The Kahshe Krier
Volume 15
Issue 3
October 2023
Photo: Keith Price
|
|
|
|
|
President's Opening Salvo
|
|
|
It is hard to believe that the 2023 Cottage Season is coming to a close. If you are lucky to call Kahshe / Bass lakes your primary residence, I am envious! We truly have a spectacular place here in Muskoka, on these beautiful lakes, no matter what the season. My family are always among the first water access cottagers to open-up in Grants Bay in the Spring, and never close-up before Thanksgiving weekend. |
|
|
We even found a way to extend our season at this special place by purchasing a couple of snowmobiles. We have spent many amazing hours with friends and family enjoying the lake, and plan to spend many more as our family grows to include grandchildren.
I would like to thank the many volunteers who made events around Kahshe and Bass Lakes so successful this summer. Housey's Rapids celebrated their 60th Picnic, the Kermit Long Kid's Fishing Derby was back for a 15th season, the Kahshe Regatta on Nagaya Beach was fantastic fun, the Photo Contest captured life around the lakes and the final Beach Bar-b-que on Labour Day Weekend provided an opportunity for cottagers, residents, friends and family to visit and celebrate.
It is also important that we acknowledge the many hours volunteers have spent helping with KLRA committee work. The Beach, Rock Marker, Water Access, Conservation, Boating Safety, KLRA Executive and Communications, Outreach and Membership Committees have all worked hard to continue the work that our Lake Association started many years ago.
The AGM at the Gravenhurst Opera House on Saturday June 24th provided a great opportunity to celebrate 100 Years as a Lake Association. New swag was available for purchase and copies of Healing Waters Volume III, commemorating our 100 Year Anniversary, was a hot selling item. The cake was delicious and the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbours was wonderful.
The KLRA Board of Directors has many new faces this year and will continue to support the important work of the Association. Together we share a love of Kahshe and Bass Lakes, and want to do our best to embrace the future, while acknowledging the history that many longtime cottage families have shared on our Lakes. I often read older editions of the Kahshe Krier that are available in the member section of the KLRA website. These newsletters provide a glimpse into the past and include information about the work previous KLRA members have done to advocate, sustain, conserve and improve life on our Lakes.
In closing, I am pleased to take on the role of KLRA President for the next two years. Fortunately, past-President April Drane is close-by, as well as a dedicated group of KLRA Directors, some with many years of volunteer hours and expertise on the Association.
Sincerely,
Marnie Cryderman,
President, KLRA |
|
|
Please support our Advertisers |
|
|
Rock Marker Committee News
This season the Rockmarker Committee installed three more permanent Lighthouse Towers to aid with night-time navigation on the lake. See Daryl Nice's Report below for the location of these new towers. Many thanks to the volunteers who installed and removed the spherical balls that mark the many rocks in our lake:
South End - Jim Butler and John Thompson
Central - Mueller-Hill Family
Grants Bay - Keith Martin, Chris Fitzpatrick and Rob Pinard
East End - Jonathan and Andrew Sawicki
Again this season, Bailey's Barge installed, removed and stored the very heavy floating, lighted columnar towers that are put in the lake before the May 24th weekend and then removed after Thanksgiving. Due to the weight and difficulty of volunteers doing this job, the KLRA has paid Bailey and her crew to provide this service since Fall 2021.
Finally, thanks so much to Daryl Nice for volunteering to take over as the Rockmarker Chair. Daryl will continue to ensure that rocks are marked in the main navigation routes, to ensure safe boating on Kahshe Lake. Marnie Cryderman Past Chair, Rock Marker Committee Report from Daryl Nice Hi, My name is Daryl Nice and I am the new Rock Marker Committee Chairperson. As a life long Kahshe Lake cottager I want to continue to make the Lake a safe place to boat and enjoy all activities. Since I come from the Bass Lake side of Kahshe through Houseys Rapids I am no stranger to shallow water and Rocks.
Three new Permanent Lighted Towers were installed in the lake on September 30th.
One is located between Chief and Erin Islands. It will replace the Floating Tower. After Thanksgiving weekend the Floating Tower will be removed from the lake. So remember, if you are boating in the lake after Thanksgiving weekend, steer WIDE of the lighted tower to the east of Chief Island.
