Killarney Tales

Happy Canada Day

2007-06-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Canada Day is just around the corner, and the sun is shining brightly over the Killarney Channel. One week after the Summer Solstice, balmy breezes are welcoming early visitors to Killarney Mountain Lodge.

The weather this spring has been spectacular, and the lucky few who visit before the mid-season rush are glad to have arrived.

Many of our guests arrive by plane, but none so spectacularly as the ones who landed on the lawn last week!

Flying all the way from Southern Ontario and the northern USA, these incredible home-built SeaRey aircraft are a labour of love.

We look forward to welcoming visitors arriving in all shapes and sizes of land, air and sea craft!

Happy Summer.

Spring Sunshine

2007-05-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Early spring walks along Georgian Bay bring a smile to everyone's face! Spring has arrived, and summer seems to be right behind the blooming flowers and trees.

One of the best things about hiking early in the season is that you see a whole new landscape. Without thick green leaves on the trees, you see everything. It's almost like you've been invited into some private space that Mother Nature keeps hidden the rest of the summer and fall.

The ice has melted, boats are in the water and canoes and kayaks are starting to explore shorelines in Killarney Park and out along Georgian Bay.

Guests at Killarney Mountain Lodge arrived this week, with sunny skies and fresh air blowing through the screen doors of each cabin.

And if you look closely, you might even catch a glimpse of the majectic moose, munching as he wanders along the side of Highway 637 ...

Happy spring, and we'll see you in Killarney!

2007-04-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

This friendly Canada Goose drifted along the Killarney Channel last week, wondering where to find a friend.

Imagine her surpise to see a thin layer of ice only a few days later (see below)! April has arrived, but spring didn't appear at the same time. Or at least, it appeared, but was gone all too quickly.

As Killarney begins to thaw, everyone is slowly emerging from the warmth of winter's cocoon.

The Herberts have been breaking ice each morning to fish for pickerel and whitefish. Birds wake up chirping as the days begin earlier. And skiers have become hikers as the trails open up in Killarney Park.

We're just a few weeks away from the first visitors to Killarney Mountain Lodge. Conference goeers, wedding guests and workshop participants will be arriving soon.

Canoeists and sea kayakers are itching to get out paddling. Killarney Outfitters staff are sorting boats, paddles and camping gear for the first adventurers to arrive.

We're all getting ready, so how about you help us along, Mother Nature?

See you soon.

Winter Has Arrived!

2007-02-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

Shimmering sunrises over Georgian Bay greet us each morning as we contemplate the day. As February's cold temperatures harden the ice in the Killarney Channel, you can hear cracking and popping as watery Georgian Bay butts up against the fragile ice. Sometimes, when a big east wind blows up a storm, you can hear the waves crashing against the Killarney East Lighthouse.

Gone are the days, it seems, when Georgian Bay froze solid.

Did you know there was no road access to the village of Killarney until 1962? Solid ice was a must in those days, as the only way in or out was over the ice 22 miles to Little Current on Manitoulin Island.

A favourite Killarney legend is that of the Killarney hockey team. With no competitor to play against, the team skated enthusiastically to visit their closest rivals - the Little Current team. After a fast-paced game of hockey, miraculously they found the energy to skate home again.

Now THAT'S commitment!

Here's hoping you find time to visit Killarney Park in winter. This photo from mid-February shows off George Lake's magestic granite shoreline.

Showshoeing and skiing along park trails, or right down the middle of George Lake ... what could be better?

Bottom's Up! Happy New Year From Killarney

2007-01-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

As 2007 begins, thoughts of boating in Killarney rise to the surface (so to speak). Although there is snow on the ground this morning, you can see from these photos that winter hasn't exactly moved in here on northern Georgian Bay.

The Herberts were busy just before Christmas, preparing the famous fishing tug Playfair II for the 2007 season. It was quite a sight to see - a 70 foot boat being hauled up on shore in the little village of Killarney!

We felt there was a certain symbolism with the start of 2007, New Year's resolutions, and starting afresh.

Happy New Year from everyone at Killarney Mountain Lodge & Outfitters, and we hope to see you here this season.

Don't forget to come cross-country skiing in Killarney Provincial Park once the snow settles in!

Happy winter.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

As American Thanksgiving approaches, memories of Canada's holiday celebration last month bring a smile to our face. Thanksgiving in Killarney was sunny, warm and wonderful this year.

