ME, MYSELF & IRENE

On a lighter side I posed twice for this picture, borrowing the title from the Jim Carrey comedy. I cannot find any reference to a ship named Irene and hope someone can enlighten me. The ship makes up part of the Muskoka Adventure Playground, one of the best I've seen, sponsored by the people who literally purchased a stake in it.

SAD TIMES

I arrived at Baycliffe Park and was disturbed to find a sign posted warning swimmers about the risk from the high bacteria count. My guess is that it's due to the hot summer we've had and the amount of traffic on the lake. At least with fall and its cooler temperatures approaching nature has a chance of recovering and restoring itself.

BLOGGER'S BIRTHDAY

My eldest son Alistair turned eleven earlier this month and today Blogger turns the same. Founded by Evan Williams of Pyra Labs, it was bought by Google in 2003. I have used Blogger for the past year and appreciate it as a forum for communicating with my family and friends, as well as following some of my favourite Muskoka bloggers.

FLY HIGH

I first saw this Falcon Tandem hang glider serve a double function as a sun canopy on the beach before it was picked up by a special boat. It is launched from a platform at the stern of the cruising boat and the tow-winch line released when it soars up to a gliding altitude of 1,000 feet, then landing later on the water with its fitted pontoons.
[Visit their website and watch their Boat Tow HG Adventure video.]

BAYWATCH

The lifeguards of the popular TV series Baywatch, wearing their red iconic swimsuits, patrolled the beaches of Los Angeles County while the lifeguards at Clevelands House patrol the beach and water park at Wallace Bay, complete with their stand and a red iconic Muskoka chair, the end of another day and season drawing to a close shortly.

FOR THE BIRDS

Older boathouses often boast two storeys, the upper level originally used as staff quarters or venues for social events, then converted to primary dwellings or guest accommodations, however since 1990 the MNR has decreed that construction of any new two storey boathouses was no longer permitted, but for this owner that rule is for the birds.

Seattle

It was our first time to visit Seattle and we're in love with the "Emerald City" at first sight. Emerald City is its nickname, referencing the lush evergreen forests of the area. It's about 170 miles (270km) north of Portland, Oregon and 140 miles south of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. We would like to visit Victoria, British Columbia's capital, which is about 100 miles by passenger ferry -hopefully next summer :) Seattle has nice, cool summer weather, and a great place to escape from the heat of Dallas. Winter is wet with the temperature around 45-55 F degree (8-13 Celsius). It's a great, exciting city and people here are so charming.

This is the first Starbucks store, which has been at Pike Place Market since the coffee company was founded there in 1971. There are many tourists in this store just to buy souvenirs. Along with Starbucks, there are many companies based in Seattle, such as department store Nordtroms, internet retailer Amazon.com, Microsoft... The famous Pike Place Market- Public Market. It's really fun to visit this place. The market is big and there are a variety of goods.
The famous fish throwers at the Pike Place fish market. It's a fun thing to see for tourists. In the picture below, there was a fish in the air.
Riding on the Duck Tour was so much fun. My kids loved and enjoyed it so much. This Duck Tour bus tours you around the city on land and becomes a boat to tour you on Union Lake.

The bus becomes the boat.

1st ave in downtown. Art Museum and Pike Place Market are nearby.

Another fun thing to do, and a great way to see the city view, is to visit the Space Needle. It features an observation deck and the rotating CitySky restaurant. Space Needle has become one of the symbols of Seattle. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair, and has become the most recognizable landmark in the city. It's been featured in the television show Frasier, Dark Angel, Grey's Anatomy, iCarly, and films such as It Happened at the World's Fair, Sleepless in Seattle, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.Union Lake seen from the CitySky restaurant at Space Needle.
It was a clear day, so we could see Mount Rainier from the Space Needle.
Downtown Seattle as seen from the rotating CitySky restaurant.

Space Needle and downtown at night.Sunset at Elliott Bay.
Seattle's best waterfall: Snoqualmie Falls, located just 25 miles outside Seattle. The Falls were featured in the popular cult television show "Twin Peaks".
Thank you everyone for visiting and your comments! Wishing you a wonderful day ahead! Kisses...Hanh ;)

BEAUTIFUL BEAUMARIS

Named by the original pioneers after a resort destination in Wales and their own fond memories, its namesake provides cottagers and tourists with similar experiences. During the summer the marina is
a popular stop and in addition to selling boating paraphernalia they carry souvenir clothing printed with the logo, Beautiful Beaumaris.

WITH LIME

These two kayaks would blend in if you were to have "beer on the pier" as the expression goes, in this case Bud Light Lime with lime. These two models, the Edge 12.5 made by UK manufacturer Riot look like they would also be a riot to use, and offer a lot of bang for your buck. Just remember that if you do go out it's "water on the water."

