Camp Catchacoma

Finally

2012-01-11T11:42:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I have been locked out of my Blogger account for some time now because Google acquired Blogger a while ago, along with a number of other internet services and created a login nightmare almost impossible to crack. Finally I have.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012.

FOUND! Kevin Liggs!

2011-10-03T21:11:00.002-05:00

ANOTHER Catchacoma camper has emerged. Kevin Liggs (known as Kevin Jonkers back in camp) contacted me. He wrote:

Hi Dan,

My name is Kevin Liggs. We spoke on the phone I have just found the blog and would really like to get my name added to the list of people of campers and counselor and cit’s and also I would I be able to add my stories to the list of the other stories like Woodstock and pretending to be BTO and going to the movie’s back in 1977 with Toni and seeing Star Wars.

All the best,

Kevin

Nice to have you aboard Kevin. You can now see your name on our list.

Catchacoma Reunion # 3, Summer 2011

2011-10-03T19:37:00.005-05:00

OK, so our reunion took place August 12th, nearly two full months ago. I must apologize for my late postings and hope you will forgive me. I have been on the road (far too much) and making the big final push to finish our house to the point we can move in, which finally took place September 21st. I will post some pictures for you all to see.

Anyway, on August 12th we had a small gathering at Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier's home in KW. Before the others arrived I perused their giant wall of waterpolo awards and memories (impressive) and chatted with Toni and Paul.

Soon enough Judy (Grogan) Showers and Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer arrived with their other halves. Judy, of course, was at our get together last year at Brian Musker's house, so she and I were already familiar, but she and Toni had not seen each other since camp days. Toni and Kik (yes, she lets us call her Kik... I don't think I could do otherwise) work together, but Judy and I had not seen Kik since camp. It is amazing how much time has passed when you think about it. We all are married, or have been married and re-married... (anyone been re-married and then re-married?) most of us have kids, some of whom are all grown up. Kik has four children, or is it five?

Whole lifetimes have been lived. Toni's son joined us for the evening, and he is well into university. Nice guy, big chip off the giant block.

Paul cooked for us that evening. It was a walk down the mess hall memory lane. Hot dogs on the BBQ and a huge (more gourmet than standard) mac and cheese. I don't remember being served caesar salad at camp, but that's what Paul served. Perfect camp meal!

Did we hear any stories of behind the scenes? Oh, yes. I am amazed at all that went on over the history of Catchacoma. I was just a kid at camp, but Toni was a young adult, and Judy and Kik were older than I. Hearing stories from their perspectives is very different than my memories.

We will be doing this again next summer in 2012. Let me know if you would like to join us!

Dave Smith, 1979

2011-08-06T21:53:00.002-05:00

I like the character shots of individuals. Usually there is encapsulated in the photo a familiar sense of what I/we remember of that individual. Ed says of this shot:

"The one of Dave Smith tells more than a thousand words".

Ed, I agree. Dave was our counselor I think the last year I was a camper. He was a total character, a tiny bit of a tough ass, not too bad, but funny.

Image sent by Edward Martin.

The Mess Hall, 1979

2011-08-02T23:56:00.002-05:00

Here is a rare view of inside the mess hall. It is obviously Judy DesRosiers' cabin group dressed up for some event. We see Shari Faulkner, Kelly Adamson and Stephanie Chapman (of those I can identify).

Great shot!

Image sent by Edward Martin.

FOUND!! Edward Martin!!

2011-07-27T10:42:00.004-05:00

We have been found by another Catchacoma friend, this time Edward Martin. He writes to us from Newfoundland. Great to hear from you, Ed. He writes:

Hello there.

I was a camper at Camp Catchacoma in the summer of 1979 (I think). I cam
across your blog after searching for the camp. I had found some old photos
from the camp while moving house.

The first photo is of me and Sheri Faulkner, who if memory serves me
correctly was the first girl I kissed. The second is me
dressed in drag for a some sort of talent show standing with, as I now know
by your blog, Kelly Adamson.

I was a friend of David Wiffen's from his Toronto days. I was actually asked
to come back as a CIT the following summer but took a well paying office job
instead (boy was that a mistake).

Anyway I do have some more photos I will try to scan. Lots of great memories
for the couple of weeks I was there!

Ed Martin

(Now living far away in Newfoundland)

Images sent by Edward Martin.

Summer reunion invitation!

2011-07-05T07:47:00.002-05:00

Everyone,

We are planning another summer get-together for Catchacoma friends. This time it is to take place at Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier's house, August 12th for dinner. Toni has graciously invited all who can come.

It would be great if you could let us know so we can plan. Please e-mail me at info@danishasculpture.com and I will forward the information to Toni.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kiss at Woodstock, 1978

2011-07-05T07:44:00.002-05:00

We need Brad and Sue to tell us who this is doing Kiss. This band seemed to be well represented at Woodstock. Always great for a flashy show. The guitar would have been great for the Catchacoma museum (funding still pending).

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

Greg Flick at Woodstock, 1978

2011-07-05T07:36:00.003-05:00

Here is another shot from Andrea Sue (Might)of Woodstock. Greg Flick is playing the trumpet? I bet they are doing Chicago. Anybody remember exactly?

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

The well documented marriage of Mary Jane, 1977

2011-05-25T22:24:00.003-05:00

We have at least three different shots of this well documented mock wedding. I think it was the marriage of Mary Jane. Am I right Toni, Dave? What was the mock name of the groom?

I bet there are more photos by other cameras still out there.

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

1978, Sue's cabin group

2011-05-25T22:21:00.003-05:00

Here we see another image of Sue's. Sue, can you name any of the girls?

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse, 2011

2011-05-08T11:52:00.002-05:00

Andrea Sue sent us a recent image of herself. Hey Sue! You look great! We always love to see Catchacoma friends in real time!

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

Girlfriends

2011-05-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Catchacoma gave us all fond memories or good friends. Here we see Cindy Corbett, Sue Might, Caroline Burton and Shawn Norris, probably 1979 or 1980.

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

FOUND!! Judy Mouland!

