January in Pictures

The sunset let us see the world through rose-coloured glasses.

 Whoosh! That was the sound of January flying by at lightening speed. How is it we're one-twelfth of the way through the new year already? 

A short walk on our trails.

Some people would say good riddance to January, infamous as it is for blues, blahs and post holiday malaise. Some would, but not me. I loved this month! It was full of sunshine and fresh powder. There were billows and banks of pristine snow and big puffy flakes the size of a baby's hand drifting lazily down from the sky. Some days I thought I might get a tan, spending so much time out under a bright sun; other days I thought I might be—magically—lost inside a snow globe.

And many days I couldn't resist grabbing the camera and heading outside to try to capture the moment and share it with others. Here are some of the images that captured me.

The Coop in the morning shade.

Snow highlighting every branch.

Inside the snow globe!

Best seats for watching the sun set. 

Now THAT's deep! (yes, Saba is standing)

Good morning!

Reflecting on winter.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Simply serene.

Chores: done. Country living: loving it!

Winter Events in Muskoka & Almaguin

There's plenty happening in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands this winter. From outdoor festivals and activities, to live performances and inspiring films, to laidback getaways with wide open schedules, there's something for everyone.

We've started compiling a list of events. Check back often for updates.

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Burk's Falls Winterfest

Burk's Falls

Sleigh rides, indoor and outdoor games, prizes, vendors and live entertainment. At the Burk's Falls fair grounds.
Jan 15

Muskoka Loppet

Arrowhead Park

A classic ski tradition at Arrowhead Park just north of Huntsville, hosted by the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club. 15 km and 30 km classic events; 3 km and 9 km individual and relay snowshoe events; 5 km classic for social skiers. Visit the Arrowhead Nordic Club website for details.
Jan 22

Banff Mountain Film Festival
Huntsville
Be inspired and exhilarated by a selection of films that take you around the world, to the tops of mountains and down raging rivers. From adrenaline-fueled action sports, to an exploration of wild landscapes and remote mountain cultures, the films in this year's Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will ignite your passion for adventure.

Algonquin Outfitters is the host for the Huntsville stop on the tour; and the Algonquin Theatre is the venue. Two evenings screening different shows. Discount at the Algonquin Outfitters store for people attending both shows.
Festival Special: Stay two nights at Fern Glen Inn and attend at least one night of the festival and get $32 off your stay. That's the cost of two tickets!
For descriptions of the films, visit the Algonquin Outfitters blog. Purchase tickets online from Algonquin Theatre.
Jan 24 & 25

Jim Cuddy

Huntsville

Juno award winner, Blue Rodeo front man, iconic Canadian singer/songwriter Jim Cuddy returns to the Algonquin Theatre, this time to showcase the release of his third solo album. Purchase tickets online from Algonquin Theatre.

Jan 26

Canadian National Pond Hockey Championship

Huntsville

Teams from across North America come to compete for two weekends of outdoor pond hockey. For info on registering your team, volunteering your time, or schedule of events, visit the Canadian National Pond Hockey website.
Jan 27 - 29, Feb 3 - 5

Comics on the Rocks Comedy Festival

Huntsville and Area

What do you get when you cross a winter weekend getaway with some of the best comedic talent in Canada? The Comics on the Rocks Comedy Festival. Attend one or two evenings of live comedy, spend your day laughing it up as you play in the snow. Comics on the Rocks Getaway Package available through Fern Glen Inn.