The second Permanent Lighted Tower was installed on the mainland, south of the Twin Islands - Hilda and Grandview. This should help boaters navigate the lake at night through this narrow area.
The third Permanent Lighted Tower marks the northern most point of Boyd Island
Thanks Daryl Nice KLRA Rock Marker Committee |
|
|
The 60th Housey's Rapids Picnic |
|
|
Saturday July 15th was a very iffy day weather-wise: 90% chance of rain with a risk of thunderstorms, meaning a constant back and forth with volunteers deciding if it should be a go or no go.
By 10:00 am the decision was made. It was a go. Worst case we get wet and scramble to get everything put away. With a tradition of 60 years there are those that participate rain or shine. Our numbers were around 50 attendees and then the Robinson Crew arrived taking us to over 60 attending. Other families that attended were the Craddocks, Lasaachuks, Irwins, Cliffords, Pilgers, Bells, Powells, Dunphys, Watsons, Whites, Houlbergs, Powells, Bates, Prices and Corbetts. By 2:00 the 60th Games began. |
|
|
Nancy and Alison Corbett ran the games for all age groups. With the threatening weather we passed on the Housey’s Rapids Amazing Race as the skies could have opened up at any time and the Race requires about 40 minutes to complete.
Scott Watson quickly filled the roster for the Horseshoe Tournament with 8 teams of 2 battling for the coveted Cathy Dunphy Broken Horseshoe Trophy. Competition is always keen at this tournament and just a little bit competitive. Wendy Pilger and Shawn Corbett battled to the end to win on the final toss, a fitting result given that Terry Pilger won it last year with the help of Bill Irwin.
Gwen Hems had the Craft Table set up and had activities for the young and the young at heart. Gwen has been one of the picnic mainstay volunteers for many years and has provided crafts at the picnic since the early 1990’s. The KLRA Grill was in the expert hands of Gord and Tien White. They were serving up sausages and hot dogs provided by Dave Purdon of Muskoka Meats. Gord has been on the picnic grill for over 30 years and has only missed one year. |
|
|
Almost everyone participated in the all play games. Those that were in the balloon toss are getting better each year as the toss distance is getting greater and greater to determine the winners. The famous Bucket Brigade, officiated by Keith Price, is the highlight of the games at the Picnic. A lot of water is moved and participants (especially the official) usually get wet. The weather finally started to change and we could see that rain was only a short distance off, so we bailed on the Tug of War and quickly moved to our Pick a Prize Raffle. A Little Gift Bag was provided for all the little ones.
We were fortunate to get in as much of the Picnic as we did since the skies opened up shortly after 4:00 and it was all hands on deck to get things packed up and put away. No game results this year as in the scramble to pack up we lost our tracking sheets. Our Community Picnic would not be possible without the help of the many volunteers that we have. The Picnic is always on the 3rd Saturday of July which for next year will be Saturday July 20, 2024. Save this date. Shawn and Nancy Corbett Picnic Coordinators |
|
|
Kermit Long Kids' Fishing Derby
Saturday July 22nd, 2023
8:00am-4:00pm Open to All Ages 16 & Under
|
|
|
We had a great day at the annual Kermit Long Fishing Derby today. A total of 80 entries were logged and 38 children out there fishing. The recent weather kept the fish deeper than normal this morning but we rebounded this afternoon! Trophies & cash prizes for all categories as well as grand prize giftpacks will be awarded to the top 4 entries for each category, $10, $7, & $5. Grand Prizes were: a Fishing Rod, a Bass Pro Gift Card and a Net & Tackle Box.
All participants, even those who fished with no luck, received a loot bag with lures and candy.
Thank you to the KLRA, to Paul Caswell from Denne’s Marina for opening up his docks for measuring, to Brenda from the Nagaya Parking lot for donating parking spaces for our volunteers, and to our in person volunteers (Ryan Swirla, Mark Swirla, Jenny Daggitt and Ray, Maureen, Matt and Jen Gregory) who were at the dock early morning eagerly measuring fish and logging entries. |
|
|
This year was one for the books, we are very grateful for all the donations we received – everything from fishing gear, candy for loot bags to lunch for the volunteers, we are overwhelmed with the support from our Kahshe friends.
