Destination: Gananoque Leaping Muskie #GoFurther150 #Ad @FordCanada

Set the Nav System to Gananoque, Ontario because 

we're on a mission to find a Giant Leaping Muskie 

Disclosure: I received the use of a F150 King Ranch for a week and compensation from 

Ford Canada to cover my #GoFurther150 Adventure expenses. All opinions are my own. 

Note: Some available options mentioned are not standard and may have additional costs associated with them.

Our Fish Tale:
This is a tail tale of a Mother and her son's (aka Thing 1) quest to locate the giant leaping Muskie in Gananoque, Ontario. Initially I tried to "lure" both my "Things" into joining me, but due to school obligations our "reel" fishing expert wasn't able to join us, thereby eliminating the "I call shot gun" battle and allowing for a long overdue one-on-one adventure with my eldest. For the first time in a long while we had the opportunity to "reel-ax" and spend the day together travelling in what can only be described as the most luxurious of Fish Finders ... the Ford 150 King Ranch. The F150 seemed like the perfect fit to mark Canada's 150th with a #GoFurther150 adventure to Gananoque, where as it turns out Hubby and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary 24 years ago. 

And so the adventure begins ...
I probably shouldn't fish and tell ... Ha! Who am I kidding I'm totally going to fish and tell about my #GoFurther150 Adventure. I made sure to have all the essentials; snacks, beverages, a picnic lunch, Thing 1, and a sunny (HOT!) day. Don't be "spooled" into thinking because the 2017 Ford  F150 King Ranch is a pickup truck, it doesn't have all the features, options and luxury you'll need to "tackle" all of life's adventures. We set the Sirius XM Radio to "stream" 80's tunes on the Sony sound system, we paired our phones almost instantly (SYNC Connect), and set our destination on the voice activated Nav System (SYNC3). I said "driver start your engine" and with the push of a button we were off. 

Good things come to those who wade ...
For the next the next two hours I lectured Thing 1 about life, we argue over what music to listen to, shared fish puns, and enjoy each other's company. While I drove, Thing 1 took command of the Duel-Zone Temperature Controls (DEATC) and the seat cooler settings. Yes! I said seat coolers. You know that wonderful feeling of having heated seats in the freezing Canadian winters, well it's like that, only cooled seats in the hot Canadian summers. Before we knew it we were in "the strike zone", and we had found our fish! This giant leaping Muskie statue pays tribute to the record breaking 69 lb Muskie H.A. "Dooley" McCarney caught in the waters near Gananoque.

Pickup Picnic ...
We "de-baited" over having fish & chips for lunch, but in the end opted to keep it "reel" and set out to find a shady place near the shore for a pickup picnic. This proved more challenging than anticipated, and I for one was very happy for the Reverse Sensing System to help maneuver this large vehicle into the only shaded spot available. The "side steppy-things" gave me a step up (literally) into the cargo bed, where we spread a picnic blanket, and shared lunch and more of our "finniest" fish puns (This too shall cast. Lure the best! Just for the Halibut.) 
What? If you think you cod do better? ... Let minnow. 

A drive around town ...
After finding our Muskie, a walk-about along the shore, and a picnic lunch, we decided to drive around town for a bit. First I showed Thing 1 where his dad and I stayed 24 years earlier, then we drove around making random turns onto any street that looked interesting. We realized Gananoque has some of the quaintest homes, and spent an hour driving up and down streets looking at houses. For those looking for more adventure than our lazy day road trip, I think you'll find Gananoque and the 1000 Islands area offers "some-fin" fun for everyone. We finished our visit with a quick stop to take pictures of the Gananoque sign before heading home via the scenic route. 

The scenic route ...
We took the scenic route home. I can't say enough about the Driver Assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), Lane Keeping System, and Cross Traffic Alert. Not to mention the voice activated Nav System, and converting incoming text messages to audio messages that SYNC 3 and SYNC Connect make possible. They are more than just convenient, they make driving safer for you, your passengers, and others on the road. Another of my favourite features is the KM to empty display on the productivity screen, especially when travelling off the beaten path.  