Flowers bloomed, a soft breeze blew across the waves and everyone was out exploring Killarney Park and Georgian Bay. The trip to Johnnie Lake outpost was a highlight for some, while others enjoyed sailing aboard Stormy Night.

Still others paddled out to sea by sea kayak, even circumnavigating George Island on Monday morning.

Families gathered, friends returned together and everyone celebrated this special day with much feasting, time around the crackling fire in the Carousel Lounge and lots of laughter.

The annual leaf hunt was let by the intrepid Annabelle East, who led the decorators in search of coloured leaves to make the Dining Room festive for Thanksgiving Dinner.

To all our "American Cousins" about to enjoy their own turkey this Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving from Killarney!

Autumn Adventures on Georgian Bay

2006-09-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

Sea kayaking along the peaceful shoreline of Georgian Bay is a great way to spend a September morning. The air was cool today, the water flat calm and the sky blue and clear. We've had so much warm weather this month that today feels a little more like fall with a nip in the air.

That's the wonderful thing about autumn in Killarney, you never know what the weather will be like.

Guests have arrived all bundled up for a fall chill, and found themselves luxuriating in the pool for their kayaking wet exit. Hikers have shed layers before heading up to the LaCloche trail.

Many visitors to Killarney arrive in the fall to relax, slow down and enjoy the solitude of Killarney Mountain Lodge.

Sitting by the water with a book is as energetic as many people want to be, and that's just fine. Muskoka chairs are calling ...

For the more adventurous, Labour Day weekend brought Killarney's Second Annual 'Round the Island' Race for sailboats of all shapes and sizes.

Local sailors, visiting yachties and some who were just out for an afternoon ride joined forces for Killarney's fundraising regatta.

Killarney's favourite 'pirate ship' the Thomas James looked resplendent as she sailed past the lighthouse.

The winds weren't quite up to sailors' standards, but everyone had fun and promised to return for next year's race.

There's something for everyone, in September on Georgian Bay. For many, it's the best time of the year.

And although we'd like more people to share this time with us in Killarney, part of each of us hopes that it stays our wonderful secret!

July Sunsets on the Bay

2006-07-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Early July skies show off Georgian Bay more than any other time of the year.

With the sun setting after 9:00 pm, we watched the sky turn multiple shades of purple and pink. A few lone boats glided down the Killarney Channel after a sunset cruise, and the water lapped against the dock near the centre of town.

Killarney's famous landmark, Herbert Fisheries, shone in the evening light, just before the sun set. Visitors are flocking to the site of this well-known eatery. The Herberts head out each morning at 6:00 am on the dot, looking for whitefish. This is a local favourite, along with trout and pickerel, which is served in many local restaurants in Killarney. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!

Enjoy summer nights on Georgian Bay.

Flying to Killarney

2006-06-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Killarney Mountain Lodge, astonished to see two aircraft parked in front of the lodge, wondered how it was possible for two large aeroplanes to land on what appears to be such a short runway.

Answer - these Grumman Wigeons, like their namesake feathered friends, are amphibious and can land on terra firma or on water. They waddled up from the Killarney channel over a concrete ramp and cuddled up sedately on their nest.

What a way to travel!

Friendly Wildlife Welcome to Killarney Outfitters

2006-05-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Long Weekend visitors to Killarney Outfitters got a friendly welcome from Mamma bear and her three little cubs. Cars with canoes on the roof and excited families peering out the window stopped along Highway 637 to catch a glimpse of our furry black friends.

We couldn't get close enough to show the cubs playing in the pine tree, but if you look closely, you'll see a little black figure to the left of the flagpole about halfway up.

At one point, all three cubs were balancing precariously on the branch, almost looking like they were going to jump off! Mother was busy munching on grass, and left her young to learn the ways of tree climbing on their own.

The cubs played along the tree branch, then danced their way down the trunk and out onto a lower branch. The bravest cub swung herself off the branch and hung on with one paw, almost as if it was a human hand.

We coudn't think of a better family of hosts to welcome the first canoeists, campers and kayakers to Killarney Park.

The trip home would not be complete without a moose sighting. This friendly guy seemed to be contemplating the world as everyone drove by on Tuesday morning.

Happy adventuring in Killarney. The temperatures are predicted to soar above 25 degrees this week - look at the great weather forecast!

Jennifer

Dramatic Spring Arrival

2006-05-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes spring has a funny way of letting us know she's arrived.