Matt & Jen Gregory, Ray & Maureen Gregory, Bob & Kathy Moores, Terri & Jerry Holden, Sandy & Paul Cutting, Greg Suitor, Ryan & Melissa Swirla, Randy & Christina Eldridge, Russ& Lauren Koenig, Paige Penner, Peter Dykstra, Bryan & Jen Long, Mike Bradley, Nick & Pat Swirla and Luke and Erin Miller (Swirla).
Winners may pickup their prizes at the Miller/Swirla cottage Sunday July 23rd from 10:00am- 11:00am. As well as Denne’s from 11:00am-11:30am.
We, Luke, Erin, Matt & Jen wish to thank all the donors for another successful event on Kahshe. The support from each family does not go unnoticed. Looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2024! |
|
|
The stories from Kahshe Quest 3 - 2022 Participants in Kahshe Quest 3 were invited to submit a short "quest" story using some of the words and distinctive features that were part of the Quest. The stories would be published in the Krier. "Is bored better than scared" by The 1830 Questers and The Kahshe Prophecy: Part 1 by Team Iley were published in the January 2023 issue. Part 2 of the Team Iley trilogy appeared in the May 2023 issue. The concluding Part 3 of the Team Iley trilogy appears below. Enjoy! |
|
|
The Kahshe Prophecy
by Noah (15), Madeleine (12) and Olivia (12) Iley with a little help from Matt and Nadine [Team Iley] Part 3 |
|
|
The story so far: Matilda, a young damsel from Kahshe Castle, decides to conquer her fear of heights by jumping off a high cliff on the opposite side of the lake from her castle. Unfortunately she falls through a twig-covered hole into a dungeon-like cavern and is rescued after over half an hour by the Guardian Horseman. She now has to decide whether to continue on to make her jump from the cliff or return immediately to the castle in time to greet her soon-to-arrive guests. When the Horseman says he knows a short cut, she decides to make her jump, but is puzzled when the horseman says they must first find the monument that will point them in the right direction towards the top of the cliff. |
|
|
“What monument?” said the damsel. She was puzzled as she had never heard of such a thing before on Kahshe Lake.
“The inukshuk that lies just across the channel has been used for years by young people looking for the path to the top of the rocky cliff.” said Frederick. |
|
|
So off they went - quickly galloping along the shoreline of the lake, through the final stand of trees and then into the shallow water of the channel across to the north side of the waterway opening. After another minute or two riding along the far side of the channel, the two new friends spotted the inukshuk and the horse took a sharp turn to head slowly and carefully up a narrow path which felt very steep for the damsel sitting on the back of the horse. At the top of the climb, the Guardian Horseman pulled on the reins and helped the damsel down off the horse. The pair walked over towards an opening in the trees and the damsel realized they had arrived at the very top of the rocky cliff!
They walked slowly and carefully forward and the damsel looked out at the sparkling water far below. She could feel a gentle breeze on her cheeks as she now stood in the exact spot she had dreamed about jumping from for years. “It’s SO HIGH” she said - nervously wondering if she could bring herself to jump. “I don’t know if I can do it” she said shyly to the Guardian Horseman. |
|
|
Just then, Frederick pulled out a scroll of paper from his pocket. “What is that?” asked the damsel.
"This is the Kahshe Lake Prophecy” said the Guardian Horseman. “It is a very old document - very short in length, but apparently repeatedly true.” he explained. |
|
|
The damsel’s heart skipped a beat. Before she could even think about what he had just said, she saw Frederick throw down his saddle bag and rope, take off his shirt, grab her hand and yell, “HERE WE GO!!!!!”