Random thoughts (out loud) ...
There are a few innovative or just plain fabulous features that deserve honourable mentions.

• Seat and Back Massage ... need I say more? I think not.
• Inflatable Seat Belts: an innovative safety feature in the rear seats to help reduce injury by spreading the force over a larger area, thereby reducing the pressure on the chest, and helping to control head and neck motion in the event of collision. 
• Multiple USB charging ports AND 110-volt/400-watt conventional AC plug-in outlet: convenience gone wild!
• Motorized seats: these are a must when you have multiple drivers using a single vehicle, and would be a deal breaker or maker for me when buying a vehicle. 
• Eco-Boost with Auto Stop-Star Technology reduces your fuel consumption and reduces your carbon footprint. I think we can all agree that is a WIN-WIN.
• SYNC Connect - reads out my text messages! Yes I think this is worthy of a second mention. It takes away the temptation to text and drive, by relaying text messages without the need to take your eyes off the road.
• Cool Giant Fish Magnet: because I can. 

And just for fun, it's time to see if you "reel-y" know your Fish Facts:
1) Which of the following are actual fishing terms?
a) walk the dog
b) bump the stump
c) riprap
d) poke the monkey
e) a, b, c, but not d
2) Muskie (Muskellunge) is the largest member of the ____ family?
3) Pro-cast-inating:
a) refers to the act of casting the lead for a Broadway show.
b) is someone who has achieved pro castinator status by way of multiple casts due to broken bones.
c) the act of delaying or postponing that which you should be doing, in order to do that which you want to do ... Go Fishing.

(Answers: 1) e, 2) Pike, 3) c)

You can find more information on the F150 King Ranch on Ford Canada's website, and to stay in-the-know follow them on twitter, facebook and instagram. Mine was but one of many #GoFurther150 Adventures. To see more follow the #GoFurther150 hashtag on social media. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about my "reel-ly" great Leaping Muskie Adventure.

Art & History Your Thing? Then @OntLakeCountry Is For You #OLC #LetsGoMaple

We're All Connected - Art, Culture, History. Discover how in Ontario's Lake Country. 

Nothing more Canadian than Maple Syrup!

Canada - Maple Tree - Maple Leaf - Maple Syrup ... 

Do you see the pattern? The common denominator: Maple! Once I got home from the fabulous #LetsGoMaple experience I found myself feeling like I was in the Maple version of Six Degrees of Separation. All that was missing was Kevin Bacon ... did I mention that bacon tastes really really good with maple syrup. It occurred to me #LetsGoMaple is the perfect hashtag when talking about the art, history, and culture of Ontario's Lake Country and Canada as a whole. 

If you know me, you know I'm all about sharing and linking information, ideas, and people, and I see links all over the place in Ontario's Lake Country and this area's art, history and culture.

Disclosure: I was invited to join a group of bloggers and influencers for a 2 day/3 night getaway to Ontario's Lake Country to sample some of the many and wonderful activities and attractions this area has to offer so I might share my experience with my readers. 

Ontario's Lake Country: Casino Rama Resort, Shaws Maple Syrup Bush, and Orillia Museum of Art and History are all in Ontario's Lake Country. 

Casino Rama Resort is located in the Town of Rama on Chippewas of Rama reserve land.

~Art & History~

Casino Rama is filled with art inspired or created to reflect the rich history and heritage of the Rama First Nation. Everywhere you look you'll find breathtaking art work that tells the history and stories of the area and the Rama First Nation.

~Culture & History~

The Gathering: "The Chippewas of Rama First Nation (Rama) has been known as 'the gathering' place throughout history, where travellers journey to trade, to seek counsel or medicines, and to attend meetings. Today, it is home to Casino Rama Resort" and, not surprisingly, it continues to be known as a 'gathering place' for friends and family to meet. 

~Culture & History~

Chippewas of Rama First Nation: The Weirs (Rama is a Chippewa word meaning fish fence) The Mnjikaning Fish Weirs (a system of underwater fences used to capture fish) was recognized as a National Historic Site in 1982. The fish fence at Atherley Narrows is located close to Rama First Nation. Carbon dating of samples taken of the fish fence stakes were found to be as old as 5000 years. We are talking Pyramids old. For a young country we have some old history. 