Feb 10 - 12

Kearney Dog Sled Races

Kearney
A great weekend to get outside and enjoy winter at the largest dog sled racing event in the north-east. Spectators can watch the dog sled races, ski-joring races and the adorable kid-and-mutt races. There are also demos, activities, snow-bike races, live entertainment, vendors, food, and more. It starts Friday evening with a family skate and bonfire and continues until Sunday night dinner. For more info and a schedule of events visit the Kearney Dog Sled Races website.
Feb 10 - 12

Winter Fun Day

Oxtongue Lake

An activity-packed day with something for everyone. Winter games, ski lessons, winter camping demos, camp fire, door prizes and more. Located at the Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake store. Visit Algonquin Outfitters for details.
Feb 11 - 12

Valentine's Day

Fern Glen Inn

The best gift you can give your sweety is some time away with you! We think any getaway here at Fern Glen Inn is special, but if you want to add some extra treats, order our Snowshoe with Your Sweetheart package. The package includes 2 nights accommodations, breakfast both mornings, a box of gourmet chocolate truffles, and bath bubbles. Every winter stay includes complimentary use of snowshoes to enjoy on our trails. Book online or email us for details.
Feb 14

Dorset Snowball

Dorset
Enjoy winter activities such as skating, snowball throwing game, chainsaw carving demo, minnow races, horse-drawn wagon rides, hockey shoot-out, Hockey Night in Dorset and more at the 22nd annual winter carnival. Visit Dorset Snowball website for details.

Feb 17 - 18

February Long Weekend

Fern Glen Inn

Make the most of your mid-winter break by getting out of the city and coming out to play in the snow! Go snowshoeing and tobogganing (complimentary on site); let us book you in for a guided dog sledding tour or sleigh ride; hand-feed the chickadees or unwind by a real wood fire. This weekend always fills up so reserve your room soon. Visit Fern Glen Inn or book online.
Feb 17 - 20

Dwight Winter Carnival

Dwight

Celebrate winter with events and activities in this town just west of Algonquin Park. Visit the Dwight Winter Carnival website to see what's in store.

Feb 23 - 25

Ontario ParaSport Winter Games

Huntsville

The town of Huntsville is proud to host the 2010 Ontario ParaSport Winter Games. Cheer on as athletes compete in seven sports over three days. For details visit Ontario ParaSport Winter Games.

Feb 24 - 26

Comics on the Rocks Comedy Festival Weekend

Comedy Festival in Huntsville, Muskoka 

February 10th - 12th 

The first annual Comics on the Rocks features two nights of hilarity from a lineup of top comedians, plus outdoor activities and adventures that'll have you laughing with friends -- and maybe at yourself!

Friday February 10

Cottage Country Comedy Festival Presents... 

Live standup comedy featuring stars of MTV, Much Music Video on Trial and CBC's The Debaters!

Evening show at the Algonquin Theatre in downtown Huntsville

Saturday February 11

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Improv Show

Two stars of the Emmy nominated "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" present an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy. Using their quick wit, Colin and Brad take contributions from the audience to create hilarious and original scenes. Throughout the evening, the show becomes truly interactive as audience members are called to the stage to participate in the fun. Evening show at Deerhurst Resort on Hwy 60 in Huntsville

Outdoor Activities

• Friday Night Skate and Bonfire at Kearney Lions Park 
• Saturday Free skating and Workshops at Cann Lake in Huntsville 
• Saturday and Sunday Kearney Dog Sled Races, including demos and activities for spectators and visitors 
• All weekend long: Free Snowshoeing and Tobogganing our private trails

• 
  Comics On the Rocks Getaway Package 

Laugh and play with a winter weekend getaway to Fern Glen Inn and enjoy a show or two of sidesplitting live comedy.

Package Includes: 

• two nights accommodation for two people in any room (queen bed and ensuite bathroom) 
• delicious breakfast each morning 
• free use of snowshoes and toboggans on site 
• map and directions to outdoor activities around the region 
• two tickets for the Friday night Cottage Country Comedy Show AND/OR the Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Improv Show 

Package Rate (see ONE show): $309 per couple + tax

Package Rate (see BOTH shows): $389 per couple + tax

Call 1-866-311-8519 or email info@ferngleninn.on.ca to reserve your Comics On the Rocks Getaway! 

Herding Chickens

Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

Whoever coined the phrase "herding cats" clearly never had chickens. Or at least never had chickens on the run.

I returned from a walk this afternoon to discover that the ladies -- all six of them -- had escaped their pen and were ranging freely. I'm tempted to say they hatched a plan but I don't want to inflict my poultry sense of humour on you (sorry, couldn't resist). Planned or otherwise, they all flew the coop today.

Luckily, they didn't wander too far from their hen house. They had the whole wide world at their disposal but just scratched up the dirt within a 20 foot radius of their home. In fact, I only realized they were out because Saba saw them first.

I knew something had Saba's attention because she stopped suddenly, dropped her head low, cocked her ears forward and took a few slow, measured steps. Just like when she's stalking a squirrel. Or when she's ready to pounce in front of Casey (her buddy, the basset hound) to try to tease him into playing. I don't know if Saba was thinking snack time or playtime, but when I realized her gaze was fixed on one of our own dear hens, I didn't wait to find out.

I escorted Saba safely into the house, grabbed a tub of bird seed and went back to round up the ladies. I also took a moment to wish that Jim, aka the chicken-whisperer, was home to deal with this instead of me.

As I've mentioned, herding chickens is no easy task. For one thing, they're fast. Chickens can run like nobody's business. I've also discovered (during previous jail breaks) that chickens can and will fly if pursued with vigor. If approached slowly, they scatter. There's no catching them, at least not if I'm the catcher, and I'm a little bit afraid of them as I am with all birds. So even if I could get close enough to grab one, I wouldn't. I just couldn't.

So I had to outwit them. First, I propped the door to the hen house wide open then circled way back behind the farthest-ranging chicken. Then I started throwing small handfuls of bird seed toward the open door.

Chickens are remarkably curious and decidedly food-motivated. After half a dozen pings and bounces of seeds against the coop wall and on the hard ground, the chicken closest to the action moved in to see if there was something edible going on. Slowly, one by one, the rest of the ladies came to check out the commotion. I swear chickens have a spidey sense when it comes to food because even the two who were out of sight on the far side of the coop eventually came bobbing around the corner.

As the chickens gathered, I started tossing the bird seed through the doorway into the hen house and the hens just followed the food. As soon as I counted all six little cluckers in the house, I closed the door and that was the end of their adventure for the day. And mine, too.

So perhaps it wasn't such a monumental task after all, but it does leave me wondering one thing: Would it have been easier or more difficult herding cats instead of chickens?

Mocha Porter Chocolate Cake

Fern Glen Inn • www.fernglenin.blogspot.com

There's a lot of baking going on at this time of year, much of it involving fancy cookies and fiddly concoctions. Don't get me wrong -- I love the jumble of flavours, colours and textures on a platter of christmas cookies (and will happily eat my way through all of them!). But sometimes the only way for a dessert to stand out among all that finery is to pare it down, way down.

Enter the Mocha Porter Chocolate Cake. It's ultra simple, dark, elegant, with an unexpected yet subtle flavour profile. The secret ingredient here is a generous addition of Mocha Porter beer in the batter. The resulting cake is moist, rich, and not too sweet.

On it's own, served with just a dollop of lightly-sweetened whipped cream, it is the perfect foil to the wild array of sweets filling tins and trays everywhere you go. Think of it as a sophisticated black dress among colourful frocks. Both are beautiful, but in different ways.

Similarly, a unique and finely-crafted bottle of specialty beer makes for a welcome change of pace amid the wine, spirits and eggnog abundant at so many holiday parties.

I like to sip a glass of Mocha Porter along with a slice to bring out the complex notes of the beer within the cake. The taste becomes more pronounced on the second day after the flavours have had a chance to meld and develop. If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!

Mocha Porter Chocolate Cake
This cake is wonderfully moist and rich enough to stand on it's own with little embellishment but it will also 'play nice' with other flavours and textures. It has a fine crumb, slices beautifully and is excellent in layer cakes. The Mocha Porter adds a subtle depth of flavour that becomes more intriguing after a day or two.

