Ontario Cottage Resort Travel Tips

Murder mystery month continues in April 2009

2009-04-06T08:19:00.001-04:00

Murder mystery month continues in April 2009. Same deal. April 25 Stratuws Wines featured at the Winemakers Dinner at Elmhirst's Resort. Six course dinner with wine pairings only $99 pp - stay overnight after dinner for only $149 pp. Reservations 1-800-461-1940

Contact Information: 705-295-4591 or 1-800-461-1940 elmr@elmhirst.com www.elmhirst.com

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

New Birds are migrating back to Ontario

2009-04-06T08:14:00.002-04:00

New birds are arriving daily. (sounds like an ad for a clothing store!) It's much easier to spot them without the leaves on the trees.

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Great Time of Year to see Wildlife

2009-04-06T08:11:00.002-04:00

Before the leaves are back on the trees, it's a great time to see wildlife.

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Peterborough Kawartha Events

2008-06-13T15:11:00.002-04:00

Annual Greek Festival presented by Greek Festival

Thursday June 19, 2008 To Sunday June 22, 2008
Location: Millennium Park
Contact Information: 705-740-2724 www.orthodoxchurchpeterborough.com

2nd Annual Golf Tournament presented by Kawartha Lakes Chamber of
Commerce, Eastern Region

Thursday June 19, 2008
Location: Tamarac Golf & Country Club
2nd Annual Kawartha Lakes Chamber Golf Tournament. Partial proceeds going towards prostate cancer research for the Canadian Cancer Society, Peterborough Unit. Registration at 11am, shot gun start 12:30pm. 18 hole, scramble format. Cost is $125 per golfer (includes golf, cart, steak dinner and prizes), $30 for dinner only.
Contact Information: 705-652-6963 info@kawarthachamber.ca

Strawberry Moon Festival presented by Public Energy

Thursday June 19, 2008 To Sunday June 22, 2008
Location: Various Locations
Come out to experience a diversity of Indigenous artistic expression and events including gallery
talks, film presentation and a music showcase at the Ode'min Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Festival.
Contact Information: 705-745-1788 patti@publicenergy.ca www.publicenergy.ca

Eerie Ashburnham Ghost Tours presented by Trent Valley Archives

Friday June 20, 2008
Location: Corner of Hunter St / Driscoll Terrace in East City
Ghost walk through Eerie village of Ashburnham.
Contact Information: 705-745-4404 admin@trentvalleyarchives.com
www.trentvalleyarchives.com

Drive-In Theatre presented by Mustang Drive-In Theatre

Friday June 20, 2008 To Sunday June 22, 2008
Location: Mustang Drive-In, 2134 Preston Rd, Cavan
Featuring one of the largest screens in Ontario. Gates open at 8pm, show starts at 8:45pm each
night. Please visit the website for movie schedule. Admission is $9.50 for adults, $3 for children
under the age of 12 (cash only please).
Contact Information: 705-745-0241 mustangdrivein@yahoo.com www.mustangdrivein.com

Richard Cole Hypnotist Show presented by Golden Beach Resort

Friday June 20, 2008
Location: Rice Lake, 7100 County Road #18, Rice Lake
Come out and be amazed by comedian Richard Cole! Combining the best of stand-up comedy
with the hilarious antics of your friends. Age of majority event. Tickets are $10 each can be
purchased in advance from Golden Beach Resort or Mike Jarvis. All proceeds donated to the
Roseneath Fire Department. Memories to last a lifetime! Doors open at 8pm.
Contact Information: 905-342-5366 info@goldenbeachresort.com
www.goldenbeachresort.com

Kawartha Speedway presented by Kawartha Downs & Speedway

Friday June 20, 2008
Location: Kawartha Downs & Speedway, 1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville
Late Model 100/ LLM/ TC/ MS
Contact Information: 705-939-66316 www.kawarthaspeedway.com

National Aboriginal Day Pow Wow presented by Whetung Ojibwa Centre

Saturday June 21, 2008
Location: Whetung Ojibwa Centre, Curve Lake
A celebration of our heritage, with drums, songs and crafts.
Contact Information: 705-657-3661 mwhetung@whetung.com www.whetung.com

Scottish Teas presented by Peterborough Historical Society (Hutchison House
Museum)

Saturday June 21, 2008 To Sunday June 22, 2008
Location: 270 Brock Street
Scottish Tea, served on the terrace in the period garden, includes fresh baked scones, preserves,
whipped cream, oatcakes, and tea, lemonade or ice tea. Complimentary tours of the 1840s
restored stone house are included with the teas.
Contact Information: 705-743-9710 www.nexicom.net/~history

