Rice Lake Ripples

The water was so calm today – the carp were flopping around near the shore making the only ripples on the lake.  The geese moving forward without any water movement made it look like they were in a goose police line-up!

The only other water motion was from FET taking off….

Driving to Toronto this afternoon for a function I was once again teary-eyed at the number of people on the 401 overpasses waiting for the procession to pass by.  Fallen soldiers are honoured as travel from Trenton to Toronto on the Highway of Heroes.  It’s very sobering.

Just in case you hadn’t noticed…..summer arrived today!  You can smell the lilacs and hay as you drive into the Resort….the grass is growing so fast we can’t keep up and the temperatures were calling for air conditioned comfort.  Aaahhhhh

Rodeo Day

Today was roundup day at the stables….it’s all hands on deck for the rodeo – the cattle get their shots, get deloused, have their tags checked, get a thorough looksee by our vet, Brent Hoff, before going back to the pasture.  It’s very Temple Grandin. Each heffer has a distinct personality and the babies are not used to the chute – they are anxious to get back to their moms. The cattle call brings them all together; the horses are curious and the exit from the chute can be dramatic.   After it’s all over you can’t help but think what a nice herd of Black Angus we have!

Photos of a beautiful wedding recently held at the Resort are available for viewing at:

www.annajones.ca/blog/tag/elmhirst-resort/

Sunshine Just Ducky

Saturday morning on the trails – this group of adventure riders (note mix of men and women, all ages) enjoyed a brief stop to check out GPS routings and discuss lunch……Sunday morning was sunny and perfect for a last group ride – although many of the riders enjoyed fresh doughnuts in the Wild Blue Yonder instead.  Great weekend, super people and lots of laughs……join us next year and be a part of the fun.

The ducklings are just about ready to move to the former chicken coop…..they love the water (swimming and drinking from the same pan).  They are cute and entertaining….stop by for a visit when you walk up to the stables.

Adventure Rally Rocks

Excellent day for the Eastern Ontario Adventure Rally – riders were up for breakfast at 7:00 am and groups departed for their 400+ km routes by 9:00 am.  Luncheon stops enroute gave everyone a chance to catch their breath and clean up.

Everyone returned to the Resort for a hangar party and barbecue.  Zab (Chef de BBQ tonight) served up a wonderful feast of steaks, baked potatoes, sauteed onion sticks and mushrooms from his barbecue.  Rhubarb and apple crisp a la creme fraiche for dessert was most popular. The campfire, with guitar pickers and marshmallow gangs (kids of all ages), was a great way to end the most amazing day!  These riders are really nice folks, well, interesting anyway….who knew!  Hope to see you all next year.

One group had time for a photo at the Ranney Falls Suspension Bridge in Campbellford. That’s what it’s all about….seeing the area by bike.

Welcome EOAR

The adventure riders have arrived  -  ready to set off tomorrow morning on various routes, some more challenging than others.  I think the bikes will be muddy when they return late in the day.  This is the third annual rally for adventure riders – more family members joined the group this year to enjoy pony rides, spa treatments and the great outdoors.  There is great energy here this weekend!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to our US friends.

Stanley Cup News….the finals will feature Boston against my Vancouver Canucks – oh yeah!

Water Cooler Chatter

After the rain there is apparently much to chatter about at the bird feeders……this is the human water cooler experience – individuals meet to chat about life, reality tv, their bosses and co-workers or the weather.  These birds (the finch brigade) were so noisy I had to check it out!

Wilma has sent out email notes to past guests letting them know we miss them….do you know anyone who hasn’t been for awhile that we should contact?  Let us know….there’s something in it for you!

Back in the Saddle Again

It appears the blog is healthy again (whew)….I’ve missed you all. Even the geese were frustrated to miss the daily news.  We survived the end of the world; gas prices went down; a football hero won Dancing with the Stars; America chose a country Idol: another space mission blasted off; summer arrived; tornadoes swept across the US; Vancouver Canucks are going for hockey history; our chickens haved moved on up to the east side; our ducklings arrived and are still under the heat lamp; the horses have been in training for trail rides; the docks are in and the fishing is good; the grass won’t stop growing and the Resort looks ready for your arrival!

This weekend we welcome the Eastern Ontario Adventure Rally (EOAR) – an amazing group of motorcycle riders who love going off-road and talking about their exploits.  This is the 3rd Annual gathering…they’re almost family!

Most of our Junior Recreation/Food and Beverage servers attended their prom here last week – seeing them all dressed up and having fun – I felt like a proud parent. Congratulaitons to Jenna Craft, Prom Queen.

Hope that catches you up……

Woodland Treasures

A walk in the woods will be rewarded with a look at a rare Jack in the Pulpit;  trilliums (the distinctive provincial flower of Ontario-blooms for a short time in spring, found in the shade) and then a total contrast with the apple blossoms in our little orchard.  The lilacs are also blooming.  It makes for a very scentful walk.  Sounds kinda Zen.

Surprises everywhere!

If walking in the woods is not your thing, you can always sit on The Patio, enjoying a cool drink and taking in the gardens.   Everyone defines wildlife differently.  I hope you find yours here!

Don’t Lose Faith

Technical problems with blog have made it impossible to post photos or daily updates…..I am assured it is being handled….in the meantime I have been posting to facebook – photos and news of the day.  Hope to be up and running soon….standby.

Fiddleheads for Dinner

Fiddleheads are a local (Northern perhaps) delicacy – I asked Martina to show me how to gather them – it wasn’t as easy as you would think.  You have to dig deep on the plant and pull to get the best ones -it takes a lot to fill a bowl.   Martina finds a nice swampy area and collects her fiddleheads for the kitchen who in turn prepare them in soup, as a vegetable with salt and pepper and as a garnish.  They are described as earthy and nutty tasting.  Only available until they start to unfurl, you have to be fast!  Try them in the Hearthside or Wild Blue Yonder while they last….

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