~Culture & History~ 

Maple Syrup and First Nations: Maple trees, and maple syrup played an important role and food source for the First Nations people of Ontario's Lake Country long before European settlers came to the region. (There is a Haudenosaunee/Iroquois legend that explains the discovery of maple syrup). In fact early settlers to the area learned from First Nations how to collect sap and produce maple syrup. 

~Culture & History~ 

Shaws Maple Syrup Bush has been tapping maples and producing maple syrup since 1904. Five generations of Shaws have been maple syrup producers with the sixth in training. They tap more than 4000 maples each year. It's clear the maple tree and maple syrup have historical significance and played an important role in the area. Maple syrup and the maple tree have become recognized symbols of Canada, Canadian culture, and being Canadian and are therefore significant to all Canadians.

~Culture & History~

Orillia Museum of Art and History: The building was completed in 1894 is home to more than 12,000 artifacts. The collection includes works of art, objects, archival documents and photos that have historical significance to Orillia and the surrounding areas, and Canada.  

~Art & History~

I found it interesting that OMAH is both backward and forward looking in that along with its many historical pieces, it's also home to an entire floor dedicated to contemporary art. Archival objects and documents are used for historical research and education about the art, history and culture of the area, while the dedicated space for art lessons helps to develop the skills of future artists. 

Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building, which presently houses the Orillia Museum of Art and History, has also been used as a Post Office and Customs House, by the Orillia Police Force, as a Court House & Jail (the cells are still in basement), by the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery.

~Art & History~

Thomas Fuller, the original architect of the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building also worked on Canadian Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, where the our federal government sits. Both the maple leaf and maple syrup are recognized as symbols of Canada and being Canadian. The maple leaf theme is woven into the culture, art, and history of Canada. It can found on our flag, and was on all our coins from 1876 until 1901, and on the our penny (until the it was phased out in 2012). Three maple leaves also appear on the Ontario Coat of Arms. 

And there's the Beaver ... also a recognized symbol of Canada and being Canadian. (of course there's moose, but I digress) Beaver - Beaver Fur - Fur Trade - The Gathering - Rama First Nation - Ontario's Lake Country ... 

And we're back to the beginning again. 

Personally I find all the connections through art, culture, and history fascinating since it is the connections we make with people, and places, and through experiences that makes us as individuals, and Canadians, and as a country wonderful. I highly recommend you connect with some of the art, culture, and history Ontario's Lake Country has to offer. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about art, culture, and history ... oh, and bacon ... the maple kind.

All You Foodies: Ontario's Lake Country Is For You! #OLC #LetsGoMaple

Savour the Flavours of Orillia, Ontario's and Ontario's Lake Country.

Disclosure: I was invited to join a group of bloggers and influencers for a 2 day/3 night getaway to the Ontario's Lakes Country to sample some of the many and wonderful activities, attractions, and eateries this area has to offer. Special thanks to Julie and Stacey of SJ Consulting for organizing and hosting this fabulous experience, and the sponsors for providing an exceptional experience to share with my readers. 

Supreme Cuisine was the Order of the Day(s):
You'll find no shortage of cuisine options at every price point in Ontario's Lake Country. I had the pleasure of sampling seven different eateries, participate in a local craft beer demonstration, a pizza making demonstration, a cooking with chocolate demonstration, Apres Ski with hot chocolates and DIY S'mores, AND nightly sweet treats delivered to my room. Each taste experience was different and delightful in its own way. Our visit coincided with the beginning of Tap into Maple that celebrates and showcases the area's tradition of producing maple syrup. Some producers like the Shaws have been tapping maples for more than a 100 years. 

St Germain's (at CasinoRama) served our group a mouth watering meal, that from appetizer to dessert was both delicious and beautifully presented. Keeping with the maple theme many of the dishes were infused with the flavour of maple, including the Maple Braised Ribs. The chefs and kitchen staff at St Germain's create visually beautiful dishes that are a feast for your eyes and your taste buds, including selections of AAA Alberta beef, lobster, sea bass, and salmon. It also boasts an award winning wine list, an awarding winning pastry chef, and top notch service and wait staff.  