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

What's Happening in the Haliburton Highlands

2008-06-12T06:55:00.003-04:00

What's Happening in the Haliburton Highlands

Get Outdoors

HATVA YAMAHA 'BEAR RALLY' Saturday, June 14 HATVA YAMAHA "BEAR RALLY" Sat. June 14th (this event replaces Anson Mtn ride) Your first opportunity to test the 2009 Yamaha models in Canada. You'll be seeing and riding new models never seen at any dealership. This is Yamaha's official 2009 launch in Ontario and you don't want to miss this one! Begins 9:30am to 3pm. Activities include: guided demo trail rides all day, two hour poker run with Yamaha prizes (participants can do the poker run anytime during the day as long as the cards are in by 2pm cutoff), parts & accessories showcase, service managers to answer tech questions, YRA (Yamaha Riding Academy) for youth atv test rides with certified instructors, atv games like teeter-totter and tire changer, FREE LUNCH provided by Yamaha, LOOT BAG with some Yamaha swag. Local Yamaha dealers from the area will also be present to meet and great. Location will be South Wind Motel & Campground near Minden. Members and non members welcome. Reserve by emailing info@haliburtonatv.com Visit Website: http://www.haliburtonatv.com/
Haliburton County Contact: Haliburton ATV Association Tel: 705-286-3656 Email: mcoles@halhinet.on.ca

Happy Father's Day Family Bike Ride Sunday, June 15, 10:00 am No registration required. Join Joleen Thomas, Stuart Humphries and family for a family-friendly ride. Families will have the choice of shorter and longer routes. The routes are flat and there isn't a lot of traffic. Bring a picnic lunch and/or snacks to have at the playground/shelter area at the community centre. Visit Website: http://www.cyclehaliburton.ca/
Location: Stanhope Community CentrePhone: 705-457-3121Email: info@cyclehaliburton.ca

Bike the West Guilford - Eagle Lake Loop Sunday, June 15, 9:00 am No registration required. Come and cycle a favourite loop of cyclists in Haliburton. This 23 km trip will be led by Dick and Jeannette Charron at a moderate pace and is perfect for new riders. The ride will start and end at the community centre. The group will make a short stop at Maple Moon en route. It will take 2 to 3 hours so bring along water and snacks. Visit Website: http://www.cyclehaliburton.ca/
Location: West Guilford Community CentrePhone: 705-457-3121Email: info@cyclehaliburton.ca

Peddle Your Arts: Rolling Hills of Harburn Tour Wednesday, June 18This tour for the experienced cyclist will visit studios along scenic and hilly Harburn Road. With 2 experienced, local guides, this fully supported 60km. tour will take you on a breathtaking (literally!) adventure along delightful back roads through "jaw dropping" scenery. We'll stop regularly to visit local art studios to talk to the artist or watch demonstrations. Original works of art will be on display for show and sale. We'll also take some time to explore natural and cultural features along the way. Lunch will be provided by an outstanding local chef. Ask us about a package with accommodation. Registration required. Visit our website for rates, times, sample itinerary and other information. This package is also available any time from May to mid October. Visit Website: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001iTvyGshSHLGV6S5wgl5fFI-bYM8Li1UAOY-M5oJhTBY2wv4H9QdhzENyLiH4cBxInEgwxy5RbRnwxj4OEgub7kJI4HiorvwGLS6l2Z8M51huRyuysKkk8A==Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 1-705-754-3436 Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca

Heritage Walking Tour Thursday, June 19 Guided tours of Minden, starting at the Minden Hills Museum with commentaries on heritage buildings and anecdotes supplemented by historic photos. Wear comfortable shoes approximately 1 hour long. Groups of 6 to 10 persons are welcome. Pre-registration required by contacting the musueum. Visit Website: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001iTvyGshSHLFg19Dins4LCPhO16yA7RdN1KwfBdZN4T4tukECZEFoK8n0ZsdBoPZVMvxUP7Hfa777UtEQZtD06Exnz8KwOBUiLF6P6JudwuI_4Wp24UxXPGIhOPuMbGOe
Minden VillageContact: Carol Simmons Tel: 705-286-3154 Email: museum@mindenhills.ca

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

New Interactive Map of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

2008-04-03T11:29:00.003-04:00

We have just added a new dimension to help find that perfect spot for your vacation getaway. -

All our listed accommodation properties are now shown on an Interactive Map.

You can start with a full Ontario view and focus in on a particular area to see what places to stay are located there.
Or you can also use the alphabetic legend on the side to locate a particular property. The map can be magnified down to the street level.