2011-05-01T13:11:00.004-05:00

We never formally announced Judy Mouland. She appeared in the comments of Fiona's post.

Judy Mouland said...

Dan,
Super sleuth Fiona found me, told me about the blog, the blog lead me to Fiona...and then to Don. Thirty years later...

Here is a picture of me way back when (centre)... I was only at camp one summer and only knew a handful of people.

But it was a great summer.
Judy

On the dock, 1980

2011-05-01T12:58:00.004-05:00

Here is the first of Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresses photos that Brad has e-mailed me. Great shot.

I can name the following:

Back row, left to right - don't know this guy, Kelly Adamson, possibly your truly, Shari Faulkner, Paul Hindle, Sharon Smith, unknown girl, Greg Waily

Centre row, left to right - Heather Knobbs, Kik McCauley, Laura Pantalao

Front - my brother, David Ferguson

Image sent by Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse.

On the Catchacoma Trail...

2011-05-01T12:15:00.004-05:00

Brad Might happens to live just off I-35 in Texas, north of Austin in a town called Round Rock. I have been driving by there for the last seven years! You never know where a Catchacoma friend may be.

Brad and I made arrangements for a visit as I headed south from Dallas from (yet) another show. I dropped by Round Rock at the Starbucks in a mall near the highway and found Brad Might...

I remember him as a little taller (I was shorter back then) and a little bigger (I was skinnier then, too). Well, today he looks quite trim and downright younger than I (even though he has a year or two on me).

We caught up over iced coffee (Texas is already hot and humid, and it is only April!) during the hour and an half we had. Brad is a software programmer specializing in helping start up companies on their way. Brad married the girl of his dreams, an American living in Canada, and later they moved down to Texas. That was 20 years ago!

We looked over the photos Brad's sister, Andrea (Sue), had sent him. There are some great ones of Woodstock. Brad will be sending them along to me for the blog.

Well, another nice visit on the Catchacoma Trail. We are all over the continent. Who will be next?

FOUND!!! Brad Might!!

2011-05-01T12:07:00.003-05:00

Sister Sue passed the word of the blog onto brother Brad! We have another Catchacoma friend online:

Hey Dan,

My sis has been keeping me up to date about your Catchacoma web site
and her email exchanges.

I live just off IH 35 in north Round Rock (Texas), you've passed quite close by
I imagine.

She's going to send me some of her pics so I can scan them in and make
them available.

I've done a quick perusal of the blog entries...Such memories. In some
ways I can't believe how much I've forgotten.

Do I recall correctly that you were the one who did Gary Glitter?
One of the memories that has always stood out for me.

Good work on that site and finding all those people.

Take care,

Brad

Great to have you aboard Brad. We've been wondering where you were.

Found!! Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse!!!

2011-03-27T12:49:00.002-06:00

Yet ANOTHER Catchacoma friend has found the blog! We remember her as Sue Might. She googled Camp Catchacoma and our blog came up. She wrote:

Hi Dan,

You can count this letter as finding two more campers from Camp Catchacoma. I doubt you would know me but I recognize the pictures of you and many of the others in the blog.

I had been digging through a box of old photos and mixed in were a few from camp. I decided to google the camp and your blog came up. I sat for a long time watching the little pictures change and thought to myself, I have some of those exact pictures in my albums. I read many of the comments and by no means have I read them all but memories came flooding back that I didn't know were even there. My brother Brad Might (camper and later CIT) and I first came in 1977 (I at a ripe old age of not quite 12). I was a jock back then ( looked it too with the short boyish hair cut and probably the matching personality) and a water sports camp was perfect for me. I still remember doing the swim from the dock to the rock every year so that I wouldn't have to wear my life jacket in the boats. I have fond memories of canoeing, rowing and sailing badges and having to do my bronze medallion twice because I was too young my first year to be given it (you had to be 12 I was told) . I still have those badges put away too. I loved swimming and was always in the water and have memories of the buddy system, jumping up & yelling at the top of our lungs our number when called upon and splashing back down into the water. I won all around girls camp athlete the first year and I had a crush on Dave Turner. Didn't every 11 - ? year old there have one on him? I think it was he and some of the other counsellors that headed out to a Supertramp concert in T.O. that many of us were envious of.

Finding this blog made me go digging to find my camp pictures. They show I was a camper from 1977- 80. I believe it was always the 2nd two weeks in July. Amongst my photos I have pictures of Woodstock 77 & 79 (still have fond memories of designing and painting my wooden guitars), the gong show 77, Miss Catchacoma contest 78 (winner Bill Wallace), miss messy contests 78 (winner Kitty Koski), and 1979 (u/k winner), Leith marrying a "pregnant" Toni to Dave Turner in 77, Leith marrying a pregnant Fiona and Andy in 78, Leith marrying Dave Ferguson to a "pregnant" Kelly Adamson in 79. I have a picture of cabin mates in 78 marked 'after the 54 dance' and we look to be in 50s attire and pictures from the 4 years of friends/cabin mates and counsellors at camp .

I'd forgotten about capture the flag and singing I'm a little teapot until I read about it. To this day when I hear the song I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane I still think of camp. It was always sung the night before we went home. I can still hear that noise of the wood cabin doors slamming and you know what, it brings a smile to my face even today as I think about it. I have forgotten a lot about camp but slowly some of the memories have been resurfacing and although I may not remember a lot from back then, I do know the feeling that camp evokes in me now and it is all good.

Thank you for bringing back some of my childhood memories.

Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse (I went by my middle name of Sue back then)

You can add to your growing list of names of campers (these are on the back of my pictures that I don't think you have listed yet)

Joanne and Heather Leggett 1977 campers

Barb Lee 1977 camper

Dianne Kerr Counsellor 1978

Andrea Martin camper 1978

Marg ? CIT with Dianne Kerr 1978

Bill Wallace camper 1978

Greg McColloch camper 1979

"Stretch" (female) Counsellor 1979

Sue Grogan Counsellor 1979

Chris Gregg Counsellor 1979

Randy Malcolm Counsellor? 1979

Silene Liboweitz camper 1979

Roddy Coles camper 1979

Katherine Bandiera camper 1979

Dave McMillan camper 1979, 1980

Cindy Corbett camper 1979, 1980

Pam Brown camper 1979, 1980

Carline Burton camper 1980

Shawn Norris camper 1980

Sarah Chapman camper 1980

Peter ? -the Nature guy 1980

David Tinker camper 1980

Lisa Huber camper 1980

Welcome to the blog Andrea.