Shaw's Maple Syrup Bush treated our group to a breakfast of maple tea, pancakes, maple beans, and sausages served with maple syrup produced from the 4000 trees they own and tap each year. (Pancakes are served from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm daily during the season.) Five generations of Shaws have been producing maple syrup and tapping maples since 1904. During Maple Tapping season walking trails are open, as well as horse drawn wagon rides on weekends. I think you'll find the experience to be both delicious, educational and a perfect family activity. 

Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill at Horseshoe Resort served us a delicious lunch that was much appreciated after the appetite we built up from Fat Biking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, and Tubing. After lunch we enjoyed some Apres Ski time making S'mores, and sipping hot chocolate. Not only was the lunch scrumptious the service was great. 

Rustica Pizza Vino (in Orillia) created an exceptional dinner adventure which included a Pizza Making Demonstration about the pizza oven, dough, and pizza making, and a demonstration from Horseshoe Valley Brewing Company. I personally sampled at least 4 kinds of pizza and would recommend all of them. The salad with pears and Gorgonzola was to die for. And it seems I do drink beer after all. Much thanks HSV Brew Co for helping me see the light. 

Photo courtesy of Julie (Try Small Things)

Room Service (at CasinoRama) was such a treat. I had a wonderful bacon and eggs breakfast with fancy Rye bread delivered right to my door. Good thing since I basically refused to get out of bed. 

The Weirs Restaurant (at CasinoRama) serves a Greek Salad that's a salad lover's dream, but Shannon better keep an eye on her Beet Salad because it definitely look worthy of risking the consequences of a grab and dash. Our server was both engaging and efficient, just the way I like it. 

The Grape and Olive Wine & Martini Bistro (in Orillia) delighted our group with a selection of dining options created by award winning Chef Derek Mayes. I chose the pasta, but it was a tough choice between that and the chicken. The salad was a work of art, and the apple crisp dessert tasted like home. To complete our dining experience the group was treated to a sweet cooking with chocolate demonstration by the pastry chef.

Sweet Treats courtesy of CasinoRama:
Each night we were treated to a delivery of delectable sweet treats. Talk about being spoiled!  

More sweetness courtesy of Julie from Try Small Things baked us #LetsGoMaple cookies, and they were delicious! Be sure to check out Julie's #LetsGoMaple post about her experience.

Salad Summary: Being a salad lover it seems only right to share my #LetGoMaple salad experience.

Once again I would like to thank our #LetsGoMaple hosts and sponsors for making this such a memorable experience. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of activities, attractions, things to do, and places to eat in Orillia and Ontario's Lake Country. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about good eats and sweet treats. 

Calm Before The Storm @TayRiverMediSpa Pre-Holiday Season #SpaDay

Wouldn't you love a chance to relax and chill before the winter cold comes and the holiday rush begins? 

Tay River Reflections MediSpa and AQUA (image via Tay River site)

Maybe take a hike on a beautiful trail, relax in outdoor hot tubs, or enjoy a tea and conversation with a good friend in a lounge overlooking beautiful scenery. 

Walking Trails (image via Tay River Reflections site )

Sounds good doesn't it! A little calm before the storm of the holiday rush. That's exactly what an AQUA pass allows you to do at the Tay River Reflections Medispa. 

That and access to their Train N Transform Fitness Centre.  

Or if you're looking for the full pampered treatment be sure to include one of the many spa treatments and services offered as well.  

I did some thinking out loud about my Spa Day and all a Tay River Reflections experience has to offer. I think you'll be surprised at the range of services and treatments available, including but not limited to what I like to call the "space pod". 

So in the spirit of giving, I'm giving myself permission to indulge in a "Pre-Holiday Season" Spa Day with my friend Dawn from Duelling Designs. We'll spend the day at Tay River Reflections attempting to clear the mental clutter before the serious business of holiday planning begins. 

You can find Tay River Reflections on twitter and facebook as well.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about clearing the mental clutter and a spa day.

