Tag Georgian bay

The Falls at Go Home

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The falls at Go Home are a great place to visit by dinghy or small boat, the journey being just as fun as the destination!

Go Home – a beautiful water access cottage community just north of Cognashene – recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. There are a few stories about how this area was named, the more popular being for the loggers who drove the timber down the Musquash river system into the Bay during the 1800’s – once they had delivered their log booms to the local wharf for transport by steamer, their job was complete and they could “go home”.

By the turn of the 20th century that same wharf began to welcome what would become the original “Go Home” cottage settlers, along with supply ships throughout the summer months bringing mail, visitors, and sundries. Today it is still the social hub of the community, hosting many get togethers for the local cottage association members to participate in.

The Waubic approaching Go Home Wharf (photo courtesy Madawaska Club, ca 1915)
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Love the Lichen!

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You will see them on Georgian Bay this summer covering the most exposed rocks in hues of yellow, orange, grey and green – these wonderful organisms are often confused with moss. We admire their beautiful colours however many don’t realize the critical role lichens play on the Bay!

Southeast Wooded Pine Island

A unique combination of fungi and algae, lichens form and spread on surfaces, building a foundation for moss, grass and other plant life to grow under the harshest of conditions. They release an acid that breaks down the rock but over a very long period of time. And when illuminated by the final rays of a Georgian Bay sunset, their glow is spectacular! ❤️

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Georgian Bay Forecast, Wind, and Water Level Website Links

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When out on the Bay I like to do quick periodic checks of forecasts, especially when enjoying a long dinghy day trip. Tired of going to the various websites I decided to compile everything I need onto one page so I can quickly access the information from my phone or tablet.

Note that this is not a substitute for regular MAFOR updates and you will need cell/internet service to access these (which is not available in all areas on the Bay). And it is always best to monitor Channel 16 on your VHF for marine warnings from Canada Coast Guard.

After clicking a link and viewing the info, if you wish to return to my page use the arrows on your browser, not the “X” or you will leave my site.

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A Turtle Tale

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The arrival of spring means just a few more weeks until these beauties emerge from their hibernation habitats and with two things on their mind – to find food and a little “tail”!

Snapping Turtles are the largest freshwater turtle in Canada and noted as “Special Concern” under the Ontario Endangered Species Act. Their biggest threats are from people or environmental factors such as predators invading the nests and habitat loss. During the winter they remain underwater, buried in mud, only too happy to break free once the ice melts and the days begin to get longer.

Minnie of Go Home
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Buying a Used Power Boat

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If you are using the winter to search for a new-to-you power boat, I have some advice to share as a fellow boater which I hope may help you have a better experience. I can’t tell you what boat is right for you but I can offer a few important tips and recommendations you may want to consider before submitting your offer to purchase.

Who’s kidding – buying a boat can be scary as hell, especially when it’s your first time but even again when it’s your second! All that hard earned money going towards something that’s only going to be used 5 or 6 months of the year and for most of us, only on weekends 😫 But once that boating bug bites, it’s in your system and it becomes impossible to think of anything else! But that’s not to say there aren’t a few challenges along the way.

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