Holiday Ranch Cottage Blog

Niagara Falls North ??

2012-01-24T19:41:00.001-05:00

"Holiday Ranch" hosted a special wedding over the Canada Day long weekend last July. It was a huge success in many ways. The weather was perfect for a late afternoon wedding on our lakeside deck "The Lily Pad". There were approximately fifty people attending with Lake Huron in the background; the catering was first class and the atmosphere was jovial and relaxed.

Liana and I feel very fortunate to have been asked to host our second wedding over the Canada Day long weekend 2012; a fabulous young couple will be married on "The Lily Pad" next July. Others have been joking to us about how "Holiday Ranch" is becoming the "Niagara Falls of the North" as we have three honeymoons booked for this coming summer. Looking forward to a great season!

Rustic Elegance - Part 2

2011-11-10T15:43:00.001-05:00

(Continued from previous blog below, "Rustic Elegance")...

On the wedding day, as 4:00 p.m. rolled around and the "pre-ceremony" (carefully and loving compiled) music began, and guests began to arrive, joy and excitement filled the fresh cottage-country air. Again, the weather was perfect; hot with a breeze slight enough to keep away the unwanted insect guests! There were roughly 50 guests in total; immediate family, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, with Adam and Jenn's close friends. The ceremony was intimate. Their vows emotional and touched everyone...even their "baby" and ringbearer Thiago.

And the "ballerina bride?" I'll let the photos speak to how incredible she looked (the groom too!)...

Following the ceremony, celebrations began with a signature drink (Mojitos) renamed "Moss on the Rocks" for the theme of the wedding. The wedding party and three photographers (myself, Adam's Dad and Sister) went to The Point for a photo shoot.

Upon returning to the cottage the party was in full swing. It was wonderful to see people mingling, laughing, and enjoying themselves. The caterer, Chris, and his fabulous staff from Rural Roots Catering in Orangeville, did a phenomenal job preparing and serving the guests all night, all the while never leaving your drink or your plate unattended! From the appetizers to the pasta bar, from the "Moose Sliders" to (my personal favourite) the "Mashed Potato Bar" at midnight, everything was fantastic!

Fabulous food by Rural Roots Catering

The speeches were humourous and touching. There were also some surprises by Adam and Jenn's friends, from funny sonnetts and songs about the couple to a full dance to a rap song re-written for them! As darkness approached the ambiance of all the soft white mini-lights and the flood lights illuminating the birch trees set the stage for the evening. There was even a bonfire and singing, and more laughter and celebration.

Not only was Adam and Jenn's wedding a special day they will always cherish, but one we will always remember and add to the history books of Holiday Ranch. Congratulations again, Adam and Jenn, and thank you! We love you!

Rustic Elegance

2011-11-10T14:07:00.002-05:00

Happy {Canadian} Thanksgiving! I'm writing this long overdue blog sitting in a lounger on The Lily Pad. The weather over this Thanksgiving weekend has been stellar! The lake is currently calm, the October sun is beaming down on me, and the sky is blue with a few white, whispy clouds. It feels more like summer than autumn as I sit here in a tank top and shorts! This is my most favourite spot in the whole world...a place to catch some much-needed peace and relaxation.

A year ago we never thought The Lily Pad would become even more special than it did over the past year. Nick was asked by his eldest nephew, Adam, late last fall if he and his fiance, Jenn, could be married at Holiday Ranch on The Lily Pad this past summer. Adam spent much of his childhood with his family and grandparents (Nick Sr. and Lilian), and felt a special connection here with his granddad who passed away in 1991. Nick and I were honoured and we both knew it was going to be a special event.

We began coming up in April to plan, work in the gardens, and landscape to transform the grounds into the wedding site. God's natural beauty in conjunction with the bride and groom's idea of enhancing with more pops of white through adding birch (log-lined pathways, the wedding arbour, and in other well-positioned spots), white linens and chairs, and a few floating paper lanterns made an enchanted scene. Did I mention the white cedar wood chips? Loads and loads of wood chips!! They made the grounds easier to walk on in heels, not to mention the natural scent they provided.

After many family work weekends to prepare (and many fun memories made doing so), the weekend prior to the wedding finally arrived. Nick and I spent a week of vacation here to do last minute things to the cottage and prepare for The Main Event! It was busy and relaxing all at the same time. The weather all week was spectacular. Thursday evening arrived as did the bride and groom, and immediate family. Friday brought the bride's family, wedding party, and caterer (who also happens to be the bride's soon-to-be brother-in-law). On Saturday set-up began with large white tents, forty-seven chairs on The Lily Pad, and the rehearsal, followed by food and fellowship. Adam and Jenn had organized a booking in Tobermory on the sunset cruise to Flowerpot Island for those family and friends who had never experienced Tobermory and the beauty the North Bruce Peninsula offers. We had reports back from those who toured that it was a worthwhile activity!