I asked Andrea about her brother, Brad. It turns out he lives near Austin, TX. I drive by there all the time. Hey Brad, send me an e-mail!

Found!!! Don & Judy!!! In the same house!!!!!

2011-03-07T14:59:00.004-06:00

I had the pleasure of being hosted by Don Cook and Judy (Mouland) Kerr for a delicious dinner a couple of weeks ago at Don's house. Lots of fun reminiscing over wine and Bailey's about old times. Lots of fun hearing about new times!!! Don is beaming like a teenager again. Wonder why????? Please direct all questions to Don!

Fiona

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2011-01-01T07:13:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! Let's hope we have a wonderful and prosperous year.

Happy New Year.

2010-12-31T11:06:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone's Christmas was awesome and you all have a great 2011.
I'll be spending New Years Eve with Judy (yes, that Judy) in Ottawa, which Fiona already figured out.

Be well, have fun and if you are unable to walk tonight, it's probably just a short drive home anyway...you'll be fine.

uh, yeah....no.

Don.

Small disaster...

2010-12-14T00:04:00.002-06:00

I must report a small disaster (and a lesson I should have already known). My netbook was stolen and it had some of my Catchacoma collection of images on it, specifically the ones sent to me by Judy (Grogan) Showers and Toni. I still have Judy's on disc, but the images from Toni were the only copies I had.

Always back up your computers!!!!

Toni and Kik at their staff party, 2010

2010-12-13T23:28:00.003-06:00

Two Catchacoma Alumni who had a great time at the staff party together!

Kik with husband Mitch and Toni with husband Paul.

fried green computer

2010-11-30T19:34:00.002-06:00

to all those who are still talking to me, my new e-mail is

cook.d.g@hotmail.com

sorry for all the Viagra and Cialis stuff...except for Turner.

Your cheque bounced.

Don.

p.s: Judy says hi.

Group Shot, 1981

2010-11-26T16:59:00.002-06:00

Judy, I see Brian Musker, Paul Hindle, and others I recognize but can not name. Can you?

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

Toni?

2010-11-23T23:49:00.001-06:00

Toni, you look very young here. I know that kid, what is his name?

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Toby Stolee and Stephanie Chapman, 1980

2010-11-23T23:41:00.003-06:00

Great picture! Here is Toby in the classic '70's Canadian teenage uniform, the lumber jacket (I still have mine, how sick is that?), and Stephanie in the equally classic female '70's garb, the tube top.

What was this event? Toby and I both had a crush on Stephanie, right Toby?

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

FOUND!! Beth Ridpath!

2010-11-23T23:36:00.003-06:00

Another Catchacoma friend surfaces! Beth just found us. She wrote:

"Wow this website brings back memories. I was at Camp Catchacoma from probably 1977 until 1983 or 1983. Great memories. I can still remember what it smells like."

Hey Beth, welcome to the blog! Can you tell us who were some of your counsellors? What names did your cabin groups have? Did you perform at Woodstock? We love to hear everything.

FOUND!! Gina Celeri!

2010-11-22T08:29:00.003-06:00

Toni found this posting on the blog from Gina. Gina Celeri said...

"This is amazing! I just stumbled upon this website...so many great memories of camp! Great picture of Carl."

Gina,

Welcome to the site!

I remember you from the first year that the camp opened. You were in Debbie Sadler's cabin group. You had the cutest Speedo that had an american flag print.

Hope all is well with you!

Toni

Hi Gina. We are very glad you found the blog. We are always happy to welcome new Catchacoma friends!
Dan

Our Director, Gary Faulkner, 1976

2010-11-22T08:21:00.002-06:00

Here is a great picture of good ol' Gary Faulkner, plaid print pants and 70's sideburns included. My mother went to university with him, so they have a long history. We spent time with the family on a number of occasions up in Bobcaygeon and on Lake Catchacoma at the landing.

We miss you Gary. All the best to the Faulkners.

Dan Ferguson, 1976

2010-11-06T18:08:00.004-06:00

More photos from my mother's vault. Here I am, I believe I am 11 years old. (Note the hat. I'm such a pack rat that I still have it.) My mother was clearly following me around documenting my first day at camp. I think it was my first year. It could only be the second year if not the first, which would make it 1977. Both pics show unusual view of the main lodge and dock.

Toni, please clarify...

2010-11-06T18:03:00.002-06:00

Toni, can you give us any information on these images?

Images sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

From the B&W photo trove of my mother, 1976

2010-10-24T11:29:00.004-05:00

My mother, Lorna, was a professional photographer for a number of years when we were young. Consequently, she has hoards of great B&W photos from our childhood, including our time at Catchacoma.
Here I am (in the hat), with my cabin mates, I believe during my first session in 1976. Dave T. was my counsellor, and we were called "Turner's Terrors".
That is Tim Hudspteth on the right. I remember the other two guys, but not their names. I have no idea what we had been doing. Maybe we had been in the beaver dam pond for some reason.
Anyway, it is a great shot. There are more to come!

Rare photo showing Craig Rhodes, 1979

2010-10-24T11:24:00.002-05:00

Here is a rare photo showing Leith's brother, Craig Rhodes with Kitty Koski. He and I were friends during, I believe, the summer of 1980. We finished the summer off by going to the CNE together. It was (mostly) memorable.

I would love to find him on the blog. Any ideas anyone?

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

Found!! Peter Hallam!!!

2010-10-14T19:46:00.003-05:00

I think the blogs seeks people out. Not long after posting that photo of Greg Whaley, Don Cook and Peter Hallam (provided by Judy (Grogan) Showers) I received this e-mail:

Hi Dan,

Nice work on the Catchacoma Blog, and congratulation to you and your wife for escaping the rat race and finding commercial success in your artwork.