HIGH FALLS

Often referred to as the waterfall capital of Canada, Bracebridge is naturally blessed with twenty in the area, with High Falls the largest of all and one of five that flow into this bay, a national record itself. Across from the falls, boats of the High Falls Water Park languish by the water's edge, reminding me of crocodiles basking under the sun.

WATERFRONT RETREET

Imagine yourself surrounded by nature with this charming and rustic waterfront retreet. All season road access allows you to enjoy every season and experience the best this place has to offer: nestled high among the trees commanding a bird's eye view of the Muskoka River while only steps away from the water! Viewing by appointment only.

Shoes and Clutch update

Nowadays, I love to collect Alexander Mcqueen pieces which they were designed before his tragedy. Yes, I'm still sad for what happened to him whenever I think about it. He was truly a genius.
This clutch is from the pre-fall 2010 collection and I'm lucky to have it. I purchased it at the store 4510. The clutch was sent to our apartment in Portland while we were there last week. I adore the clutch. When I flew home from Portland, I decided to carry it in my carry-on. Guess what? When I went through the security gate, they didn't allow me to carry it on! It's considered a brass knuckle; a weapon. We waited about 15' for their meeting to see if they would allow me to carry it on. It was so serious. I was so nervous and I was so thankful that they all agreed to let me carry it on. It's hilarious how a clutch could be a weapon. Actually, I understand their point. A happy ending.

These are brass knuckles.

My new addition to my shoe collection: Givenchy boots. I love the stitches and how they look old and dusty.

Another addition to my shoe collection: Alaia boots. They're so comfy.

These two pairs of Proenza Schouler shoes in the pictures below are in my wish-list. I'll be so happy if I have one of them :)

Thank you everyone for visiting and your comments. Wishing you all a fabulous day!! Big hugs...Hanh :)

St Tropez

One of the favorite parts of St Tropez was that walking around the Port of St Tropez. There are a lots of nice boats, yachts, stores, restaurants...The sunset at the port was so beautiful.

My nephew and his fiance came along with us on the trip. They both are young and successful people. I'm happy for them :) We had lunch at Le Club 55.
It was hot. We were all sweaty, tired, and happy :)
We had fun playing rock, paper, scissors.
My nephew's fiance and the kids did some dance.
So sweet! Thank you everyone for visiting and comments! Wishing you all a fabulous day ahead! Kisses...Hanh :)

PAYING TRIBUTE

On this occasion I was fortunate to arrive in time to witness the Wenonah II locking through, with the bridge raised and her mast lowered. I like to think that as she is passing the Wall she is paying tribute to the Sagamo, the former patriarch of the steamship line, its picture eclipsed by this newest ship, who carries on the legacy.

TOURISTS & TRUCKERS

During the summer months Paul Fatijewski of Waterway Tours offers sightseeing cruises of Lake Rosseau aboard his pontoon boat. When the season finishes he returns south to his home in Tillsonberg, then during winter's coldest period he gets away... to the ice roads of the Northwest Territories! There he helps police the truckers for safety.
[Watch for his cameo role in Ice Road Truckers: Dash For The Cash.]

INTO THE PAST

Covered and camouflaged with historic photographs this doorway is also a portal into the past, for beyond is a collection of antiques run by dealer Steve Hinton, a former history teacher who aptly operates his business from the storeroom of the Hanna building, a historical landmark of Port Carling and popular tourist attraction with the Wall.

Cannes, France

You probably know that Cannes is one of the best-known cities of the French Riviera, a busy tourist destination and host of the annual Cannes Film Festival. It's also famous for luxury shops, restaurants, and hotels.

We had a day trip to Cannes when we were in Provence. Before I came here, I imagined a picture of Cannes. I don't know if I expected too much... I was disappointed a little bit. It's a bit drab when you're walking along the streets; however, it's very pretty when you're off its shore and look from the ocean (this is a good excuse to be on a yatch :) And yes, we had a great time. Here are some pictures.

Look, it's very crowded and its beach is narrow. From June to September is busy season.

We also took a ferry to visit St Marguerite island, about half a mile off shore from Cannes (this is a chance to see Cannes from the water). The island is famous for its fortress prison (the Fort Royal). You can see it from the right side of the picture below. Now, it's the Musee de la Mer (Museum of the Sea) and features items recovered from ancient Roman (first century BC) and Saracen (10th century AD) ceramics from shipwrecks off the island. You also can view a number of former prison cells, including the one occupied by the legendary Man in the Iron Mask.
This is the road to go up to the Museum of the Sea.

At the entrance (the gate) of the Museum.

Here are the ceramics.
The shore of St Marguerite island.
Cannes seen from St Marguerite island.
The family picture was taken from St Marguerite island with Cannes in the background.
Pictures of my girls playing tic tac toe when we had an ice-cream snack at one of the cafe bistros on the Boulevard de la Croisette along the waterfront.

Thank you everyone for visiting and your comments! Wishing you all a wonderful day! Big hugs...Hanh :)