|
|
|
They took three running steps hand in hand and in the blink of an eye, the damsel felt her stomach rush up through her chest, and her heart beat pound harder than it ever had before, and the two of them fell gracefully downwards - both screaming and somehow laughing at the same time! They hit the water with a large splash and came back to the surface still laughing and in total disbelief about what had just happened. The damsel could not believe she had jumped off the rocky cliff of Mount Mary!!! |
|
|
As the two of them swam to the shore, the damsel was surprised to look up and see the black horse had made his way down to meet them right where they came up out of the water. The sun was getting lower in the sky, so the Guardian Horseman again helped the damsel back onto the horse and away they galloped back along a different path, over the bridge that he had spoken of before - and just as the castle came into view in the distance, they rode past a strange carving of a Naked Lady carved out of the trunk of a large old tree. |
|
|
“I’ve never seen this statue before!” said the damsel. Frederick went on, “The story goes that an old miser who lived on this lake carved it many years ago. He was never married, and people say he carved it as a sign of the woman he always hoped would one day jump off the rocky cliff with him. Rumour has it, it never happened. And there the Naked Lady stands...” he said.
“Well - let’s not dwell on that” said the damsel. I have company coming to the castle any moment now, and I sure do have a LOT to tell them about my adventure today!”
And with the gentle breeze still blowing and the sound of a loon cry down by the Grants Bay dam, off the two of them rode… headed back to the castle for the start of what might just be a long and adventurous life together. THE END |
|
|
Kahshe Quest 4 - Apology
To all those of you who were looking forward to doing the 4th Kahshe Quest this summer, I must apologize. I had a couple of, thankfully minor, but energy-sapping, health issues to deal with and was unable to put in the time and effort required to put together Quest 4. However, I am bound and determined to bring Quest 4 to the lake in '24, health permitting. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable winter as you look forward to a summer of Questing and Feasting at the post-Quest Barbecue.
Keith Price, Quest Organizer
|
|
|
Water Access Report
Fall 2023 |
Now that we know winter is on its way, I hope you have all been able to reflect on a great summer season. We were all able to socialize more, and the weather was as good as any summer I can remember, even into October!
A few items worth mentioning before many of us close for the season:
New Garbage and Recycling Rules
As water access cottagers, we have become more familiar with the new recycling and garbage drop-off schedules. If you have any concerns and/or recommendations, please let the KLRA know, as the District of Muskoka has offered to make changes to the dates/times if there is a consensus to do so. Personally, we have been dropping off garbage/recycling at the Beiers Road landfill a few times this summer, and it works well as a backup when needed. The staff there are polite, efficient, and it only adds around 10 minutes or so to our drive back to the city.
"Last Chance for Gas"
This is the message from the marinas on the lake. From now on, there will be no gas station on the lake, which can create some challenges for cottagers, but unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done. The rules for temporary gas tanks are complicated, and the cost of replacing in-ground tanks is completely unreasonable. Canadian Tire and other outlets have simple hand pump systems to help, but I guess we must get creative, like we have done with most other issues at the cottage and move forward.
Docks and parking issues seem to have been resolved over the last few years, and I have not heard of any major problems. |
|
|
Runaway Docks As we noted this spring, a few docks were wandering around the lake, so make sure your dock sections are anchored properly to avoid this navigational hazard. Wishing everyone good luck with closing the cottage, storing the boats, and making the most of winter. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.
See you on the lake next spring! Henry Kowalewski, WA Committee Chairperson |
|
|
THE KAHSHE BOUTIQUE Hello Kahshe Lakers,
I would like to thank my family and friends for all the help with the KLRA Boutique. Without
volunteers we would not be able to run the Boutique.
Cheers!
Leslie Pinard Boutique Manager |
|
|
The 19th Annual Kahshe Regatta in Pictures Saturday July 22, 2023 |
|
|
Kudos to Jesse Mirlocca and Samantha (Sam) Schleese, Organizer and MC respectively, for the great job they did putting on the 2023 Kahshe Lake Regatta |
|
|
|
|
The Regatta builds life-long memories and allows for cottagegoers to meet new faces and interact with life-long friends. If you are interested in volunteering at next year's Regatta, please reach out to anyone on the KLRA Board. |
|
|
Current Board Members
President Marnie Cryderman Vice-President Kim Train Past President April Drane Secretary Marlene Clune Treasurer Greig Holder Boating Safety Committee Chair Rick Glatt COM-Committee Chair Lauren Koenig
FOCA Rep Sandra Moad
Rock Marker Committee Chair Daryl Nice Water Access Committee Chair Henry Kowalewski Members-at-Large Steven Page Dave Barker Sabine Schleese Mike Katsevman Non-Board Member Support Team Conservation Committee Chair Bob Reyburn Houseys Rapids Picnic Shawn and Nancy Corbett Kahshe Boutique Manager Leslie Pinard Lake Steward Nagaya Beach Committee Chair Jesse Mirlocca
Newsletter Editor Keith Price Soc-Med (FB, Instagram, Twitter) Paisley Pinard Webmaster Clare Henderson To contact any of these people, please email us at mailto:info@kahshelake.ca
|
|
|
What's on at the Opera House? |
|
|
Saturday October 28, 7:30 p.m. Stay Calm and Shanty On Sean McCann $40 + tax
Doors open at 7:00 PM |
|
|
Saturday November 4, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $56 (incl tax) Formed in Toronto in 1994, Hells Bells is the world's longest touring tribute to AC/DC, performing thousands of concerts across North America.