Last week, with a little snow remaining on the ground, intrepid Killarney Mountain Lodge guides and maintenance gurus Steve, Scott and Shane were preparing to burn brush in the back field. After carefully preparing the brush pile and ensuring that the surrounding snow would prevent the spread of fire, Scott lit the match.

A few seconds later, a rustling noise caught everyone's attention. Lo and behold, a furry black yearling bear scurried out and ran across the field into the bushes. Guess that's the end of hibernation season!

With the arrival of our furry black friend, the melting of snow and an early paddling season in Killarney Park, you can feel spring in the air. Intrepid campers are heading out into Killarney Park, Lodge staff are busy cleaning and preparing for opening day this Friday, May 5 and the sun is warm for those who sneak a moment to lounge on a Georgian Bay rock.

Happy spring on this lovely May 1st day.

Jennifer

No April Fool's Joke!

2006-04-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

No April Fool's Joke!
Annabelle East hasn't had much of a break this month. Oops, that's not funny. Energetic walking on the Killarney treadmill (literally and figuratively), can lead to a broken thumb, surgery and a full cast for six weeks.

Hoping to find her way out of da place, Annabelle tries her hand at hitchhiking. No luck so far, so she's busy preparing for her 45th summer at Killarney Mountain Lodge. Good luck with the healing process, Annabelle!

First Guests Check-in to the Pilot House
If you look closely, you can see the first visitors to Killarney, making their way up the shoreline to the Pilot House on the morning of April Fool's Day. No joke, these Canada Geese found dry land just after the ice melted away from the Killarney Channel.

As the staff at Killarney Mountain Lodge & Outfitters start to open up the doors for the summer season, the ice is melting, the sun shone brightly this weekend and the seagulls are squawking in the first days of spring.

It won't be long before opening day on May 5th. Michelle and Bonnie are taking calls in the Reservation Office, booking holidays, canoe and kayak daytrips and sailing cruises aboard Stormy Night.

Killarney Channel Breaks Up

2006-03-31T05:51:00.000-08:00

Spring Has Arrived!

You always know it's spring in Killarney when the Herbert family tackles the ice in the Channel in front of Killarney Mountain Lodge. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were out walking and snowshoeing along Killarney's other 'main street', the Channel.

As temperatures rise and the ice loosens up, the Herberts started up the Warren L II and roared down the Channel. Depending on how thick the ice is, Captain Eric will resort to backing up and taking a run at it. Some years, we've watched the boat plough the bow right up over the ice, until it is half in, half out of the water.

Just to give you a sense of how locked in the Warren L II was in early March, here's a shot of the stern (photo taken while standing in the middle of the Channel).

As temperatures continued to fall at nighttime over the last several weeks, the ice would freeze up again each evening. That's no longer the case, as warm temperatures have left the ice in pieces, but no longer solid.

As snowshoeing turns to thoughts of hiking, canoeing and kayaking, everyone is gearing up for a fabulous spring start to the outdoor recreation season in Killarney.

Killarney Mountain Lodge Reservation Manager Bonnie Sharp finds biking to work a whole lot easier now that the streets aren't covered in snow and ice.

Angela is thinking about springing canoes out of the store at Killarney Outfitters.

And of course, everyone's waiting for the first Herbert catch, and a tasty box of fish and chips.

Killarney Tales

2006-03-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Double the Fun on Historic Birthday Sunday

Two of Killarney's entrepreneurial giants (well, relative giants in a village of 350 people) celebrated important birthdays this week. Maury at Killarney Mountain Lodge & Outfitter s doubled the age of Ross at Herbert Fisheries on Sunday, March 5, 2006.

That's right, Killarney's bigwigs span more than two generations in their quest to provide holiday magic to visitors to Killarney Park and this rugged coastline of northern Georgian Bay. The exact numerals were not revealed, of course, but suffice it to say that there's a lot of combined wisdom between the two of these fellas.

Maury begins his 45th season at Killarney Mountain Lodge in May, manages up to 75 staff with his wife Annabelle and can be seen walking the treadmill before most of his seven working days each week. Ross stickhandles the fishing, retail and famous fish & chips operation of Herbert Fisheries. Ross and his wife Jennie work with multiple family members to run this well known Killarney landmark.
Maury and Ross shared a little birthday cheer together on a the sunny Sunday afternoon of their joint birthday. As the snow thinks about melting and the sun shines, both are looking forward to the 2006 season in Killarney.

Happy Birthday to you both!

Jennifer