I came across the Catchacoma Blog the other day and low and behold no less then sixteen hours earlier you had posted a picture submitted by Judy.
of Don Cook, Greg Whaley and myself.
I had just returned from a fishing trip on Bottle Lake (Sept 30 - Oct 3) and was looking on the Internet for recent information on the Park.
By chance searched the camp and there it was.

What great memories.
My family is still laughing at the picture....thanks Judy!
We have been cottaging and camping in this area since the early 90's.

I was 18 years old then and a councellor only for the summer of 1980.
Never camped, and never CITed before that summer. Very well qualified, I guess.
My older sister Susan (Hallam) Ryan was a councellor for the 1979 season and convinced me that camp was where I needed to be.
I think she actually just wanted me go away....somewhere, anywhere.

I had a fantastic summer!
I remember many of the counselors and campers and your blog has helped to jog a lot of those memories loose.
I was aware of Gary Faulkners passing. I have been following the developments around the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park for years.
I was also saddened to read Adams posting regarding Greg Whaley's death.
Greg was one of the few camp friends that I saw socially after camp.
Greg Whaley and I attended one of the last official Max Webster (Universal Juvenile's Tour) concerts held at a high school in Scarborough called Oliver Mowat.
This was prior to Kim Mitchell's solo work and his DJ gig in the afternoon slot on Toronto's Q107.
Other campers went with us but I am sorry I cant remember the names. Adam ...were you there?
Shortly after camp I ran into Dave Smith at Fairview Mall - shoe department at Sears or The Bay I think......

At camp I had a couple of sessions with the juniors and one session with the intermediate boys.
It was while on an overnight camping trip into Bottle Lake with the intermediate's that I was really sold on the beauty of this area.
With the junior boys there were rarely more then 3 or 4 of them, and they always fell asleep early, leaving time for boardwalk patrol and other various pranks.
Whaley invested considerable time in trying to corrupt me.....I mean teaching me the ropes.
After the opening maintenance week I was initially cabin posted with Brent and I had an assortment of assignments while becoming familiar with camp life.
I remember being on wake-up duty and my CIT had brought an electric guitar and amplifier/speaker ...so we used my cassette tape player and the amp to blast Led Zep's Black Dog out the screen window and then proceeded up the boardwalk banging on the walls and the doors of all the cabins.
We also rolled a guy (who brought his own sailboat that year - name unknown) up in his mattress and I think he ended tied to a wooden Volleyball post down on the beach. I was a big Genesis fan back then and played the Phil Collins on drums part while performing a set from the newly released Duke album at Woodstock.
I remember morning roll call down at the flag pole and that on several occasions various articles of clothing where found blowing in the breeze.
On another occasion - I had decided I needed to do some bath tub laundry. My very stylish and trendy Polo Pj's disappeared from the clothes line and to my surprise an attractive girl was wearing them around camp for a couple of days. (not sure who she was)

I live in Whitby On. with my wife (Lillian) and we have four children aged 25, 24, 16, and 12.

I found a current photograph and in keeping with the re-create the shot theme I have a blue and white striped shirt on.

I will check in more regularly...thanks again Dan for putting this blog together.

Best regards to all,

Peter Hallam.

Peter, those are great memories. We are very happy to have you on board. Welcome to the Catchacoma blog after thirty years (but hey man, maybe it's time you changed your shirt.....).

1979 - Catchacoma Girls

2010-10-13T21:33:00.002-05:00

Judy, this is a great photo. Here we have Judy Desrosiers, Shari Faulkner, Stephanie Chapman, Angela Bickerton and Kelly Adamson.

We have heard from all of them save Stephanie Chapman here on the blog. It would be great to hear from her. Does anyone have any idea where to look? Maybe high school graduates from Rhode Island? Was she from Rhode Island or Long Island?

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

Madeliene, Camp Cook

2010-10-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

Madeliene was the camp cook for the first few years. She worked with her husband (I have a picture of him in the brain but can't recall his name)who was the camp handyman. They lived at Catchacoma Landing in an apartment on the top floor of the building (even in the off season for a year or two). Because I worked pre-camp, I got to know her very well.
Toni

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Early Woodstock

2010-10-13T21:26:00.003-05:00

Toni, please fill us in. Do you know what year, and whom, and what band?

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier

Progress at the Ranch

2010-10-07T07:31:00.002-05:00

I thught I'd update you all on the progress of our house complex out on the ranch. The foundations are in and the walls are going up. It seems to be moving faster now, which is very exciting.

The maestro is laying the red bricks here, which are the inside walls. I'm the general contractor, so I'm checking up every day, bringing in all the materials, etc.

The adobe bricks are for the outside walls. The first load has arrived. They are huge; 10x20x40 cm. There you can see our casita (small guest house) mostly finished. Our parents are building a casita for themselves, too, and Nisha's sister, for a total of three casitas. Plenty of room for Catchacoma reunions.

It is October. The best month for flowers to bloom. The fields are filled with them now. This is the end of the rainy season. It won't resume until June.
If you want to see a billion more images of the ranch and the construction you need only friend me on Facebook.

Mister & Miss Messy? Year?

2010-10-06T21:58:00.002-05:00

Toni, we need a year for this one. What do you think?

I really am impressed with all the activities we did up there. There are lots of photo's of Miss and Mister Messy, but none of capture the flag, or Saddie Hawkins (did I spell that correctly?).

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Peter Hallam, Greg Whaly and Don Cook, 1980

2010-10-06T21:55:00.005-05:00

Check out the watch on Don, and the hair on Peter. Peter; thin stripes. Don; fat stripes. Don also looks like he has a Montreal Expos hat on, correct? Ahh, the '70's, really, was it so bad? Think of the pants below the ass look today.
Greg's sweater over the shoulders is the timeless country club look.

What is Peter H's last name? Was he a counsellor?