Each map location includes the Name, phone number and website address for more details. There's a facility to give directions to the property from anywhere in North America.

see The Province of Ontario map of Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts.

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL in HUNTSVILLE April 30

2008-04-02T18:14:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Outfitters will be hosting the Reel Paddling Film Festival in Huntsville

Presented in Huntsville by Algonquin Outfitters on Wednesday April 30th 2008 at 8pm.

For tickets and information visit Algonquin Theatre 37 Main Street East Huntsville, ON P1H 1A1
Box Office (705) 789-4975
Toll-free 1-888- 696-4255 ext. 2352 Purchase tickets online http://www.algonquintheatre.ca

Approximate run time: 120 minutes Adult $12.00 Youth $10.

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Murder Mystery Night at Elmhirst's Resort, Kawarthas

2008-03-29T07:42:00.001-04:00

Friday April 4, 2008 To Sunday April 6, 2008
Location: Elmhirst's Resort, 1045 Settlers Line, Keene (near Peterborough)

Get your group of 8 friends together - Elmhirst's will do everything else.
Weekend includes two nights accommodation in your group cottage, breakfast Saturday &
Sunday Brunch; time for leisure pursuits (swimming, walking, wine tasting and such) and
Saturday evening dinner with Inspector Zinnfeld. Roles for each participant are sent out prior to
arrival so you can dress appropriately and in character- each group will solve their own murder
mystery. Great for reunion groups, families and friends who need an excuse to get together.
Cost is $175 per person plus tax.

Contact Information: 705-295-4591 or 1-800-461-1940 elmr@elmhirst.com www.elmhirst.com

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Buckhorn Maplefest March 15, 16 2008

2008-03-07T16:58:00.001-05:00

Buckhorn Maplefest presented by McLean's Berry Farm and Sugarbush
Saturday March 15, 2008 To Sunday March 16, 2008
Location: McLean Berry Farm

McLean's Sugar Bush uses the traditional method of collecting sap by hand with buckets and then boils the sap to golden maple syrup on a wood fired evaporator. Tours operate mornings and afternoons and take approximately 2 hours. Tours include a hay ride to the sugar bush, a guided walking tour of the sugar bush, tour of the evaporating facilities and a pioneer display with various hands on activities. There is also a Straw Pile, animals at the 'Kids Corral' and to top it all off a treat of 'Toffee on Snow'. Again this year a number of tours will be available in French.
There is also an option of hot dogs around the campfire or waffles and syrup at our farm market.

Cost is $4 per person. Children under 2 are free.

Contact Information: 705-657-2134 www.mcleanberryfarm.com

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Sugar Bush Tours in the Kawarthas

2008-03-07T16:55:00.001-05:00

Sugar Bush Tours presented by McLean's Berry Farm and Sugarbush
Monday March 10, 2008 To Friday April 11, 2008
Location: McLean Berry Farm

Guided group tours of a working sugar bush. Maple sugar bush tours are a fun and educational
experience for all and are geared to the age level of the group. Tours include a hay ride, guided
tour of the sugar bush and sugar camp, pioneer demonstration with hands on activities, toffee on
snow, a romp in the straw pile and a teachers package packed with information and activities to
take back to the classroom. A great hit with all is a visit to our 'kids coral' to visit the farm
animals. There is also a picnic area to eat your snack or lunch and our country market will be
open during tour times featuring fresh syrup and other maple products.

Contact Information: 705-657-2134 www.mcleanberryfarm.com

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Snowmobile Trails in Haliburton, Ontario

2008-03-01T18:39:00.005-05:00

Here's a photo showing the excellent snowmobile trails found in Haliburton County this Winter.

submitted by the folks at Oakview Lodge, located just north of Minden.

Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Reel Paddling Film Festival Pembroke, Ottawa Valley

2008-02-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL

For the third year, Algonquin College Outdoor Adventure Programs is excited to host the Reel Paddling Film Festival in Pembroke.

This collection of videos represents the best paddling films of 2007. From big whitewater expeditions to flatwater canoeing, this compilation of videos will be breathtaking and a "must see" for all who enjoy paddle sports and the great outdoors.

The film festival will be held in The Landing (student lounge) at Algonquin College in Pembroke on Wednesday, February 20, from 7-10 pm.

Tickets are $12/each and are available in advance or at the door (limited seating available). Proceeds of the Festival go toward a bursary for students in the Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets call 613.735.4700, x2702.

