August 2011 Edition

What a summer we're having. The weather has been warm, well, actually HOT (and a bit humid) for weeks, sunny and mostly predictable from day to day. It even stayed nice on the weekends, which was a bonus for those looking to get outside and enjoy all this area has to offer.

Even the thunder and lightning storms have been beautiful, and the rains are welcome to keep the grass & gardens green and lush. The lightning created an interesting light show, while the rain added a rhythmic percussion to the acoustic duet of Corinne West and Kelly Joe Phelps at the Neat Coffeeshop Schoolhouse Stage the other night. The full house, encore, and standing ovation are clues to how perfect the show was at our local unique music venue. Thank you.

There's one Friday left until September, so make the most of it, and we'll be looking forward to enjoying a nice Indian Summer at "Waba Sagaigun", aka White Lake.

April 2011 Edition

Hope you had a good Winter. April 11th. Looks like the warm sunny weather (and occasional thunder showers) have helped the ice disappear from large portions of the lake today. Strong winds pushed the final large chunks down to melt at the dam weir in White Lake Village.

Some chipmunks, squirrels and many types of local birds are appearing and I've even heard some loons that are already back at the lake among the migrating Canada geese. And still no bugs out yet! So that makes perfect outdoor conditions for work, play, or just plain appreciating this wonderful time of year.

So it's time to think about renewing the fishing license, getting the boat ready to launch, stacking up some campfire wood, organizing the garden stuff and getting back into long anticipated springtime routines. Only a few weeks to Mother's Day, Victoria Day and then the June 4th Annual White Lake Yard Sale, then summer is here.

Bet's we get one more good snowfall before summer arrives? Hopefully not, but then again, this is the Ottawa Valley, and many years we do.

See you at the Lake!

Fall/Winter 2010 Edition

Seems like there is always so much to do this time of year.

The leaves are changing and falling, the Canadian Geese and other birds are migrating. The loons are still around, but not calling, and thankfully the bugs are now gone.

Kids are back in school, and summer holidays are just good memories.

Time to take the boat out of the water and winterize the motor.

One last chance to feed the quick chipmunks, with their racing stripes, the chatty red squirrels and the bluejays, always watching overhead for their chance to get a few nuts.

The pumpkins are out for Halloween, and thoughts and plans for Christmas are starting to take shape, while farmers markets and art and craft shows are in full swing.

It is a great time of the year to throw on a warm sweater and get outside and experience some of the rugged beauty of this region.

Do some raking and mow the lawn one last time this year, and enjoy the incredible (albeit early) sunsets and cool evenings with the warm glow of a campfire with family and friends.

A time to reflect on the past year, and look forward to the next, and enjoying ever moment in between to the fullest.

Summer 2010 Edition

Many fond summer memories involve being outside - after all, we do hibernate indoors most of year.

Since we were small children, summer has meant spending long hot summer days in and around Ontario, swimming in the lake or fishing with ones parents.

I'm sure many have memories like this: the sun's reflection sparkling on the bright blue lake while we swim, fish, canoe or just enjoy each other's company. But, as we approach the thick of the season, laziness can often ensue.

We've all been there, spending weekends lounging on the couch, while a picturesque summer day passes us by on the other side of the window.

Why not take it outside! With such beautiful wilderness all around us, don't be beat by the heat. Instead, take advantage of our awesome and diverse Canadian seasons by getting out and getting active.

Canoeing, camping, cottaging or swimming, whatever strikes your fancy, the White Lake region has got it all.

For fishermen and women, stock that tackle box and get your gear ready and catch some fish.

Campers can make sure everyone has a great time by following campground etiquette tips as well as important safety tips for keeping your cool around bears should you encounter one.

March 2010 Edition

What a mild winter we have been enjoying. Hardly feels like Winter sometimes. Well it is officially Spring now anyway. We've set the clocks forward an hour, so it is still light until quite late (7 pm), and even the chipmunks are now awake and playing with their red squirrel friends.

There is still a foot of snow on the ground, and fairly thick ice on the lake though, but that is melting faster now. It is not typically this warm (+16C) and sunny until May, so get out and enjoy it.

Build one last snowman, or go skiing or snowshoeing. Get your fishing license renewed.

This may be a record setting "shortest lake ice" winter on record:

1999 - 2000 - Shortest Season Ever (104 Days)
Ice On: Dec. 18, Ice Off: March 31

2010 - 2011
Ice On: Dec. 15, Ice Off: April 4

Some other good news in the paper this week was that Wal-Mart will not be expanding (invading) Arnprior, on White Lake Road anytime soon. It seemed like a bad idea anyway, with stores in nearby Renfrew and Kanata already. So that is great to hear.