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

Dan Ferguson and Shari Faulkner, New Year's Eve of 1980

2010-09-30T21:44:00.006-05:00

Here is another old photo my mother had hidden away. This is New Year's Eve of 1980. The Fualkners came over to our cottage in Bobcaygeon on Pigeon Lake. That is Dee Faulkner on the left, Shari in the middle, and me there on the right... playing it cool.
I remember that night and the conversation we had with Dee. I remarked that I couldn't believe I was already 15 years old (!), and Dee responded with; "the years get shorter all the time, you will be 45 before you know it".
Well, she sure was right. I am now 45.

My family bought that property in 1971 and sold it in 1998. Julian, my second boy, was born in 2000. This past summer my parents took him up to the old cottage to visit our neighbours and friends there who now own it...

Here he is seeing the big living room for the first time, in 2010, thirty years after the photo of Shari and me.

He got to see the lake where I spent my entire childhood.

I was working and could not be with him to see it, but nonetheless, my mother took him to every corner of the property, like the old bell... still there.

Steve McGee

2010-09-30T21:34:00.002-05:00

Toni, please tell us who this is and the year, etc.

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Carl, 1975

2010-09-30T21:27:00.002-05:00

Here is another picture sent in by Debbie. She wrote:

"Picture of Carl - 1975 the yearCatcacoma opened. To many of us he was the heart and soul of the camp".

Was he a counsellor for that year? Did he attend any following years?

Image sent by Deb (Sadler) Dumencu.

Found!! Debbie (Sadler) Dumencu!!

2010-09-26T22:14:00.004-05:00

Toni contacted me with the good news, yet another Catchacoma friend has been found.

She wrote: Debbie Sadler - counsellor when the camp opened in 1975 has found me. How wonderful to catch up with her after all these years.

Here is a picture of Debbie and the girls - second session of the first year of camp, 1975(Dee Koski, Susy Totske and the young Harrison daughter - maybe DT will remember her name).

Hey Debbie! Nice to meet you on the blog. We are very glad to hear from you. Welcome to the blog!

Image sent by Deb (Sadler) Dumencu.

Greek Roman dress up, 1975

2010-09-26T22:00:00.002-05:00

Deb (Sadler) Dumencu has sent in some images. Here we see:
Debbie Sadler, Fred Curran, Dee Koski, Dave Turner, Toni Hinchberger, Joel Fox, Jim Hagen (looks like a young fitter John Belushi).

Image sent by Deb (Sadler) Dumencu.

Newcomers, don't forget to check the archives....

2010-09-26T21:55:00.008-05:00

...on the bottom right in the menu bar to view the whole blog from the beginning. Just click on the year you wish to view, or the months under the year.

If you have scanned pictures to contribute, send them to:

info@danishasculpture.com

You may also send in your e-mail address to be invited as a member of the blog which will allow you to make your own postings.

Our list of friends online with the blog keeps growing!
WE ARE 68 AND COUNTING!
We are:

Dan Ferguson
Phil Coates
Greg Moore
Fiona (Sullivan) Aris
Toby Stolee
Kelley (Stolee) Smith
Adam Gordon
Bill (Moe) Connely
Don McLachlan
Jeanne (McMillan) Gingerich
Jennifer (Sullivan) Turney
Shari (Faulkner) Stehr
Jason Faulkner
Brian Musker
Dave Smith
Bruce Hauser
Bill Swales
Pam Brown
Kelly (Moore) Savage
Dave Turner
Dee Faulkner
Trisha Ricci
Caroyln Myfanwy Ashmore
Jan Alberdingk-Thijm
Jessie Owen
Lisa Owen
Ted Lawson
Paul Totzke
Jenny Cole-Small
Jeff Whittman
Lynn (Farley) Stone
Sharianne Way
Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier
Kerry Delaere
Diana (Koski) Robertson
Carl Totzke
Peter Tozer
Norma (Birkett) Whitehead
Don Cook
Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer
Sue (Totzke) Cousineau
Roland Wippel
Michele Vyge-Fraser
Kelly (Adamson) Sams
Brett Hollands
Cindy (Young) Corbett
Drew Shelly
Charlene "Stretch" (Yule) Caufeild
Geordie Millar
Paul Hindle
Andy Dunin
Krystie (Tait) Alexander
Emily (Dennison) Baack
Judy (Desrosiers) Village
Jonathan Dorfman
Jodi (Dorfman) Hecht
Judy (Grogan) Showers
Angela (Bickerton) Tsounis
Neil Holman
Deb (Sadler) Dumencu
Peter Hallam
Gina Celeri
Beth Ridpath
Judy Mouland
Andrea Sue (Might) Latendresse
Brad Might
Kevin Liggs (Jonkers)

Paul Totske and Fred Sommerville, aka 'Whitey', 1975

2010-09-18T21:24:00.001-05:00

Toni, this is interesting because the two guys look familiar but not at the same time. Any ideas? Date?

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Blurry, but part of the archive...

2010-09-18T21:22:00.003-05:00

Toni, I assume this was your group out camping, correct? Do you remember the name of the cabin group and the year?

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Laura Pantaleo and Angela Bickerton, 1980

2010-09-18T21:18:00.003-05:00

Here is a great shot of Laura Pantaleo and Angela Bickerton on Blueberry Hill.

I can't believe we haven't found Laura. I think she would love the blog. Does anyone have any idea how to contact her? Her brother was... his name is on the tip of my tongue....

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

Bruce, Then and Now...

2010-09-18T21:04:00.003-05:00

Our buddy Bruce Hauser, a Hoser through and through (note the stubby, most likely a Molson Canadian), is a fine example of a carefree adolescent who has matured into an upstanding role model.

Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer, 2010

2010-09-16T21:23:00.001-05:00

Here she is, almost 30 years later, and looking virtually the same! Kik, it is very nice to see you again.

Camera Bunny, Lake Catchacoma

2010-09-11T00:42:00.003-05:00

You know Toni, there is a particular species of rabbit that just loves the camera... during its adolescence. Later in life, sometime after its procreative life cycle, it becomes shy and reclusive...

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Randy Malcolm and Adam Gordon, 1979

2010-09-10T09:47:00.002-05:00

Look, martial arts during an era familiar with only Bruce Lee. There was no Matrix, no new Star Wars movies (in fact we only had the first by then, The Empire Strikes Back came out in 1980), none of the new and "extreme" martial arts to which we have become accustomed.