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Events Feb /March

2008-02-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

The Alchemy of Remains presented by Art Gallery Of Peterborough
Friday January 11, 2008 To Sunday March 2, 2008
Location: 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough
Susan Fisher is a Peterborough-based artist whose practice engages the traditions of encaustic
painting with photographic collage and mixed-media drawing. Interested in issues of
environmentalism and industrial landscapes, her abstracted compositions evoke a dialogue
between destruction and renewal. Process-orientated, this collection of recent works follow
Fisher’s unique visual practice which is influenced by her dual interests in art and archaeology
and her international travels to sites of architectural ruins, including ghost towns. This intriguing
exhibition will attempt to immerse the viewer in a visceral experience of the fragile but
threatened ecology of the earthly elements.
Contact Information: 705-743-9179 or 705-743-3661 www.agp.on.ca

The Heeney Banners Prints presented by Art Gallery Of Peterborough
Friday January 11, 2008 To Sunday March 2, 2008
Location: Lower Ramp, Trent University
This suite of abstract prints, taken from the AGP’s Permanent Collection, is based on the ten
fabric paintings that were commissioned for the Great Hall of Champlain College at
Peterborough’s Trent University. The original double-sided panels created by renowned
international artist Robert Murray in 1986, serve to commemorate Brian Heeney (1933-1983)
who was the College’s third Master. Murray’s reputation is based largely on his unique bridging
of painterly abstract principles and traditional sculpture, though he began his visual practice as a
painter and printmaker. The artist’s design for the Banners reflects the complex interaction of
planes and angles central to Ron Thom’s architectural design of the building as well as the
expressive range of colour reflected through seasonal and atmospheric changes.
Contact Information: 705-743-9179 or 705-743-3661 www.agp.on.ca

Corpo presented by Art Gallery Of Peterborough
Friday January 11, 2008 To Sunday March 2, 2008
Location: 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough
This thought-provoking installation addresses the impact of environmental and social devastation
related to global corporate domination. Building on botanical painting and drawing on
biomorphic forms that vary between the real and the surreal, Mary Kainer brings together data
and information through maps, schemata and structures that explore various international
corporations and their dubious practices. Utilizing a format of hand-written texts with collage
elements, this work has an irreverent allusion to school Bristol board projects, but the mutant
imagery linked by systems information is meant to disturb as well as raise awareness of issues in
the struggle against the corporate control of resources, from genetic engineering to urban
development.
Contact Information: 705-743-9179 or 705-743-3661 www.agp.on.ca

Winter Expressions on a Literary Journey presented by Art Gallery Of
Peterborough
Friday January 11, 2008 To Sunday March 2, 2008
Location: Upper Ramp, 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough
Winter Expressions on a Literary Journey is a reflection of Ms. Kerry Lynn Parsons and her Grade
6 Class from R.F. Downey Public School experiences at a recent excursion to the Warsaw
Outdoor Education Centre. These experiences were extended to visual and written text in the
forms of snowglobe paintings and Haiku wallhangings where the children combined paintings and
verse.
Contact Information: 705-743-9179 or 705-743-3661 www.agp.on.ca

Through the Voices of Beads presented by Peterborough Centennial Museum &
Archives
Saturday January 26, 2008 To Sunday March 23, 2008
Location: Museum Drive, Hunter Street East on top of Armour Hill
Display of Iroquois Beadwork on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum.
Contact Information: 705-743-5180 www.pcma.ca

Winter Active presented by Health for Life
Friday February 1, 2008 To Friday February 29, 2008
Location: Throughout Peterborough County
Winter season family activities including search in the snow
Contact Information: 705-743-1000 cquinn@pcchu.ca www.pcchu.ca

Art in the Village presented by Bethany Hills Interiors
Friday February 1, 2008 To Saturday March 22, 2008
Location: Bethany Hills Interiors, 17 King Street East, Millbrook
Art by popular local artists including George Raab, Emma Hesse, Jane Eccles, Bill Slavin, and
Esperanca Melo. Hours of operation are: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contact Information: 705-932-1600 www.bethanyhillsinteriors.com

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

See The World's Largest Snowglobe!

2008-02-01T08:09:00.000-05:00

See The World's Largest Snowglobe!

At two storeys tall, 20 feet in diameter and with live actors inside, this is one snowglobe that won't make the mantelpiece - but it will make memories. Come and see this amazing spectacle as it makes its way around the province, spreading winter getaway ideas as it goes.

Upcoming dates:
Sault Ste. Marie
The Bon Soo Winter Carnival: February 2-4

Mississauga
WinterWorld: February 9-10

Toronto
The Bloor-Yorkville Icefest: February 22-25

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Try Snowmobiling for Free this Winter

2008-01-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

As a major GO Snowmobiling Campaign initiative for 2008,
the Give It A Try Tour will put first timers on new sleds from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo (BRP), Polaris and Yamaha for a funfilled snowmobiling experience.