For me, it was a late night and even earlier Sunday morning! Running on little sleep as my mind was occupied on the day to come, I decided it would be special to capture the sunrise on Adam and Jenn's wedding day...it would be "their sunrise". And so I did.

Sunrise reflecting on The Lily Pad

The bride and her mates arrived at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday July 3rd in the party spirit! Centre pieces were constructed, bouquets were assembled, mini lights were strewn, tables were dressed, and lots of coffee was consumed! By about 2:00 in the afternoon there was a hush. The bride and the ladies had returned to town to get ready. The groom and his best buddies went off to have a bit of fun. The rest had a nap. Except for me. I grabbed my camera and in the peace of it all went around the property to capture how the place had transformed. Unexpectedly, through the lens of my camera, came this huge wave of emotion! It was like I was seeing all the work that Nick's dad had put into this place since the 1970's, the work that Nick continued after his passing, the work on the weekends that Adam, his sister Alison and her husband (and Adam's best friend) Paul, and the rest of the family had put in the months prior, and the work the bride and her friends had put in that weekend, and how it had all come together for this special occasion.

To be continued...

2011 ~ Wedding on the Lily Pad

2011-01-13T11:47:00.010-05:00

During our almost 20 years of marriage, Liana and I have owned, renovated and sold numerous properties, but the one we will never sell is "Holiday Ranch". Ontario has many beautiful areas; however, the scenery in Tobermory is captivating. During a one or two week summer vacation, there are plenty of ways to keep a family busy. Most visitors cannot believe, for example, how crystal clear the water is surrounding the Bruce Peninsula, and how much there is to discover in the area for all ages.

While reflecting on the 2010 season at "Holiday Ranch", I have many fond memories of a fabulous and successful vacation season. Once again we booked up early last winter, and the bookings are already rolling in for Summer 2011! We strive to contiunally improve "Holiday Ranch", and especially this year as we have a wedding booked during the Summer of 2011 on the "Lily Pad" (lakeside deck).

Looking forward to 2011!

Nick & Liana Falaleeff

Eat, Drink, and Be Married!

2010-08-04T21:55:00.009-04:00

Years ago there was this little cafe along Dyers Bay Road (see blog entitled 'The Hippest Road In Town'). It blended right into the cozy cottages on this road and always captivated me. Even the name of it was endearing. The "Rocky Raccoon Cafe" became even more intriguing when we once read an article in a Toronto paper about the renowned chef, Robin Pradhan (originally from Nepal), that performed his culinary magic there. I had always put the bug in Nick's ear that we should stop there to dine. Unfortunately, we never made the time and before we knew it, the quaint little cottage-like diner was no more...

...or so we thought! To my excitement a few years ago, we discovered that they had grown and moved to Wiarton. We actually were moments away from walking in their doors once again one Saturday evening on the way to the cottage, but for whatever reason decided to keep on the road figuring we'd have another chance. Much to my disappointment AGAIN it was gone...

...or so we thought! A few weeks ago, Nick and I took a day trip to Owen Sound during one of their festival weekends. The main downtown street was closed to traffic and all the stores were having sidewalk sales. Nick and I were strolling along enjoying the sights and sounds of street performers, while I was happily snapping away with my camera, and what do I discover? Yup...Rocky Raccoon was staring right back at me through my lens!

Our rediscovery of The Rocky Raccoon Cafe

Long story even longer, we decided that we'd make reservations and commit finally to dining here. I was even more intruiged once I researched their website and discovered that Rocky Raccoon is one of the top 123 restaurants in Ontario, and their menu is a global fusion of tastes supporting the '100 mile diet' (meaning their food is brought in fresh from local farms). The history of the Rocky Raccoon Cafe is an interesting one that you can read about at http://www.rockyraccooncafe.com/ .

Finally, my night arrived! I made sure I was hungry as I wanted to fully enjoy the whole experience. From the friendliness, knowledge and excellent service of our waitress, Erin, to the divine, perfectly spiced curry dish the chef made to my specifications, we were completely impressed with our long-awaited, casual fine-dining experience! We highly recommend stopping here for a fabulous lunch or dinner on your way through Owen Sound, or try their newest location at Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island.

My one regret was not bringing my camera in with me. One of my favourite things to take pictures of is food! But, I suppose it's a great excuse to go back soon!

{I couldn't resist sharing this adorable photo I took while we enjoyed the festival that same weekend}...

"Teddy" and her owner

"Happy Wife, Happy Life"!

2010-07-18T12:56:00.016-04:00

You can't take the cottage out of the girl, but you can take the girl out of the cottage...especially if it involves shopping!!!!

I love the outdoors! I love the rugged beauty the North Bruce, the hiking trails, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks as I'm falling asleep, the challenge of starting a campfire, and gazing at the stars on a clear night. Actually, I remember one of the very first telephone conversations I had with Nick when we were making arrangements to go on our very first date. We spoke about how much value we each had in being raised with a place to go to every weekend to enjoy nature and family time, and how we both wanted that for a future family.

As much as I value and treasure all these things, anyone that knows me knows that I am a 'girly' girl, through and through!! I adore purses, shoes, frills, and feathers! I have a passion for decorating and appreciate creativity. I LOVE TO SHOP!! So, when I'm tired of relaxing at the cottage and need to get my 'shopping fix', I head straight to my favourite store in Tobermory.

The Marco Polo Trading Company is located right in Little Tub Harbour beside The Sweet Shop. We've been watching this fabulous store flourish into the beauty she is for the past 17 years. The owner, Shelley, turned the old abandoned Belrose Inn into a local thriving business. With groovy music always playing, and friendly staff to greet you, it offers a wide variety of product from beautiful summer dresses, shoes, hats, and accessories, to nautical, rustic outdoor furnishings and houseware. There's also a section for the wee ones, and now for men.

Here are a few photos I took one Sunday morning when I met with Shelley:

Home decor accessories in the 'outdoor' room

Rustic designs

Funky fashion

If you're looking for a little city in the country, I recommend a browse through Marco Polo. I always look forward to seeing what's new and fresh here. You can check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tobermory-ON/Marco-Polo-Trading-Co/107252339320337#!/?ref=logo .

Shelley, cheers to you on a job well done and thank you for the inspiration as an entrepreneur!

Liana

Summer through the Eyes of a Kid!

2010-07-12T23:14:00.007-04:00

I was just 12 years old when I met a new friend from London, ON named Mark at our family cottage. He, his mother, and his sister would spend summers at their waterfront home year after year and looking back I realize how much fun we always had. I saw Mark a few months ago and we traded stories about how we would both look forward to Fridays when we would arrive, anticipating our weekend adventures! We made the most of our time together, for example, when we would take out his big heavy steel boat and crash it through the waves of Lake Huron...not going very fast with his old Evinrude 3 H.P. boat motor, but we were the "Kings of the Water"! On many occasions we would jump out of that boat as if we were Jacques Cousteau with our skin diving gear on.

On that note, I highly recommend that anyone coming in the summer months bring a snorkel, mask and flippers as the Huron water by Tobermory is crystal clear (like the Caribbean, most people say) with many rock formations, shipwrecks, and other fascinating things to see close to our cottage. A great spot to skin dive by the cottage is a two-minute walk to The Point, at the end of our road. It is the perfect place to put your mask, snorkle and flippers on to see the rock formations in and around The Point. Mark and I loved this place! We once were snorkeling just before the sun went down one evening and a school of Carp went swimming by us! I remember the feeling to this day of how we, as kids, were real-life explorers! What terrific memories to have of childhood summers!

Another great area that Mark had introduced me to was the Bruce Peninsula National Park's famous Grotto on Georgian Bay. We would jump off the cliffs and crawl down through a rock opening until we saw an underwater cave that goes through to Georgian Bay. {Jumping off the cliffs is now prohibited for safety reasons!} For National Park and Grotto pictures see the link at http://www.kenjarvisphotography.ca/p474034445 . There are usually plenty of scuba divers swimming through this cave. I was told back in the 70's that Molson had filmed a beer commercial here with some young adults swimming up through the cave. I can see why as the scenery is stunning with the cliffs and the Georgian Bay Islands in the background.

Without a doubt I guarantee the 10-minute drive from Holiday Ranch and 20-minute hike from the parking lot is well worth what you will see here. However, a practical tip for you is to leave the cottage before 10am as the Grotto is a very popular spot and should the parking lot be full you will have to hike an extra 1/2 hour - 1 hour to the next parking lot!

Cheers to you Mark and thanks for the memories!!

Mark and Nicky, age 12

The Hippest Road in Town!

2010-06-29T09:46:00.011-04:00

Looking for a fabulous road trip? This adventure is a 30-45 minute drive from the cottage and passes quaint cottages along Georgian Bay. Take Dyers Bay Road - about a 10 minute drive south of the National Park on Hwy #6. Drive to the end, turn right, then left towards the water (the signs will direct you). This old Ontario logging road hugs the water - almost like driving along the coast in California. As you make your way along the lake shore you will come across a stream on the Escarpment side that was used as a log shute from Gillies Lake at the top of the Escarpment to Georgian Bay. Liana took this fabulous picture of the stream in May 2010 when we spent a week at the cottage. This picture of the stream is a fraction of its size in the warmer summer months.

Gilles Lake Log Shute

After passing the old Gillies Lake log shute you're getting closer to the diamond at the end of the Road - the Cabothead Lighthouse station! http://www.cabothead.ca/main.html . You will arrive at an old Coast Guard Lighthouse station which protected the old schooners and freighters from smashing against the majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment.

Explore the inside of the restored lighthouse, which includes a journey to the lighthouse beacon at the very top where you can see across Georgain Bay (even Christian Island on a clear day). Don't forget to also take the pathway (a short hike) to see the grounds of Wingfield Basin. The Basin is where boats would take refuge in the violent storms that arose on Georgian Bay. Here are a couple of pictures of the Basin taken during a short "Spring" snowfall.

Wingfield Basin Through the Snow

Mouth of The Basin in the Storm

Whether you want to take a day trip and pack a lunch, or are just looking for a little adventure, we're positive you will enjoy this one. It's well worth the trip!

Nick and Liana
HOLIDAY RANCH Cottage Rental
905.463.2677
http://www.holidayranch.ca/

" Hats off to you Dougie M."

2010-06-07T17:03:00.006-04:00

June 7th, 2010

My wife of 18 years, Liana, and I took over the "Falaleeff" family cottage in 2006 and have been renovating ever since. It is a Viceroy cottage built in the mid 70`s and has many meaningful stories behind it for myself. I was at the cottage by myself last week observing the work we have had completed this Spring - the upper deck was taken apart and rebuilt with an addition, and new stairs to the waterfront were added at the front of the cottage. Also, the Lily Pad (lakeside deck), which was built in 2007, has been doubled in size.
As I sat on a Muskoka chair one morning on the Lily pad cruising the Internet with my laptop, I got to thinking how much life has changed since the 70's. - I, like many others in my age group(45), am stunned at how far we have come as a society. I still remember black & white TV with rabbit ears and very
few channels - a few of them from Buffalo N.Y. with their constant fires and murders on the news and now Toronto news looks very similar.
I was also thinking of a gentleman who had just retired around the time my parents built the cottage - Mr Doug M. was a banker and obviously wanted his peace and quiet as he well deserved. He was married to Louise, whose father was an American named Howard Bowman, and thus Howard Bowman Drive where our cottage is.
It was around 1977 when I had persuaded my Dad to buy me a motor-cross bike so I could race motorcycles. I would bring this extremely loud nuisance to the cottage on the weekends and I and my friends would tear up and down Howard Bowman Drive over and over again. Looking back now I realize how much we disturbed and angered poor Mr Doug M. - to the point of him hiding behind his red pickup truck with a water hose trying to blast me as I drove by. Old Mr.Doug M. is now in his late 90`s and just last fall he left his Howard Bowman Dr. home to join his wife in a retirement home in Oakville, On.
After relating this story to others in the area, I then realized how many people are familiar with it, and are surprised that I am the culprit of this apparent cottage country tale.
Godspeed to you Mr M.!
Nick F.

Welcome!

2010-05-04T07:56:00.007-04:00

Welcome to the first official Holiday Ranch blog! I've missed so much in not setting this up prior to our first cottage-run of the year! But, we'll try to keep on it now.

Nick and I are on a week of vacation this week. I guess it's a bit of a working vacation, trying to get the place prepared for our visitors this summer. However, my "work" yesterday only really involved hanging my camera around my neck and capturing nature! And what a day it was!! I can't wait to get home to download my photos and share some of them here.

Some of my snaps from yesterday included a bluejay that was hanging out down by "The Lily Pad" (our lakeside deck), morning fog over the water, some nifty cobwebs that were glistening in the sun, great pictures of the dog {Zena}, a rare empty parking-lot in Tobermory, and a crane hunting his dinner by Singing Sands. But the icing on the cake was the unbelievable experience I had at The Point when I went to capture the sunset!

There was the usual beautiful sun setting there {best sunsets in Ontario!}, but also a storm brewing. You could see the black clouds to the left of the sun emptying a ton of rain over Lake Huron and hear thunder rolling in the distance. I stood there and snapped away as the clouds moved closer. I knew I may have to endure getting wet, but beyond the rain was a clear sky supporting the sunset. I waited as the raindrops started. In between moments I tucked my lovely new camera under my coat so that it wouldn't get soaked. I turned around to see the black clouds that had just kissed me on the way by, and what to my amazement did I have the pleasure of witnessing (just when I thought it couldn't get any better)??? A double rainbow! So there I stood...the red sun setting on my left, and a beautiful rainbow on my right. Then my battery died! Figures! But, as my sister and fellow photographer said after I rushed back to phone her, sometimes after the battery dies in moments like those, we are meant to just take it all in for ourselves! It was SO worth the momentary downpour and I'm so glad I stuck it out!

And here is a sunset summary: