Geocaching in the Highlands

My latest discovery....geocaching. I know, it has been around forever! But I always assumed it would be difficult - get a compass, get coordinates (from somewhere), and trek through the bush to find "something".
I was wrong! The other night my daughter and husband went for a walk after dinner, right from our front door. Christine pulled out her phone, checked her "app", and discovered that there were 10 caches within walking distance of our house, along the road - who knew???
Their leisurely walk turned into a fun, competitive hunt. Dad and Daughter each trying to find the next cache before the other. The next day I had to check out an acreage for a client, so when we were done, Christine again pulled out her app, and found two caches near the acreage. Off we went!
Now caches come in many forms. They are whatever the first person started. They can be as small as a pill container, or as large as a Thermos. There is always a small notepad so that people who find it can sign and date it. People leave little trinkets -anything really. We saw rubber bands, buttons, a toy car, stickers....anything to say "we were here". Christine has a friend who has gps "buttons" that you leave behind, and then other people take them and put them in different geocaches. You can track your buttons to see where they go. She has one that is now in Germany.I don't know where she got them, but I want to find them!

Our outing took us to Scotts Dam - a truly beautiful spot in the Highlands. We discovered a walking trail along the rushing water, and there is a lovely bench with a view! It is a great way to find nooks and crannies in the area and get you off the couch in the evening. Most are easy to find - no skill required. Although I will say we made one mistake. Since my brain regularly forgets that my body is not 20 years old anymore, I tend to make ill-thought-out decisions. One of the caches warned of heights and being careful. We got to a rock cut along the side of the road and quickly looked around to see if there was an easy way up - a trail of some kind. When we didn't find one, we went to the lowest part of the rock cut, scampered up, and then followed the ledge looking for the cache. We hit a spot where rock was jutting out and Christine quickly slipped around it. I, on the other hand, stood there for a minute, was definitely concerned for my ability to get around this big rock without becoming a pancake at the bottom, then proceeded to step around the rock anyway! A second later Christine's blood curtling scream disturbed the local residences as my foot slipped and I headed downward. Luckily my hand grabbed on and I was able to pull myself up to safety.
Now, this sounds dangerous but let me assure you that geocaching is not! There really was a trail - a safe trail! We just didn't see it!
This was so much fun - it was simple - it was free - anyone can do it - and a great way to see the Highlands! We will be doing this again, and again, and again!

The View at Scotts Dam

Rushing Water at Scotts Dam

A Taste of the Highlands....

John and I had the pleasure of going out for a wonderful meal Wednesday night - alone! Something we rarely do. We went to one of our favourite spots - Bonnieview Inn on Kashagawigamog Lake. Bonnieview offers a very casual atmosphere with amazing high-end food! We also got a window table so we could enjoy the view of the frozen lake and the lights across the lake - very pretty! Bonnieview is one of our favourites - we have been there many times, and never had a disappointing meal! Escargot for John, Creamy Parmesan Tomatoe Soup for me, then two New York Strip Steaks with an amazing peppercorn sauce! We even had dessert (but don't tell anyone :)

Last month we went to the new location of Rhubarb, in Carnarvon. Rhubarb was originally located near the ski hill in Eagle Lake (Sir Sam's Ski Resort). It was high-end, fine dining, in a fine-dining atmosphere. Late in December the restaurant moved to Carnarvon. It is now high-end, fine dining, but in a more pub-style atmosphere. You no longer have to dress up (but you can!). Come in your snowmobile gear - it's o.k. The food was divine. Love the location - lots of room, lots of parking, and overlooking the lake.

Our next venture?? Heather Lodge has a new Chef and Manager - James Jennings and Maria Micalef. James was a Chef at PineStone Resort and Wig-a-Mog Inn, and I cannot wait to eat there! I'm thinking March - just before I get crazy busy at work again.

We are really lucky in Haiburton Highlands to have some wonderful hidden gems. Check them out....you will not be disappointed! You just need to know where to look :)

The Highlands in Winter

Ducks on Horseshoe Lake

We finally had a break in the super cold, snowy weather and I took full advantage! Sneaking away from my office, just for a couple of hours, I grabbed my camera and hopped in the car. I love photography and do not get near enough time to play, so the sunshine yesterday and fresh winter air beckoned. The great thing about The Highlands is that you do not have to go far or have a lot of time to indulge in your favourite winter sport! I drove 5 minutes up Highway 35 north of Minden - never even left the side of the highway, and got to take some shots of Mountain Lake, Twelve Mile Lake, and Horseshoe Lake (o.k. - I left the highway for Horseshoe Lake). We have over 600 lakes in the Minden and Haliburton area, and my goal is to photograph as many of them as possible. I think I have been to most, but I want to capture each one. I did not have much time to look for the perfect shot, but it was fresh air! So much to photograph...how do you choose? I also got to stop at the White Water Rapids. There was a huge snow cone in the way and lots of snow joined my feet inside my boots, but I enjoyed every minute of it!
Haliburton is hosting, for the second year in a row, the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships, Jan. 24-26 and Jan. 31-Feb. 2. There are 30 rinks - over 300,000 sq. ft. of ice space, and it is just simply put .... a lot of fun. Come cheer the players on! The rinks are spread out between the pond in front of PineStone Resort and Head Lake (the lake in the Village of Haliburton). Lots of parking. It is not something you get to see every day.
Another very special and unique event coming up is Hockey Night in Haliburton - the premiere of "There's Something in the Water?". This is a documentary that tells the tale of some great NHL hockey players, from our area - told on a 40 foot outdoor screen in Head Lake Park - now there is something you don't see every day! The screening is January 25 and you can purchase tickets online at www.hockeydocs.tv . There will also be some celebrities on hand!
So that was yesterday...today it is snowing again and I am back at my desk, plotting my next big 2-hour escape!