The Yale expositor., 1900-08-17
ON MUSKOKA LAKE.
Muskoka, Ont, Aug. 4, 1900

EulJOT EApOollOI.
Residents here smile when strangers
go into eXtacies over scenes that tC
their eyes are commonplace, owing to
| familiarity. But it is no eXaggeratiOn tC
say that this is fairy land indeed, an6
such is the universal verdict of thou
sands upon thousands from our side OF
the border. In fact the Muskoka Dis
trict is becoming famous in all lands,
andaregular mecca to tourists who love
to worship at natures shrine, or are
seeking relief from life'S cares and wor.
ries, or the ailments of bodies. 1t is
spoken of as the Highlands of Ontario
and it is such, being 1000 feet above
sea level, and because of its altitude
the air is bracing, and highly impregna.
ted with ozone and all the health Civ.
ing qualities that abound in a region of
pine trees and frs.
a consumptiye sanitarium has been
established on the banks of Muskoka
lake a mile north of Grayenhurst,
and has already about 100 patients, who
it is claimed are receiving great benefit
from its life giving atmosphere.
Mrs. Brown, Carl and myself, with q
party of friends took the boat at the
wharf for brief trip to the head of
the lakes, which are three in number
on this chain, Muskoko, Rosseau and
Joseph. The first is an Indian name,
and means "Clear Sky Land, which is
very appropriate, as in fact all Indian
names are, so expressive of natures
handiwork.
Muskoka district, however, covers
quite an extent of territory, there be-
ing within its limits about 800 lakes
and 400 islands; the latter varying in
size from rock just showing its head
out of the water, with perhaps one or
two rugged scraggy pines and some
shrubby growth, to islands of larger di-
mensions covering several hundreds of
acres in extent, being generally clothed
with natures richest verdure down to
the waters edge.
The first stopping place after leaving
Muskoka wharf is Beaumaris, Ia miles
from the starting point, on TOndern is
land, where passengers change for Ba-
la, a very pretty spot and great favor
ite with tourists. 1t is at the foot of
Muskoka lake, where the waters of all
these lakes empty themselves into the
Muskosh and Moon rivers, which are
both very turbulent streams and very
dangerous to canoe navigators. Along
these rivers you will find the unadulter-
ated savagery of nature in full sway.
Very few other than Indians or hun
ters ever venturing to explore their
course down the rugged rocky beds to
the Georgian Bay.
There are several very picturesque
sights in and about Bala, the falls
claiming a large share of interest.
From Bala to Port CARING is delight
full trip, islands folding back on islands
in all shades of living green, large and
small in delightful variety as to shape
and size. Some of the smaller ones like
velvet pincushions dotted around a big
center piece. On and on we go, creep
ing in and out among them, the boat
often running so close to their rocky
walls as to be in their shadow at noon;
the life giving breezes meantime rolick-
ing through our anatomy, chasing away
all anxieties or thoughts of tomorrow.
What is said of one lake is true of all
with slight exceptions, Muskoka and
Rosseau being dark brown, almost a |
black, while lake Joseph is clear as crys-
al, objects being plainly seen at a
lepth of 40 or 80 feet. We enter Port |
CARING through Indian river, a wide |
and tortuous stream, and at this point |
enter through lock which rises two |
feet into lake Rosseau, at the head of |
which is a small village of the same |
name.
Landing here, row boats are in wait
ng to take us up Shadow river, which |
empties into the lake at this point. |
This is very interesting spot to visit.
Gliding along its mirrored surface one |
can distinctly see shadows under the |
water of every thing along the shore, |
rocks and trees, shrubbery and boat, ali |
being reproduced with marvellous dis |
,inctness. The effect is startling, weird |
and beautiful, and must be seen to be |
At Rosseau is large hotel accommo- |
1ating 150 guests. There are dozens of |
such resorts scattered at intervals all |
along the islands and coves and bays
)f the main land. These sites are al |
ways selected with an eye to the pict-
lresque, wild and grand in nature. The
)oat on every trip puts into many of |
,hese to let passengers on or off. Board |
IAN be had for 81 TO 50 per day.
At any of these points view from
he boat presents very animated
cene. When the boat whistles for the
anding you can see the guests rushing
)ellmell down the hill sides to get a
view of the landing passengers, and it
s study TO watchtheir faces at such
lines, curiosity blended with the ex-
recitation Of seeing some well known
ace, all anxious to see and be seen. On
he water may be seen gay parties. old