Note: I received 2 passes to the Tay River Reflections MediSpa AQUA for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand or product.

A-U-M ... #GetYourZenOn at @TayRiverMediSpa

Ever Feel Like You Just Need to Get Your Zen On?

I have to admit the last couple of weeks have been hectic, filled with appointments, obligations, unexpected car breakdowns, and life. The snow is gone and the sun is out and all I want to do is block out all the busy life stuff and have a day to relax and do what I refer to as "Getting My Zen On".

On my recent visit to Tay River Reflections MediSpa, I found it to be a perfect location to rejuvenate with some pampering and relaxation. 

A-U-M ... 
Feel the stress and tension leave your mind and body as you enjoy the warm water of the hot tubs.

A-U-M ...
There goes more stress and tension as you become one with nature on the Tay River Trails .

Image and sense of Zen via Tay River Reflections

I think you get the picture.

A perfect place to #GetYourZenOn

Tay River Reflections MediSpa & AQUA thinks we should all have a chance to recharge in a Zen-like atmosphere, and they have been kind enough to offer one lucky Ontario reader and guest a chance to spend a day enjoying their walking trails, AQUA and fitness facilities. 

You can find Tay River Reflections MediSpa & AQUA on twitter and facebook.

And should you find yourself visiting Perth, Ontario, be sure to check out the Perth Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events and the Perth Visitors Guide.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about Getting My Zen On...A-U-M.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. It's purpose was merely to share this opportunity with my readers. All opinions are my own. 

Because "I'm Worth It!" #SpaDay at @TayRiverMediSpa #TayRiverReflections

"You're Invited to Experience Tay River Aqua"

Image via Tay River Aqua site 

"We are thrilled to invite you and a guest to our exclusive media event for the launch of  

Tay River Aqua!"

Well I'm pretty darn thrilled to be invited! 

So off my friend Elaine and I went for a much overdue and needed Spa Day.

(We each have 2 teen boys. Need I say more? I think not!)

You'll find the Tay River Reflections AQUA & MediSpa nestled on 260 acres just outside the town of Perth (about a 45 minute drive west of Ottawa), making it perfect for a day trip, or combined with a stay at one of the boutique hotels in the area a perfect weekend getaway.

We spent the day enjoying all Tay River has to offer including the newly opened outdoor AQUA facility, the gym and fitness centre, and a mini spa treatment at the established Tay River Reflections Spa. After a quick tour and lunch served in the lounge overlooking the hot tubs, gazebos and beautiful grounds, I was off to the spa to see Rhiannon for a mini facial which I highly recommend. Elaine relaxed in the hot tub until it was time for her mini relaxation massage. The Tay River MediSpa offers an array of spa services and medical esthetic treatments, including what I refer to as the "Spa-ce Pod" which is actually for Oxy LED treatments. 

The Train N' Transform Gym and fitness centre is impressive and includes an indoor track, and total body vibration machines! It was nice to see a wide range of ages from college students to seniors in the gym and classes. Clearly there is something to suit everyone's needs. Personal trainers are available by appointment, as well as 140 classes per month to suit every fitness level. I found the Membership prices very reasonable, and think it would be great for those with cottages in the area. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying coffee and tea in the lounge, and chatting with Tay River Reflections founder Dr. Manuela Joannou and the Marketing Director Tyrell McKirdy about their facilities and future plans to convert the loft into a conference room. 

It was a wonderful relaxing way to spent time with a good friend. The staff was friendly and professional, the spa treatments a dream, and the surroundings beautiful. They even have wifi, which is important to us blogger types. I know I'll be back soon! because as the saying goes ..."I'm Worth It!"

Mother's Day is just around the corner and a spa day sounds like the perfect gift...hint hint teen boys!

For more information about the services and packages available be sure to take a look at the Tay River Reflections Medical Spa site and Tay River Reflections on facebook.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about spa days.

Note: As an invited guest of  Tay River Reflections AQUA I enjoyed the facilities for a day and a mini spa treatment free of charge. The purpose of this post is merely to share my experience with my readers. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience.