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BBL has already had a dozen of inquiries for the 2006 season.
It's time to get your bookings for this year.
For those who were BBL guests in 2005, you get a 10% discount from the
2006 rates if you make your reservation before the end of February 2006.
Remember, we only have 8 time slots available in summer prime-time
vacation rentals in July-August. You need to book early to avoid
disappointment.
If you still don't have confirmed vacation dates, pay your security
deposit before the end of February to get the discount. You can
choose your specific dates later. To book, go here:
2006
Rental Application If you're curious about
pricing of cottage
rentals at various regions of Ontario, check this out. BBL's
2006 rates are still lower than most rates elsewhere in Ontario. |
While it's new to us,
it's a classic that has been around Manitoulin for a while.
The "new" fridge is much larger than our old one, and has been refurbished
by the local propane technician. Judy & I gave it a full bath in the
driveway, including a toothbrush scrubbing of every nook and cranny.
Once a fresh coat of white enamel is applied to the outside, there will be
lots more room for the milk & beer, keeping everything ice cold this
summer. The old fridge is slated for retirement to the Gardener's
Cottage that's being built at the orchard.
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Final designs are underway this winter for more cottage power. As
you know, BBL is powered 100% by solar & wind power; as green as you can
get. We will be adding two 110/220 Volt power inverters to the
basement solar system. The basement batteries are charged by the
roof-top solar panel, and will be supplemented by the wind/solar power
system at the waterfront.
This is another example of the renter's fees being re-invested back
into BBL for the good of all. |
Solar panels, battery boxes, and tower base for wind generator combine
to provide green electric power for BBL |
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Christmas Bird
Count Success on Manitoulin Manitoulin is one of 1,800
locations in North America that participate in the Christmas bird
count. The count was done in circles 24 km in diameter, at both
Gore Bay and Mindemoya. There are 3 goals to the bird count; total
number of birds found, total number of species found, and rare
species.
This year found 164 different species in the "dead of winter".
Some of the more exciting species were numerous owl & hawk species,
osprey, bald eagle, and many more. More info on
Manitoulin Birding.
If you're a birder looking for an excellent vacation, try BBL's
Week/Weekend Birding getaway
packages
Birding is practiced by 5 times more people than fishing, which in
turn is 5 times more popular than hunting. No matter the
inclination, they'll get you out into the beautiful and peaceful
Manitoulin woods.
Photo courtesy of John Savage and Manitoulin Expositor (Dec. 14/05,
P.7A). |
Gold & purple finches at a Manitoulin feeder |
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BBL has put together a number of winter vacation packages.
Excellent for avoiding "cabin fever", you can do snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and much more.
BBL is located right on the Manitoulin Snowmobile Trail system.
Our South-Central location puts you in the heart of the entire trail
system.
Take a look at BBL's weekend or
week snowmobile getaway
package The snow base is reported good on most trails.
Manitoulin is rated as having one of the best trail systems in
Ontario. Come judge for yourselves. |
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Ice
Fishing Bonanza The ice is still open in some fast
moving waters at Manitoulin, but everybody is ice fishing, especially
on the North channel. A few hundred thousand rainbow trout
recently escaped their fish farm pens that were destroyed in a winter
storm. Don't miss this fishing golden
opportunity.
Photo courtesy of Manitoulin Expositor Feb. 1/06, P.1 |
Everybody's on the ice getting their rainbow trout fill |
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With the snow, winter logging is underway. While most use the
more modern machinery method, there are distinct advantages of the old
fashioned use of a horse team (with modern chainsaw) to get the big log
out of the woods. Few areas use these traditional methods, but some
landowners on Manitoulin insist upon it for their sugar bush and other
woodlots. These make fantastic side trips to your winter vacation.
Photo courtesy of Jim Moodie and The Manitoulin Expositer (Jan 25/06,
P.1A). |
Logging on Manitoulin |
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Ryan Carter, a professional photographer from Toronto was wanting to
do a photo essay on Manitoulin Island and the annual community
celebrations and activities surrounding the deer hunt. Black's Bay
was contacted, and agreed to work with Mr. Carter. Acting as his
tour guide and primary subject for the photo essay, Glenn Black
introduced hunters, shop keepers, and whole communities (native and
non-native alike) from all parts of Manitoulin for this project.
Ryan has placed a few of his
Manitoulin deer hunt
pictures on his website. |
One of the many successful hunters on Manitoulin Island. |
| All Manitoulin participates,
benefits, or is somehow affected by the annual deer hunt. It is
hoped that the project will be published in the Fall 2006 editions of
Canadian Geographic Magazine. |
