Al and Peggy's Corner: Ontario: Orillia

Canadian Smallmouth Bass Record Smashed

Over 100 teams hit the waters of Lake Simcoe this morning around 7:00 am.  They were out to catch the big one.  This is Canada's premier bass tournament, each team is allowed to bring 5 bass back and have them weighed by 3:00 pm.

A guaranteed $25,000 is up for grabs, with a chance to double that with other various prizes.  A brand new Toyota Truck and Tracker boat worth about $100,000 is standing by for the team that can break the Ontario record for smallmouth bass.  The current record for total weight of not more than 5 bass sits at 30.35 lbs.

Today the record was smashed when a team stepped up to the scales and showed off their 5 bass that weighed in at 31.55 lbs.  A new Canadian record.

Lake Simcoe is an hours drive north of Toronto, Ontario and is known for the big smallmouth bass.  A must fish event has fishermen coming from all over the country.

All of the fish caught in the event are checked, tagged and released back into the water.  The teams will be back next year looking for them, hoping they are a little fatter, giving them a chance to break this new Canadian record.

Good job boys, see you next year.

Canadian Smallmouth Bass Record Smashed

Name That Photo - Here's Your Answer

We had a couple of researchers on this one and they almost answered all the questions.  Still want to give it a shot before seeing the answers below, if so click here Name That Photo.

Everybody figured out it was a caboose, that in itself is good, because we can't say the last time we saw one at the end of a long line of railway cars.  A neat part of history gone but not forgotten.

When it came to the questions, what year was it built, where was it built and who built it, it got a little tougher.  Russel narrowed down the years, Jenny got it's location, then Marc put two and two together and came up with the correct year it was built... 1903.

As for where and who built it... those ones got you.  To find out those answers, watch this short video.

By the way, you all put in a good effort, so you are all winners.  Let us know the next time you are in the area and we will introduce you to Webers new ice cream bar... we had the new flavour "birthday cake" tasted just like it.

Name That Photo - Here's Your Answer

G8 - G20 Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Have you been following the G20?  The world leaders have landed.  For some reason they decided to have meetings in two different locations.  They started out in Huntsville, Ontario on Friday June 25th, which is about three hours north of Toronto and called this part of the meeting the G8.

This afternoon they started their convoys south from Huntsville on route to Toronto to hold their G20 meetings.  It has been reported that they are not expecting any great things to happen as a result of the meetings.  We have had large groups of protesters causing havoc in the city, even set a police car on fire.

We have heard from a lot of people that the downtown part of Toronto has been virtually shut down for several days.  Imagine the loss of business for all the restaurant owners who had been counting on large crowds of people to watch the World Cup.  Bad timing on the part of our government.

Here's a peek of the police escort...   

G8 - G20 Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ready? Let's Go Fish!

Fishing season is alive and well in Orillia, Ontario, Canada.  Last weekend with the warmer temperatures and sunny days, there was a good sprinkling of fishermen out on Lake Simcoe but the Granddaddy of all fishing kicks off next weekend on beautiful Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, in Orillia with Canada's largest registered Perch Festival.   This major fishing derby that attracts fishermen from near and wide, begins April 17, 2010 and runs through until May 20th.   The object is to catch one or more of the 60 tagged perch, earning the prize of $500.00 each.

To enter the 29th Perch Festival you must submit your information and $15.00 (children under 16 $5.00) entry fee to Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, 150 Front St. South, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 4S7. Your registration form will then be on file at the Perch Festival Headquarters at Tudhope Park.  

Don't miss this out. This is always a well attended event that is fun for both for the participants and the spectators alike. 

Just imagine a day of fun and a chance to win at least $500.00 for $15.00!

Ready? Let's Go Fish! 

Today was just a beautiful day in the Greater Toronto Area, full sunshine and best of all the feeling that Spring is in the air.

The Port of Orillia in Orillia, Ontario, Canada is quiet right now, but it won't be for long. In just one short month, we will finally welcome Spring, 2010.

A Little Walk At the Port of Orillia, in Orillia Ontario on a frosty December day.

Officially it is still FALL.  We took a walk on Saturday along the boardwalk at thePort of Orillia and everywhere we looked, everything was hunkering down, awaiting old man WINTER.  There were only two boats still tied up at the docks.  The kids train station and French's hamburger stand were locked up for the season.

A few Canada Geese were still hanging around, and of course a dock full of Seagulls.  If we were Seagulls we would definitely be in flight towards our new permanent home in Florida.

Samuel de Champlain overlooksLake Couchiching, frozen in time.  It was just 394 years ago he was frollicking around right here with the local Indians.

Even Orillia's Island Princess has sailed her last tour for 2009 and awaits 2010 in the chilly waters.

It's a little errie, only a couple of people out walking their dogs where hundreds are usually enjoying the lovely waterfront.

Oh well, the way time is travelling, it will be SPRING again be for we know it.

ANSWER TO: Wordless Wednesday With A Little "Name That Photo" Added

We know this was a toughy, but if it is to easy and the first guy gets it... where's the fun.

We had some good guesses, even some pretty close ones.

So, this is what you were trying to figure out what exactly the picture was showing.

This is where the operator was stationed to operate the above picture.

Well here it is...

This bridge was able to rotate in one direction to allow cars to cross and as it showsc in the picture to allow for boat traffic to pass by.  In the 1990's the bridge and the bridge operator were both retired to make way for a new modern overpass which allowed boat traffic to pass under.

The bridges both spanned over what is know as the Atherley Narrows which connects two bodies of water Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

Wordless Wednesday With A Little  "Name That Photo" Added

Here's a little picture that might get your brain turning.  It's something old, matter of fact it hasn't been used in years.  It would of caused a lot of problems if it hadn't existed when it was used. 

Look carefully, even though we don't think you will get it.

To help we will add a clue around supper time (EST), take a shot, come back later after the clue and take a second shot. 

We will reveal the big picture tomorrow, so keep that computer humming...

We know, the above picture could be just about anything... you guys are so smart we have to try to trick you a little bit.  Well this clue is probably going to give it away but that's okay, but you will have to wait until this time tomorrow for the full picture.

There used to be a guy that controlled what you see in picture number one.  He hung out in what you see in the picture below.  It used to be not a bad little place until the riff raft came.

Merry Christmas

It was a balmy 48 degrees in Orillia, Ontario today.  No snow in sight but a beautiful sunny day for the 2009 Santa Claus Parade.  Everyone was having fun waiting to Santa to come.  (Click the speaker in the top left corner of the slide show for a little Drummer Boy music.)

We would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and the best for 2010

There Aren't Many Days Left Like Today Around Here

Wasn't it a beautiful day today?  We drove into Orillia, Ontario and went for a walk in Couchiching Park and enjoyed the sun and the warm weather.  The sky was blue and the water was calm.

People were walking hand in hand, some with their dogs and some with their childern.  Isn't it funny how the nice weather gets people out.

We took a few pictures and wanted to share them with you.

Hope you liked the little walk you took with us, we enjoyed your company...