What's New Under the Sun?

Finished projects -- crossed off the list!

Ever a work-in-progress, we're continually adding projects to our "how can we make it better?" list and, as time and resources allow, crossing them off with a flourish and sense of accomplishment.

Our main project this spring was a new gazebo to replace the old one which was starting to look weathered. At 14'x14', the new gazebo is larger, plus it's a sturdier design and has a hard-top semi-transparent roof. Rather than set it up on plain lawn, we decided to install a pea stone pad for stability, drainage, and to keep the grass from coming up. I have to say, if you're going to dig up a bunch of sod and move a few tons of pea stone gravel, it's reaaalllly nice to have a good neighbour with a tractor and bucket!

Our neighbour, Bob, lent a hand (and a bucket!) with the pea stone pad.
Then it was time to put together the giant jigsaw puzzle that was the gazebo kit.

With the base laid, it was time to assemble the gazebo. The instructions on the kit said it should take about three hours for the task. Ha! Nine hours later we were surveying our handiwork, patting ourselves on our backs for mission accomplished, and contemplating applying for "Amazing Race Canada"(hey, if we could do this, we could tackle any challenge).

We still had a pile of pea stone and a self-congratulatory swagger so we decided to keep going and update our fire pit. This meant shifting the location by a few feet to be further from the trees, levelling out and moving some sod, and installing a 15' diameter gravel pad for the fire bowl and seating, adding a few more Muskoka chairs while were at it.

Not ones to be wasteful, we kept the old gazebo and "walked" it to a little clearing by the trailhead and added a couple of comfy loungers. Now you can zip yourself in and stretch out for a nap feeling like you're in the middle of the woods.

We're so pleased with the results and based on the feedback we've had from guests so far, the upgrades definitely tick the "make it better" box!

Jim test-driving the new fire pit setup.

New Hot Tub

 Whether you're escaping the city for a relaxing getaway or some active adventure, your getaway to Fern Glen Inn just got better... Introducing out new hot tub!

There has always been a hot tub here, but the old one was starting to show its age so we decided it was time for a new one. Instead of getting the same vinyl-covered foam model as before, we did some research and opted for a rigid, roto-moulded style. The hot tub is round and seats six people, like our old tub, but this one is a bit deeper, with more jets, and it's much quieter in idle mode. I also love the fact that not only is it made in Canada, it's made right here in Ontario, just a few hours away! The manufacturer is RotoSpa if you want to check them out for yourself.

Jim gave it a test run as soon as it was up to temperature -- somebody has to do quality control! -- and guests have been enjoying it all weekend.

It's a great place to relax on a quiet getaway or to soak your muscles after a day on the trails. In the morning or afternoon, the hot tub provides a front row seat to watch the hummingbird action at the feeder. After the sun sets, it's the perfect venue for stargazing.

The hot tub is for all guests to use (adults only, no children) and there are some limitations on time-of-day and length of use. Other than that, we hope you enjoy some extra relaxation and rejuvenation on your next getaway to Fern Glen Inn!

P.S. Did I mention it comes with cup holders? That's a locally-made Muskoka Cream Ale in Jim's hand!

Summer has (finally) Arrived!

If you believe the calendar, it's been summer for over a week now. But I've learned—especially since moving to the north—that the calendar sometimes stretches the truth.

The rain, cool temps and resurgence of mosquitoes last week felt decidedly spring-like. This week, though, we're 'singing better late than never' because now Summer has arrived in all its glory!

Jim and I have been reveling in beautiful sunny days, enjoying a light warm breeze and a remarkable scarcity of insects. I don't even don my mesh jacket for walks and bike rides along the Seguin Trail. I'm convinced there is no better way to spend an afternoon than stretched out on a lounger on the Coop deck, beverage in one hand and novel in the other. We had some more energetic guests this weekend break out the croquet set for a couple of matches, and then follow it up with their own little bocce tournament around the back lawn.

Our returning guests from last year have been happy with the addition of the new deck. Jim and our good friend, Ed, built it this spring (my job was to feed the work crew. tall order!). We added a patio table for al fresco snacking or games, and the loungers fit in perfectly for afternoon nappers or late-night star-gazers. We also added a new gazebo after the wind ate our last one. It's nice to have a screened place to sit at dusk.
If you're coming up to enjoy a relaxing getaway here at the inn, don't forget your bathing suit for a dip in the hot tub. A daytime soak provides a front-row seat to all the action at the hummingbird feeder. At night, you can still see some fireflies (but not for long!) or tilt your head back to view the stars.

Summer is here. Make the most of it!