• 1 2/3 cups unbleached all purpose flour; plus more for the pan
• 3/4 cup (lightly packed) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 5 oz. (1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs) soft unsalted butter at room temperature, plus more for the pan
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups Mocha Porter beer*, at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9" round baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment and butter the parchment. Flour the bottom of the pan; tap out any excess flour.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Blend in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl and the paddle as needed. Mix in the vanilla and salt.  Stop the mixer, add the flour mixture directly onto the batter. Pour in the Mocha Porter beer. Mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and mostly free of lumps.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out with only moist crumbs clinging to it, 40 to 45 minutes. Let the pan cool on a rack for 30 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the inside edge of the pan, invert the cake onto a flat plate. Remove the pan and parchment paper, then invert again onto the rack.

Serving and Storing

You can serve the cake the same day you make it, either slightly warm or room temperature, but you can serve it with pride for up to three days if you want to make it ahead. Cover and store at room temperature during moderate weather, or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. I love a plain piece of this cake straight from the fridge for an afternoon snack. It also freezes well, double-wrapped in plastic and foil.

Dress it as simple or fancy as you like. 

For a simple yet pretty presentation, lay a paper doily directly on the surface of the cake. Spoon some icing sugar into a small mesh sieve and dust it liberally and evenly over top. Carefully lift off the doily and you'll be left with a lovely, lacy pattern. Serve generous slices with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or scoop of softened icecream.

If you have the time and inclination to go fancy, knock yourself out; this cake will work beautifully with you. Pour a sleek, glossy chocolate glaze over top. Or slice the completely-cooled cake in half (or even into thirds) then sandwich the layers with ganache, mousse, cherry filling, whipped cream or buttercream frosting. Ice the whole cake or just the top. Garnish with chocolate curls, fresh raspberries, chopped hazelnuts, or chocolate coated espresso beans. The sky's the limit!

*Mocha Porter and alternative ingredients
I love using the Mocha Porter from Lake of Bays Brewing Company in this recipe. It has pronounced coffee notes and just a hint of chocolate, perfectly complementing the cocoa in the cake batter. Another excellent choice would be the Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout from Muskoka Cottage Brewery (then I'd serve it with a cranberry coulis). Both are seasonal, locally-crafted in Muskoka and available in many LCBO and Beer Stores throughout Ontario. 

If you can't find these, search out a porter or stout with notes of coffee, chocolate or vanilla. Alternatively, you can also use strong brewed coffee spiked with a splash of mocha liqueur or brandy.

Serves 8-12

Dog Sledding in Muskoka

2011/2012 Schedule, Rates and Packages

Winter is just around the corner and this means our local dog sledding ranch will soon be running guided dog sledding excursions near Huntsville, Muskoka, on the edge of Algonquin Park. It's a popular adventure for our guests and you'll love it too. There's nothing like mushing through the woods, driving a sled behind a team of eager dogs.

Dog sledding is available throughout the winter season, usually starting in the last week of December and going through until the end of March or whenever the snow melts.

The Christmas - New Year's holiday is a particularly busy time for dog sledding, so reserve your spot early. For more information about what to expect, read about dog sledding in Muskoka here.

Dog Sledding Schedule

Start Date:

To be determined. Sometimes the season begins a few days before Christmas, depending on amount of snow base and trail conditions. I'll post an announcement on our facebook page once the trails are open. You can Like us on facebook here to watch for updates.

Christmas Day:

The inn is open and rooms are available on December 25th but there are no dog sledding tours running. Stay overnight on the 25th and go dog sledding on the 26th. 

Dec 26 thru Jan 2, daily:

10:30 am -- 1-Hour guided dog sledding

1:00 pm --  Half-Day guided dog sledding

Jan 3 thru March (or whenever the snow melts), daily:

9am -- Half-Day guided dog sledding most days (Enquire about 1-Hour, 2-Hour or Full-Day options)

1:30pm -- Half-Day guided dog sledding most days (Enquire about 1-Hour, 2-Hour or Full-Day options)

Dog Sledding Rates

Add-on a guided dog sledding excursion to any stay at Fern Glen Inn

1-Hour: $80/person

Half-Day*: $150/person

Full-Day*: $250/person

*Half-Day (3 hours) guided dog sledding includes break with hot chocolate and granola bars. Full-Day (6 hours) guided dog sledding includes trail lunch.

