August 2, 2011

Our Long Weekend on the Lakes


As soon as the long weekend begins, we start thinking of going someplace where we can be surrounded by nature. It's also the right time to seize the moment to go swimming. It's absolutely impossible to stay in Toronto during such weather.

This time, we have visited two places - Balsam lake and Killbear. (You can read about our previous visit to the latter location here.)


 



I am posting two photos - one from our previous visit, and one from our most recent one. I hope that you can spot the difference :) 

I keep meaning to ask the park's employees - is this a joke, or does the bear really walk around the campsite?





 


The following are some photos of Balsam lake.




I was very surprised to find such an unusual and spooky house right in the middle of an athletic and summery community. It's not just abandoned, it's really creepy. My curiosity got the best of me, and I approached it to take a few photos.





We have had so much fun over the weekend. The water in the lakes was really warm, and we got some serious swimming accomplished.


While I was swimming, my husband took the following two shots, which I find charming and funny. The seagulls didn't waste any time; while the family went for a swim, they started to eat the chips.


I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend as well :)
Posted by Olga

35 comments:

  1. VeraAugust 2, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    beautiful photos!

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  2. tinajoAugust 2, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Great pics - but a BEAR, yikes! :-D

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  3. FanypapAugust 2, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Beautiful photos as always... Wish I was there surrounded by nature too for a weekend!! :D Lots of love my dear Olga!!! Many kisses!!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 2, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Des grandes étendues, des paysages grandioses, bien loin de ceux que je fréquente. Ce serait pour moi, un dépaysement total. On doit se sentir bien, dans cette région. Respirer à pleins poumons.
    A visiter!

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  5. French Girl in SeattleAugust 2, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Lovely shots Olga. I am almost sorry you did not meet any bear at the campground. That would have made for a great post (possibly your last!? ;-) -- Anyhow, I enjoyed the "Old House" and did not find it that creepy, even though it is leaning a bit. I also liked the shot of the lake with the boats bobbing in the water. We are boaters, as you know, so boat shots are always my favorites ;-) I hope you keep enjoying the summer. Veronique aka French Girl in Seattle

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  6. Jane and Lance HattattAugust 2, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Hello Olga:
    As we have little knowledge of Canada, what we are unsure about is how a red lifejacket will help to save one from the ravages of a roaming bear. Or, have we got something wrong here?

    Your stay at the lake looks to have been wonderful, surely the perfect place in a heatwave. It is clearly in some wonderful countryside and how marvellous to have the space to swim in such magical surroundings and away from the 'madding crowds'.

    We have to say that we rather like the look of The Old House. Shabby chic to us!!!

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  7. DianeAugust 2, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Guess you do not have to ask the park employees you have your answer LOL. Did you see any? Fantastic photos as always, Diane

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  8. LydiaAugust 2, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I loved this visual respite into your part of the world and away from mine! Honestly, those photos you took of and around The Old House are glorious. I just loved them.
    Balsam Lake just looks like it should be named Balsam Lake!

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  9. Fábio MartinsAugust 2, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    It seems have been a beautiful day.
    Nice work

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  10. BrendaAugust 2, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    What a beautiful and serene place. I just love the photo of the old house with the tree above it, great shot! Happy to hear you had a fun weekend :)

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  11. PETRO50August 2, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    It had to be a weekend full of peace, tranquility and relaxation. The lakes must be comfortable. Nice photos are proof of that. Olga, many greetings!

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  12. DollyAugust 2, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    From the photos it appears you had a lovely weekend away from the city heat. Swimming in a lake is the best possible place in which to swim (growing up beside a lake has made any other form of swimming 2nd best to me). I can smell Canadian trees & forests just by looking at your photos Olga dear :)

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  13. NatAugust 2, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Looks like a fabulous, summer's weekend :-) A few dangers though... bears and water!

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  14. From FranceAugust 2, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Olga, your blog is marvelous.
    An active bear, how amazing! Это как в фильме "Тот самый Мюнхгаузен": "Чтобы через полчаса в лесу было сухо, светло и медведь!"

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  15. Happy Frog and IAugust 2, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    I had a really good weekend and I'm glad to see from your photos that you did to. I can't remember the last time I swam in a lake, but you've made me really want to do it again.

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  16. raydenzel1August 2, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I do love the cloud pictures the best. I do take them on occasion myself. I like you can lose your self in the shapes and let your imagination take flight.

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  17. 黄清华 Wong Ching WahAugust 2, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Honestly speaking, I don't mind a Long Weekend at THIS Lake ...

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  18. Nikki KendallAugust 2, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Sounds like fun! Our lake doesn't have bears or seagulls but we have fun nonetheless!

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  19. Pierre BOYERAugust 3, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Very nice place for a walk...
    Beware of the bears and seagulls !
    Have a marvelous day...

    Pierre
    http://pierre-boyer.blogspot.com/

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  20. SarahAugust 3, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Some lovely pics. Having two boys who've been (are still are) fans of Playmobil, I must say that my favourite was the little car by the water's edge. My garden is being used at this moment for an extended adventure playground for our collection of Playmobil figures.

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  21. OlaAugust 3, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    You really had lovely time there! I would probably keep thinking when I meet a bear which would not be much relaxing for me:)
    the abanoned house looks scary:)

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  22. Antonio MachadoAugust 3, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Hello Olga,
    very,very beautiful photos and details!
    Congratulations

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  23. agujaAugust 3, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    How brilliantly you have captured the whole weekend. I loved living it alongside your photographs and captions.

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  24. dianneAugust 3, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Lovely photos dear Olga, thanks for sharing your weekend with us.
    xoxoxo ♡

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  25. SandyAugust 3, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Active Bear in Campground!LOL!! I'm such a scary cat that if I saw that sign- I would have turned around and ran for the hills. I heart the open sky photos. Awesome!

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  26. TrevorW�� August 3, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Thanks for sharing your 'long weekend in the lakes'.
    Great images as always Olga...

    -Trevor

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  27. PetAugust 4, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    What a wonderful nature are you surrounded with!

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  28. HilaAugust 4, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    looks like heaven! I could really do with a similar weekend myself.

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  29. AnonymousAugust 4, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    beautiful and lovely pictures!

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  30. DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVEAugust 4, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    What a beautiful photos!

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  31. lilylovekinAugust 4, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    It looks like a relaxing wonderful time. I feel the heat and warmth of the lake. I love the house boats right on the water, it would be wonderful to spend some time in one of those. I'm off to visit family again this week-end in HOT Arizona.

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  32. TomokoAugust 4, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    These are such gorgeous photographs with blue sky,water and plants! You really have a relaxing great time!
    Here in Japan Nara, it has been muggy. Thank you for sharing your refreshing time!
    Enjoy your summer!
    Redrose.

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  33. kAugust 4, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    it just looks so peaceful!

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  34. Stoney Creek HomesteadAugust 4, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    a few years back when the kids were smaller and we were camping, squirrels came and 'stole' our peanuts.

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  35. OlgaAugust 5, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Dear all,
    Due to my professional deadlines, family plans, and other commitments, unfortunately, I cannot respond personally to each of you this week. This makes me very sad :(
    I still make it a priority to keep up with your blogs. For the next little while, it seems that I will have to budget my time in a more constrained fashion.
    Thank you very much for all your responses. They are extremely valued.

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