Red Pine Lake

The long weekend was incredible! On Monday we went on our next excursion. With over 600 lakes in Haliburton County, there are not a lot I haven't been to yet, but Red Pine Lake was one! As a water-access only lake, the opportunity to see the lake is limited, so Christine and I loaded up our friends' canoe and off we went. North West of Kennisis Lake, it took 40 minutes from West Guilford by car, with the road ending at a boat launch at the dam between Kennisis Lake and the river. Lots of room for parking as there are several water-access cottages on the lake. We met a lady at the dock who said the lake has a fabulous sand beach for swimming, so we hoped to discover it! The river was surprising - there were several areas that were narrow and shallow, lots of driftwood, and you could see the bass swimming under the canoe. But there were also lots of quite wide spots with very deep water. The river was quite calm, so it was easy paddling. Once in a while we headed close to shore as weekend cottagers passed in their boats, heading home for the week. There is a sand bar as you get close to the lake which prevents boat travel in early spring and late fall, but the water is higher now and we had no problem. Arriving at the lake, we were taken back by how large the lake is. There are several small islands, a lot of beautiful rock outcroppings and downright stunning. By the time we got up the river, our time was running low (we should have left way earlier in the day!), so we headed for an island, rolled up our pants and enjoyed the water. It was so relaxing it was very hard to leave! Red Pine Lake is one of several hidden gems in the County....we are so lucky to have such fabulous lakes that provide the best canoeing and kayaking one could ask for. We didn't make it around the lake, it was too large, we were too tired, and the day was running short, but have vowed to make a full day of it. There are a few campsites on the lake for the public - as long as you purchase a permit, and we may attempt an overnight stay so we can find the beach and explore all the nooks and crannies the lake has to offer! I found out today from a colleague that the beach is on the far side, where most of the cottages are located so next time we bring our bathing suits!!

I am catching up on blogs - so many things to talk about as the Long Weekend approaches! Town is humming, there are already lots of extra people on the streets, and in real estate - we are working day and night! I love the excitement of the first long weekend of the season - promise of boating, canoeing, hiking, fairs, craft sales, and special events! I am getting excited to attend my first Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Gala on May 28 - I even bought a new dress! This amazing group of volunteers work to preserve our natural areas through donations of land and awareness programmes. At the Gala they award Enviro Heroes each year for their outstanding efforts in protecting our environment. And as a proud Haliburtonian, I love that there seems to be a large list of people to choose from each year for the award!

The Sunday Rambles on different parts of our Rail Trail continue to be a huge success this year! Last Sunday they had a special event after the walk in Donald, with a lunch held at Camp Wanakita, and a presentation prepared by Ute Wright of Friends of the Rail Trail. Ute provided an interesting history of the community of Donald - one of many of our small communities that was once a "hub" of activity with a very rich beginning. I could not make it but have heard nothing but great kudo for the lunch and Ute's presentation. Great job! I hope we can target another community next year such as Gelert or Tory Hill.  The upcoming walk on the long weekend will be in Kinmount (May 23 - 11:00). The walk will start at the Kinmount Railway Station and heads out to Joe's Black Rock. Check out the model railway station while you are there, and if you'd like, join other walkers with a bag lunch afterward at the Kinmount Community Hall above the Artisan's Marketplace.

Well, a broken finger has slowed down my blogging - it is an akward experience, but a flyer in the mail has inspired me to push through! While I sit with my morning coffee, I notice an adorable little catalogue that was in the Echo newspaper this week called "menu". The full title is The Highlands Menu - so I got really excited. We have some fantastic places to eat, and they are spread out all over the County! The booklet is beautifully produced, great graphics and lovely design, but alas, I was disappointed. It truly is a Haliburton restaurant book, not a Highlands book - the name is very deceiving. The only restaurant highlighted outside of the main town of Haliburton is Rhubarb - we have soooooo much more to offer! There is the Algonquin Cookhouse in Harcourt - a bit of a drive to the eastern townships, but a real treat. There is The Peppermill on Hwy. 35 near Carnarvon, Grill on the Gull - a great bistro in Minden, and the list goes on! How about a fabulous meal at BonnieView Inn on their outdoor patio? Sir Sam's Inn? The Chamber of Commerce has a list of restaurants that visitors can pick up, either at the Information Centre on Hwy. 35 in Minden, or in Haliburton, but so many do not think to stop there. Here is a challenge for someone - create a great brochure of every eatery in the County! Complete with a map - link it with some local parks, rivers, places to see, so people can make a lunch or dinner jaunt! There is so much to explore!