Unique Muskoka August

{Muskoka Insights
{
Taking a cruise on the RMS Segwun is like
taking a step back in time.
Shutting your eyes during the calm of a
late-night cruise, it doesn’t take one long to
envision they were there,
some 150 years ago, when
the first steamer crossed Lake
Muskoka. The rippling of the
water against the hull, the
powerful whooshing of the
mighty piston drive, the
blending of the cool night
breeze with the intense heat
from the coal-fired boiler…
all interrupted by the
piercing sound of the ship’s
steam whistle.
With a little imagination, our senses
allow us to do some travelling to a time
before automobiles and highways. It’s the
closest we can get to understanding the
thoughts of the entrepreneurial Alexander
Peter Cockburn who invested in the
launching of a steamship company on the
waterways of Muskoka.
For Muskoka, it was a time when its
potential would be opened to the rest of the
world. It took a person with vision and
daring, and A.P. Cockburn demonstrated he
had both and more as he set about building
the small fleet that would push development
up the lakes.
It seems only natural that an area as
blessed as Muskoka – with so many
navigable lakes and rivers – would welcome
its first settlers and visitors by ship. And,
when natural obstacles stood in the way, as
they did in Port Carling, it took a person
with Cockburn’s determination and
connection to overcome them.
In this issue of Unique Muskoka, we are
marking the 150th anniversary of the
launching of the Wenonah, the first of A.P.
Cockburn’s fleet but just as importantly, we
are also celebrating Cockburn, the man who
made it all possible.
While Cockburn accomplished much,
contributor Jack Hutton tells us this pioneer
of transportation died before the truly
golden years of steamship travel in Muskoka.
However, without Cockburn’s initiative, the
Muskoka story might be much different.
Also in this issue of Unique Muskoka, our
readers can be a part of another more recent
era with a visit to the
collections of automobiles
and memorabilia that have
been preserved by some
longtime Muskokans. They
have a passion for antique
and classic vehicles and are
opening their doors to the
public as part of a fundraiser
to support the South
Muskoka Hospital Auxiliary
on Aug. 13.
For those interested in the
outdoors, balancing on a cable – high in the
treetops – might provide you with the thrill
you are seeking. Or, you might be interested
in what steps are being taken to stem the
invasion of the emerald ash borer. And,
there is the dedicated group of beekeepers
who are doing their part to ensure these
important pollinators will continue to
provide diversity within our flora.
Muskoka is known for its artisans and
one who has a reputation for his creativity is
Peter Fromme-Douglas. Always pushing the
boundaries and finding new ways to
demonstrate his talent, Fromme-Douglas
brings vibrancy to his work… a perfect
reflection of his personality.
And for a truly unique taste of Muskoka,
you won’t want to miss our regular feature,
Cottage Country Cuisine. In this issue, we
tell the story of Muskoka’s brew masters and
share some recipes that pair well with their
ales.
For our close, adventurer Les Stroud
shares how a childhood in Muskoka
prepared him for his role as Survivorman.
Muskoka… so much to celebrate… so
unique!
Happy reading.
Photograph: Susan Smith
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August 2016 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 9