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

That elusive Kik....

2010-09-09T23:54:00.000-05:00

New photos from Toni...

2010-09-09T23:19:00.000-05:00

Toni, when, where and who?

Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer......

2010-09-09T10:55:00.001-05:00

We need our memories refreshied...

2010-09-09T01:38:00.004-05:00

Toni, who were we saying is that last photo hold out?

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer picture just in!!

2010-09-09T01:33:00.004-05:00

OK. Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier and Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer now work together.

Toni has just sent in a great shot of Kik (Kik, can we still call you Kik?) taken just the other day.

You have GOT to see it!

Pow-Wow at all camp campfire...

2010-09-09T01:29:00.002-05:00

Toni was always the chief. Refresh our memories Toni. What was happening here?

Image sent by Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier.

Dave must go in the lake...

2010-09-09T01:15:00.002-05:00

I don't think this was a serious attempt at throwing Dave T. in the lake, otherwise we'd see his wet noodle peeking up from the water (he was such an easy toss). Adam Gordon and ?? are going easy on him here.

I don't think that is Greg Whaley... I think I remember that guy. Who is it?

Image sent by Judy (Grogan) Showers.

Old photos recreated...

2010-09-09T01:09:00.002-05:00

We had fun at our gathering a couple of weeks ago. Here is another old photo recreated... the classic "which way to the beach?" pose, a la Kitty Koski....

... recreated by our good Catchacoma sport, Paul Hindle...

Here he his with his lovely and very nice girlfriend, Lisa. She came and met us all at the gathering.

Three Dudes of Catchacoma, 1979

2010-08-30T09:23:00.001-05:00

Judy (Grogan) Showers continues to entertain us with her great photos. Here are Don Cook, Dave Turner and Dave Smith working as movers.

Change over day in front of the lodge, 1979

2010-08-28T20:48:00.002-05:00

Here is another photo from Judy (Grogan) Showers showing:

Dave T., Don Cook, Kitty Koski, Moe, Dave Smith, Kelly Stolee with her head turned, Sarah Chapman on the left sitting, others and Shari Faulkner with little Tozer....

And here is my photo that I've had for thirty years of Shari Faulkner with little Tozer, posted August, 2005, obviously taken right around the exact same time.

Change over day, 1979

2010-08-27T09:41:00.001-05:00

Judy (Grogan) Showers sent in this photo of change over day. I see Leith Rhodes, Moe, Sue Grogan. Who else is here?

Dan and Toby chronicles

2010-08-26T07:57:00.002-05:00

Clearly I've got something going here. I'm going to keep this up until we're in wheel chairs. So far we see Dan and Toby over 30 years, from 1980 to 2010...

Camp Catchacoma, 1980, ages 15 (although I have an idea we were 16, but I thought my last year at camp was 1980. Maybe I was there in 1981?)

London, Ontario, 1998, ages 33

Aurora, Ontario, 2010, ages 45

New old photos from Judy (Grogan) Showers

2010-08-26T07:48:00.002-05:00

At our get together Judy passed me a disc of images she had scanned. They are fantastic!.

Here is Judy Grogan, Charlene (Stretch) Yule and Kik McCauley, 1979

The next generation.

2010-08-25T22:40:00.004-05:00

My son Josh is 18, two years older than I was during my last year at camp. That is how young we were!

Josh goes to his own camp, Langskib, in Temagami. He just completed his leadership training this summer after attending the Langskib for seven years. He will be a trip leader next year, leading groups on those three week canoe trips they do up there.

I wanted to show Josh the Beach Ball Toss game we used to play (between Brian's knees) and how we used to hog tie Toby during those early morning exercise runs, but neither were game....

Old friends reconnecting...

2010-08-25T22:25:00.004-05:00

We had a great time despite our short visit. My schedule dictated the date, which took place on a very awkward Monday evening, and my family and I had to leave a little early to keep up with our crazy we-are-back-in-Canada-and-must-visit-all-family-and-friends itinerary.

Brian was a wonderful host and cooked us a wonderful meal. Thanks Brian.

Judy (Grogan) Showers and Bruce Hauser

Judy said that camp represented one of her most memorable times in her life. I feel the same.

Dan Ferguson, Paul Hindle and Toby Stolee

Everyone is doing really well. Toby is building a new home for his family and Paul is an emerging author. I forgot how tall he is....

Brian Musker, Dan Ferguson and Toby Stolee

Brian and Toby were good friends during my adolescence. They always kept me out of trouble....

Catchacoma Reunion 2010

2010-08-25T21:47:00.001-05:00

Reunion Summer 2010 took place at Brian Musker's home in Aurora on August 23rd, 2010, thirty years since our camp days!

Look at our great turnout (left to right):

Toby Stolee, Brian Musker, Judy (Grogan) Showers, Bruce Hauser, Paul Hindle and Dan Ferguson.

None worse for all the years gained, in fact, better! Wiser, happier and able to swim circles around any young whippersnappers!

Well, when we tried to recreate "Which way to the Beach?" I think middle age cramped our style.

Catchacoma Get-Together Invitation

2010-08-03T17:52:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone,

It has been a long time since I posted on the blog. I am on the road (as usual) criss-crossing the U.S., and coming up to the olde country. Brian Musker has very kindly offered to host a get together at his home August 23rd. If you would like to attend please e-mail me at:

info@danishasculpture.com

and I will forward you the details. We hope to see you there!

Utah

Oregon

Seattle

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2010-01-02T08:35:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year Catchacoma! Let's have a great year.

The Road

2009-12-26T11:08:00.002-06:00

Our road is finally going in at the land.

It can only go in during the dry season, which is now.

We have, for the first time, driven our truck onto our land...

The house is next. There will be the main house and a "casita" (little house) for guests, and as time goes on, more than one. Who will be the first to visit?

Merry Christmas Catchacoma

2009-12-26T10:44:00.003-06:00

Dearest friends,

I find myself back here again looking to see how you've fared over the past few months.

I am thinking of you with the fondest memories of time spent together, meals eaten together under the eye of "Cookie," and adventures experienced at camp.