Taxes are extra. Rates are for dog sledding only and do not include accommodations. Dog sledding is only available with an overnight stay at Fern Glen Inn. Check room rates here (room rates are per room, not per person).

Every overnight stay includes accommodation and breakfast plus use of the property and guest facilities (snowshoes, 10km of private trails, guest lounge with wood burning stove).

Dog Sledding Packages

Chili-Dog Getaway

Enjoy a dog sledding excursion, a hearty chili dinner and comfortable accommodations in a winter wonderland setting.

Spend two nights in cozy comfort and start each morning with an abundant breakfast. Mush through a beautiful wilderness landscape behind your team of dogs on a guided dog sled excursion at a local ranch. If you're still game for some outdoor activity, borrow snowshoes and explore our private wooded trails. After working up an appetite out on the trails, head back to the inn for a dinner of hearty beef or vegetarian chili and homemade cornbread served hot from the skillet. Unwind with a hot chocolate in front of the fire before turning in for a good night's sleep.

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodations

• breakfast both mornings

• chili dinner on one evening

• use of property, private trails, snowshoes and toboggans on site

• Half-Day guided dog sledding at a local ranch

Starts at $285 per person, based on double occupancy

Group Getaway

Round up your favourite friends, family or co-workers and organize a winter weekend getaway.

Book at least four rooms for two nights and get a discount off the regular rate. You and your friends will enjoy exclusive accommodations and delicious breakfasts. Visit a local ranch for your guided dog sledding excursion through the Muskoka woods on the edge of Algonquin Park. Snowshoe private forest trails, toboggan down the hill, make a snowman, play games in front of the fire and enjoy good times in good company.

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodations

• breakfast both mornings

• exclusive use of property, private trails, snowshoes and toboggans on site

• Half-Day guided dog sledding at a local ranch

Starts at $255 per person, based on 8 people in 4 rooms

Taxes are extra. Rates are higher during long weekends and Christmas-New Year's holidays.

How to Reserve Your Dog Sledding Getaway

Call toll free 1-866-311-8519

Email for more information

Check availability online

Fill out our secure online reservation form

Want to see what a dog sledding adventure looks like? Check out this video!

November Forest

The forest in November is a trove of subtle treasures. With the flash of foliage fading, textures and patterns are revealed -- at least to those of us who stop to look.

There is unexpected artfulness in colonies of fungi growing on fallen logs. Just a few months ago these were obscured by leafy underbrush.

Leafless branches (in this case on my favourite tree, Bertha) reflect an unseen root system. Elsewhere, a spire of an old trunk, whittled by time, reaches for the sky.

In November, we can see the varieties of bark which sheath the trees. Beeches in tight-fitting smooth grey, ironwoods in shaggy scales, maples in deeply creviced armor. The ropy bark of cedar trees draws the eye upward and inward.

Of course, the forest is not all brown and drab. There are brilliant shots of green running throughout the woods. Our "Mossy Trail" is, as one might expect, verdant even now with a patchwork of different mosses. 


But even in the deciduous hardwood section of the forest, pockets of green thrive. Rocks, roots, stumps and living trees are covered in green velvet. Tender ground cover and ferns brighten creek beds and marshy areas.

If one takes the time to look (and really, in November we have the time) the forest is anything but stark or barren. It is, as ever, a dynamic work of art and design.

All photos were taken on the private hiking trails here at Fern Glen Inn with a standard point-and-shoot camera. You're invited to come experience them for yourself. Bring a macro lens and wide angle lens if you have them to do an even better job of capturing the landscapes -- the big and the miniscule -- that make up this forest.