After 50 years AC/DC has defined the sound of rock 'n' roll and the music of generations. Hells Bells delivers that sound, look and attitude, from the wall of Marshall amps to the signature schoolboy outfit. This is a high energy show you don't want to miss! |
|
|
Saturday, December 2: 1 pm & 6:30 pm
Sunday, December 3: 1 pm
Tales of the Nutcracker
Presented by The Gravenhurst Opera House and Just 4 Kicks Academy of Dance
Tickets Adult $33.64 Student (13+) $24.69 Child (0-12) $15.95 |
|
|
Pat Swirla
(nee Douglas)
(30.10.1950 - 09.09.2023) |
|
|
Pat came to Kahshe lake in 1973 when her parents Ross and Lois Douglas purchased ‘Point 4’ estates (Housey Rapids end) with their close friends - Al and Gladys Laverty, Glen and Mary Laverty, Bill and Peggy Carter. Together with their families their love for Kahshe began. Pat and her husband Nick quickly adopted the lake by attending Rockhaven regattas, dances at Dennes, and the much anticipated Labour Day Corn Roasts at Point 4 .
In 1990 Pat, Nick and their 3 children- Mark, Erin and Ryan - purchased their own cottage on Boyd Island, built by their good friend Glen McAulay. Pat spent the next 30 summers there. Affectionately called ‘Aunt Pat’ by many of her Kahshe kids she enjoyed the teenage parties, the endless sleepovers and organizing the Kermit Long Fishing Derby always ensuring the camp fire was properly put out every night. She was famous for keeping a daily diary in which she recounted the events of the day every night before bed, The diaries are often read by her grandchildren.
In 2019, when Pat and Nick retired, Erin and her husband, Luke Miller, purchased the cottage from them thus continuing her Kahshe legacy. Pat will be missed by many of her Kahshe family- both old and new. |
|
|
Yes! It does say "Final Editorial" since I am stepping down as Editor of the Kahshe Krier after this issue. I took over the newsletter from Doug and Karen Paul back in 2009 and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being involved in the activities of the KLRA and of the Kahshe community in general over the past 15 years.. When I began, the newsletter was still being mimeographed on long paper and mailed to all members. I quickly moved to a word-processor produced version on regular paper (11"x18"), and soon began to offer digital versions that could be accessed from the KLRA website. Eventually the cost of mailing out hard copies became prohibitive and members were asked to choose between paying for hard copies to be mailed or having the Krier delivered via email. Over the next couple of years more and more members chose to go digital and eventually the mailing option was removed. It is now time for the newsletter to move into the "social media age". Since I am not comfortable with social media and am dealing with minor (thank goodness) health issues, I have, after long consideration, decided to hand off the Krier to the younger generation. I would like to thank all those of you who, over the years, have contributed articles, photos, reports, Letters to the Editor, anecdotes, etc. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you. And, finally, I wish the best of success to whoever takes over from me. I look forward to receiving future copies of the Krier in whatever form it takes. Enjoy the winter, Keith Price |
|
|
|
Copyright © 2023 Kahshe Lake Ratepayers' Association 1994 Inc. All rights reserved.
Postal mail: KLRA, PO Box 1318, Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1V5
 
This email was sent to {Contact_Email}. You can change your email preferences here{Member_Profile_URL} |
|
|
|
.JPEG)
.JPEG)