I am wishing with a heart full of nostalgia tonight, that you are well, happy and that you remember the thread that connects us as extended family out in the world that seems to keep most of us separated.

Happy holidays,

Jenny

December 24, 2009 9:00 PM

Everyone,

Have a very happy holiday with your families. Time is passing and we are all getting older.... we, the vibrant teenagers of Catchacoma, are now middle aged with hordes of children... we must appreciate the time we have.

Merry Christmas.

Dan

Diane Tozer lives within us...

2009-12-24T19:48:00.002-06:00

Diane,

I know that you light will continue to shine bright in the Heavens.

Peter, Tim and Trish,

My thoughts and prayers are with you - God Bless.

Toni

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I have such fond memories of Diane from camp. She helped instill a love of swimming (and working hard at it), lifesaving and teaching that is still a part of who I am today. I was saddened to hear of her death.

I will think I her as I swim my laps over the holidays. My sincerest condolences to the Tozer family.

Jenny Cole

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Peter,

Just a quick note to say how sorry I am to learn of Diane's passing. She was a great person and her love of the water and teaching was truly inspirational. My best to you and your family.

Fondly, David Turner

Diane Tozer, February 18, 1949 - December 20, 2009

2009-12-21T22:21:00.004-06:00

Tozer, Diane
Passed away peacefully at her home in her 61st year with her family and friends by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Loving mother of Patricia Wilson (Troy) and Tim Tozer (Kathy). Cherished grandmother of Laken. Sadly missed by Peter Tozer. Dear sister of Suzette and Francine. Diane will be missed by her niece, nephew, family and friends and also by her special friends Shona and Roy. Visitation from the M.W. Becker Funeral Home, 490 The Queensway S., Keswick 905-476-7711 on Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic Church, 129 Metro Rd. N., Keswick, on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1p.m. until time of service. Donations made to the Red Cross Society-Ontario Branch oz.plannedgiving@redcross.ca or Life Saving Society www.lifesavingsociety.com would be appreciated by the family.

We are all very sad to hear that Diane has passed away. On behalf of our all our Catchacoma friends I would like to send our condolences to the Tozer family.
Diane was a very important part of Camp Catchacoma. My life was greatly influenced by the swimming and life saving training I received which is directly attributable to the care, time and effort Diane (and Peter of course) put in all those years ago.

May you walk amongst the silver birch...

Merry PoliticallyCorrectEventTitlemas.

2009-12-20T23:42:00.002-06:00

All the best to every one. I hope the past year has treated you all well, and if it hasn't...well...man up, people!! cuz theres another one comin'!

Yeah, I don't do the holiday thing to well.

Good night, Good luck.

D.

Neil Holman at camp... '77 and '80

2009-10-14T20:58:00.003-05:00

Since I have never blogged before, if you could please post these, I did find two photos; one of myself on my fist day (Minute) July 31, 1977 at Catchacoma as my parents left on the boat to go back to the landing, Yikes!!!! short shorts, Star Wars t-shirt and a visor and looking a little uncertain...

... and a second photo of myself and Cathy Hill from 1980.

Regards,

Neil B.T. Holman, BSc, MBA

Images sent by Neil Holman

Found!! Neil Holman!

2009-10-13T21:59:00.003-05:00

We continue to hear from yet more past campers. Today I heard from Neil Holman.
He wrote:

Camper & CIT 1978-1982

Hello fellow Catchacoma alumni, this is my first chance to see all the great work on the website/blog. It almost brings tears to your eye, almost.
Back then Dave Smith, Don Cook and Dave Turner where the coolest guys I knew, ha.
Although being an August camper I always felt jipped that we got “Catchacoma Jam” and the July folk got “Woodstock”, lol

Catchacoma played a big role in my life, first everything; from first windsurfing to first time on water skis to first kiss. I will look for some images to post.

Cheers,

Neil B.T. Holman, BSc, MBA

Hey Neil, good to hear from you. Who were some of your counsellors?

Is this Angela?

2009-09-20T12:36:00.002-05:00

Angela, is that you sitting there with the sunglasses and the funny hat?

(I searched this image with the new search engine)

NEW BLOG SEARCH ENGINE

2009-09-20T12:27:00.002-05:00

HEY EVERYONE!!

Check out the new blog search engine on the side bar to the right. You can now search names, events, and I suppose dates to search the blog just like Google. No more scrolling through the reams of pages we have from four years of entries.

Try it out and see the results appear in the postings. Click one and instantly go to that posting!

The blog continues to evolve...

Found!! Angela (Bickerton) Tsounis!!

2009-09-20T11:36:00.003-05:00

I just got an e-mail today and it was from Angela. She wrote>

Hey Everyone!!!! This is so great! This site has brought me back to such an amazing time in my life with some of you – it’s Angela Bickerton (Tsounis). I have many pictures as well and will need a lesson on getting them scanned and up on this site. Some of the names on “the roster” jump out at me and I remember some of the great times we had as kids – I will keep in touch – thank you for this opportunity to say Hi!

Much Love,

Angela xo

Angela,
Great to hear from you! We are always happy to hear from another past camper/counsellor. Please tell us where you live, married? Children? We look forward to any photos you can send!!!!

Old photos redone...

2009-08-24T23:20:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favourite photos from back when. Toni and her congenial self gazing at Dave deep in thought...

I wanted to get the same shorts for the shot and enquired online but got something about an indecency ordinance...

Catchacom Reunion 2009....

2009-08-24T22:56:00.003-05:00

We had a great visit. Besides our history with Catchacoma Toni, Don and my parents all had previous connections with either the Totzkes or the Faulkners before camp. My mother knew Gary during her university days.

We reminisced about the old days and caught up on the new. I was amazed at Toni's recollection of names and people from back then. She knew and remembered absolutely everyone. She also knows a good load of inside dirt, but good luck getting it out of her. Don't worry Freshie, aaaaaalll your secrets are locked safely in the vault with her. We didn't get one peep.

Toni liked to tell us how busy some of those senior boys were back then, up to their tricks and all sorts of mischief (although just exactly what they were up to stayed in the vault)...