The tour is scheduled as follows:

North Bay (Clarion Resort Pinewood Park) January 28 & 29;
Wasaga Beach (Wasaga Sports Park), February 2 & 3;
Pembroke (Snow Country Snowmobile Association Office), February 9 & 10;
Cornwall (Sand Road Sugar Camp), February 12 & 13;
Clifford (Pike Lake Golf and Country Club Resort), February 16 & 17;
Huntsville (Deerhurst Resort), February 20 &21;
Fenelon Falls (Royal Resort, - Rosedale), February 23 & 24; and
Barrie (Horseshoe Resort), February 28 & 29.

“Research by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association has shown that the
biggest deterrent to getting started in snowmobiling is not being able try it first,” said OFSC GO
Snowmobiling spokesperson, John Blaicher. “Our major objective and the primary benefit of the
Give It a Try Tour is to provide that all-important first taste, so I invite anyone that is interested to visit the tour Web site at tryriding.com.” ** You need to register through this website to participate because there's a limited number of spots. All applicants MUST be at least 18 years of age AND hold a valid driver's licence

For places to stay, visit Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Don't Hibernate - Lots to Do this Winter - Muskoka Events

2008-01-14T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here's some coming events in the Muskoka area (2 hours north of Toronto)

Port Sydney Winter Carnival - Jan 23- 27, 2008
Canadian Pond Hockey Championships - Jan 26-27 and Feb 1-3, 2008
Huntsville Winter Carnival Feb 1-3, 2008
Kearney Dog Sled Races - Feb 9, 10, 2008

For places to stay, visit the Huntsville and Almaguin pages of Cottage-Resort.com

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Not Too Early to Plan Your Summer Vacation

2008-01-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

Now that the New Year's holidays are over, and while the family is still together. It is the perfect time to plan your Summer vacation. Get everyone around the table to coordinate school trips, work vacation schedules, summer camp and trips to see family relatives.

Cottage-Resort.com has listings of a variety of places to stay at different price ranges all over Ontario. There's family resorts, Country Inns, Luxurious Spas, fly in fishing camps and couples only resorts. You can have your meals prepared for you at a full service resort or you can eat when you want at a self catering resort.

Some places have supervised children's programs while other have lots of "toys" (canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, water trampolines, playgrounds ...) to play with.

Haliburton Dog Sledding - Open for Business

2007-12-04T07:21:00.000-05:00

Imagine mushing your team of dogs through a pristine wilderness on trails that begin where the roads end! With record snowfalls in recent days Winterdance Dogsledding has been able to launch their Haliburton County dogsledding season very early this year. Marie Gage says "When customers return to Willow Beach Cottages after a dogsledding excursion, they tell us time and time again that they had the time of their lives". It’s a one of a kind winter experience and would be a great gift for that special someone who is so hard to buy for. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced musher there are packages available to meet your needs. There are 2 hour, half day, full day and moonlight runs available.

Please visit the Dog Sled page on Cottage-Resort.com for all the properties that offer Ontario Dog Sled experiences

Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Pow Wow Point Lodge is Open this Winter

2007-11-28T17:54:00.000-05:00

Doug and Dee Howell, Pow Wow Point Lodge, Huntsville, Muskoka have just announced they are opening this Winter.

Here's the latest news taken from their Pow Wow Point Lodge website:

Winter Dec 13, 2007 - March 31, 2008
We are delighted to offer 5 units in the Beech Building available for those seeking a winter experience. Stay at our place for a weekend or midweek escape. Reside in cozy comfort with your own fireplace, flat screen TV, and "Light Houskeeping" where you can prepare your own meals. Or, dine at any of the fine restaurants that suit every taste and budget, in Huntsville, only 10 minutes away. In the evening open some wine and relax in front of your own propane fireplace. Please note that our Main Lodge is closed in the winter

They have added a webcam so you can see the snow conditions right out their window.

www.Cottage-Resort.com A Directory of Ontario Resorts, Inns, Lodges and Cottage Resorts

Ontario Cottage Resort BLOG

2007-11-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

This is the first entry of a new Blog for the Ontario Traveller.

I hope to highlight what Ontario has to offer, year round, to tourists on vacation.

Whether its for a romantic getaway, family vacation, business retreat, honeymoon, babymoon (new term for couples with child on the way), family reunion, wedding, snowmobiling, skiing, canoeing, kayaking or just an escape from our hectic lives.