”  As typical with me, we just had to add persistence, determination and partners who ‘get it’ and say – “Im in!”   These were the words spoken by Jay Mothersil who owns Muskoka Paddle Shack on Highway 11, just south of Gravenhurst, and a new, perfectly located operation across from the famous and history-laden Bala Bay Inn. Working with the SaveTheBalaFalls.com  folks, we wanted something iconic that had the potential to be viral.  Once the idea germinated, the project became mostly logistics:  weighted anchor bags (thanks to Dons Bakery), lots of rope, skilled guys on paddle boards working the water, and prayer to the Muskoka weather gods for no south wind.  And let’s not forget the land team hoisting the 38 kayaks over hill and dale and into the waters of Bala Bay. For 45 minutes old ‘Murphy’ sat on my shoulder laughin at me trying to abort our mission, but after four hours, we problem solved our way through to a terrific design.  Once 95 percent complete we sent ‘Drone2’ up for a video peak and then...

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Take 2 – Back In The Saddle Comments Off on Take 2 – Back In The Saddle

Take 2 – Back In The Saddle

OK – so it’s Drone2 reporting in!  Drone1 is somewhere at the base of the South Falls in Bala in Muskoka at an undetermined depth, due to pilot error and what was a raging current at the time!  Gopro and all…gone…along with what would have been some pretty amazing video footage of the falls.  So ‘lesson #204’  learned. Typically determined, and persistent to a fault, i climbed back on that horse 5 days later with a new rig, new gopro and a new appreciation for pilots everywhere. Having taken ground school and flown ‘circuits’ for a few months, I already had an appreciation for ‘flight’  but Drones are another breed of airborne wizardry.  Since re-shooting the Bala Falls and several cottage jobs to date, I have realized how crucial pre-planning is to the outcome of a project, for customers who yearn for these high res photo’s and high def videos. If you are a real estate agent, business owner, or cottager, and are seeking a partner for these services, you’ll find my business proposals unique, affordable, and the quality and quantity of my output fantastic.  Nothing less. Plus, you won’t find ANY drone pilots who have my Muskoka marketing expertise.  Call me, and I’ll help you close a property...

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Not A Done Deal

Bala Power Plant – Not a Done Deal!  Our Feds – Transport Canada, must provide approval under the Navigation Protection Act before any in-water work can commence.  We’ve asked Minister Tony Clemet to include public consultation in this matter.  Why would they not??  We have many concerns about SAFETY. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the proposed generating station would be remotely- and automatically-controlled?  Video cameras would only be as good as the lighting and weather conditions – and the remote operator’s attentiveness – permit.  NOT good enough for safeguarding life given how many people will be both up, and down-stream of this location, day and night, and in all seasons of the year. Based on the weather, there may not be any way for those nearby to know if the water is safe. Our Concern – HELLO !!! During the summer months, the variable and treacherously turbulent water would occur often enough that it would always be a “clear and present danger” Action:  Please Help – Our representation for such federal matters is through our Minister Clement, you can e-mail him at And…. SIGN UP our newsletter at www.SaveTheBalaFalls.com  ...

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Let’s Help Gary Froude Comments Off on Let’s Help Gary Froude

Let’s Help Gary Froude

SWS (Summer Water Sports) raises funds for “Bring Gary Home” – Monday, August 4 For the Daily Rehearsal on Monday August 4 only please:  At 7pm on Monday, August 4, Summer Water Sports “SWS” will donate the proceeds from their weekly Monday evening waterski show to support the “Bring Gary Home” fund. Every Monday, SWS ‘passes the hat’ at Clevelands House and the marina next to the resort, to give audience members the opportunity to show their appreciation. More than a year ago, Muskoka’s Citizen of the Year, Gary Froude, became ill with an unknown virus.  Since then Gary has been on life support due to paralysis throughout most of his body including his diaphragm.  He remains active in the community through communication with his wife Gayle Dempsey, and his sense of humour is intact. A fundraiser concert was held by the local Rotary Club in January at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka, with Canadian celebrity musicians Ian Thomas and Marc Jordan.  The concert raised over $25,000. Last week, Gary learned that the “Bring Gary Home” vision will soon be a reality.  Gary has been accepted into the West Park Home Ventilator training program.  He will soon have a new wheelchair that he can control on his own, and...

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Clowning Around With Peppy Comments Off on Clowning Around With Peppy

Clowning Around With Peppy

Growing up as a child from age 4 – every summer in #Bala, #Muskoka, I have, of course, some specials memories.  Going to Cunninghams (now purksplace) for worms to fish and fish and fish, would be one…. but often, on rainy days (and others too) I’d be fortunate to go visit Paul Arnie at the #BalaArcade. Paul, the Bala Arcade owner, if you do not know him, is ageless. My wonderful wife thinks he has a magic potion in the back, an elixir, because he has not aged.  He was there when I was a child, then our 2 children, now our 3 grandchildren.  July 26th was MAGIC, as my eldest grandson and i walked in, just as Paul opened the store, and all the lights came on – around the store and on ALL the machines – the games in full color regalia – the sites and sounds – oh my!!  It was a scene out of Willy Wonka ! Finns eyes (and mine too ) LIT UP…. I must admit that i was so surprised that Peppy the clown and the old fortune teller still worked!  Paul must be an engineer as well!! Pictures can tell a story too but hopefully these words conjure some fun images.  My grandson...

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