I had a delightful time during my week at this cottage. The location in Gravenhurst on Muskoka Bay is beautiful. Sitting on the deck I was able to see the Segwun and her sister ship Wenonah cruise by at regular intervals. Having morning coffee there was especially enjoyable, as I was often visited by black squirrels, red squirrels, song birds, and mallards. My favorite visitors were the loons, circling the bay in the early morning and again as dusk approached. Sometimes they would wail out a cry that might be mistaken as mournful to those unfamiliar with this Muskoka regular.
Muskoka Bay remains fairly calm even when steady winds dissuade boats from the larger water on the lake. For a small additional fee I rented the boathouse which easily fit my 20 ft. bowrider. There was also a canoe and paddle boat available for renters who wanted a slower or quieter mode of transportation. The warf at Gravenhurst is only a few minutes away by either car or boat, and offers tourist type shopping as well as several charming restaurants.
The owner lives next door and is a helpful, accommodating host. There was a beautiful gift basket on the table when I arrived with a nice white wine, popcorn, kit-kats, and my favorite - Bea's homemade blueberry jam. Blueberries grow wild in Muskoka, and the blueberry jam immediately reminded me of my childhood; picking the berries in the bush and bringing them home to my grandmother who would transform them into the most magical blueberry pie. Everything about the cottage seemed to share a bit of that Muskoka magic, and although each summer I find myself a year older, a week in Muskoka always seems to rejuvenate the body and soul. Thank you Beatrice for a wonderful Muskoka vacation!