By the way Don, Toni says there's a little of that busy senior boy still left in you. She says you're on corn husking detial during rest period for the next two days for that photo op stunt...

Catchacoma Reunion 2009.....

2009-08-24T22:37:00.002-05:00

Don was the first to arrive, having driven all the way from Kingston just to join us in his snazzy '67 Ford Mustang! He always was wild and crazy...

Toni lives right around the corner. She came by with her husband, legendary swimmer and water polo player, Paul.

Rob Loubser, my life long pal, dropped by from Guelph with his uber cute daughter, Chloe. Rob was a camper for two years. He and I were caught by Toni herself one night while out attempting to go cabin raiding. Toni escorted us both back to our cabins with a firm grip.

And this is Rob's lovely partner, Kathy Loveday. Rob met her while visiting us in Mexico. Kathy was a teacher at the Waldorf school our kids attended down there and was our friend and neighbour.

The Catchacoma Trail: Kitchener, 2009 - The biggest reunion yet!

2009-08-24T22:22:00.004-05:00

Hey folks, I've had a very busy year on the road and consequently have had little time to blog. However, this summer my schedule brought me back to the old country. After having traveled to the States to complete four art festivals in four weekends I zipped up to Canada. My mother had suggested I organize a BBQ at her house in Kitchener with whomever I could round up from camp. So I did.

Here you see the largest Catchacoma reunion to date!

You know it's funny... I remember Toni as much taller than that...

Photos from Andy Dunin...

2009-05-10T11:02:00.002-05:00

Andy has submitted some more fine black and whites. I like having both colour images and black and white photos in the archives. The B&W's give a different feeling of the past. Andy provided names and dates:

Third Session August 1978 Charlene, Sue Dunkley and Greg Whalley

Woodstock, July 1978, Jenny Cole with a group of campers

Academy Awards, July 1978, Michelle Vige and Charlene ‘stretch’ Yule

End of first session, 1978

Images sent by Andrew Dunin

Let us know how you are...

2009-04-30T11:22:00.003-05:00

Drop us a line and let us know how you are. Send in a recent image of yourself or your kids and a message and I will post it for you (info@danishasculpture.com).

We like to hear from the old Catchacoma community when we can. Catchacoma was one of a kind in the summer camp world. We were the lucky ones who had the privilege of attending...

Hello to Everyone

2009-04-30T10:38:00.005-05:00

Here I am with Nisha during a brief stay at home...

Big son, Josh, now 17... now older than I was during my years at camp...

Young son, Julian, 9, with the troupe, Gravityworks (mom is taking the picture), just before a show. He is now performing with them.

Hey everyone, I am saying hello while I have a chance. I have been very busy these last few months travelling to festivals in the U.S. I have been to Florida four times since January and will be all over, coast to coast, through the summer and into the winter. I'll be in Seattle, Vail, Chicago, Wyoming, California, Toronto, Montreal to name a few. I will be posting details about the shows in Canada at a later date.
It sounds all good but the economy in the U.S. has been taking its toll. Sales are down 70%, with some shows yielding no sales at all. I've had to double up the number of shows I've been doing to get through this recession. Despite all this I do expect it to turn around in good time.
I hope you all are well and are not experiencing much discomfort.

If anyone has any images we can post please send them along. It is always fun to post new images.

Newcomers, don't forget to check the archives...

2009-04-13T21:55:00.005-05:00

...on the bottom right in the menu bar to view the whole blog from the beginning. Just click on the year you wish to view, or the months under the year.

If you have scanned pictures to contribute, send them to:

info@danishasculpture.com

You may also send in your e-mail address to be invited as a member of the blog which will allow you to make your own postings.

Our list of friends online with the blog keeps growing!
WE ARE 60 AND COUNTING!
We are:

Dan Ferguson
Phil Coates
Greg Moore
Fiona (Sullivan) Aris
Toby Stolee
Kelley (Stolee) Smith
Adam Gordon
Bill (Moe) Connely
Don McLachlan
Jeanne (McMillan) Gingerich
Jennifer (Sullivan) Turney
Shari (Faulkner) Stehr
Jason Faulkner
Brian Musker
Dave Smith
Bruce Hauser
Bill Swales
Pam Brown
Kelly (Moore) Savage
Dave Turner
Dee Faulkner
Trisha Ricci
Caroyln Myfanwy Ashmore
Jan Alberdingk-Thijm
Jessie Owen
Lisa Owen
Ted Lawson
Paul Totzke
Jenny Cole-Small
Jeff Whittman
Lynn (Farley) Stone
Sharianne Way
Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier
Kerry Delaere
Diana (Koski) Robertson
Carl Totzke
Peter Tozer
Norma (Birkett) Whitehead
Don Cook
Kathleen (Kik McCaully) Fischer
Sue (Totzke) Cousineau
Roland Wippel
Michele Vyge-Fraser
Kelly (Adamson) Sams
Brett Hollands
Cindy (Young) Corbett
Drew Shelly
Charlene "Stretch" (Yule) Caufeild
Geordie Millar
Paul Hindle
Andy Dunin
Krystie (Tait) Alexander
Emily (Dennison) Baack
Judy (Desrosiers) Village
Jonathan Dorfman
Jodi (Dorfman) Hecht
Judy (Grogan) Showers
Angela (Bickerton) Tsounis
Neil Holman

Hey!!

2009-04-13T21:35:00.002-05:00

Hello Judy!!

It is very nice to hear from you. We are very excited whenever we find another past Catchacoma friend.

We would LOVE to see any photos you have to post. If you send me your e-mail address I can "invite" you to be a contributor to the blog and then you can make your own posts.

So, where do you live? Got kids? We would love to hear.

All the best.
Dan Ferguson

Found! Judy Grogan!!

2009-04-13T19:47:00.003-05:00

Somehow Judy found the blog and writes:

"Hi there! This is Judy Grogan.

What a great idea posting this site! I laughed out loud at a few of the photos.I have a ton of photos from camp...I'll ask my sons to help me post some for you to enjoy.

Take care, Judy

The Great White North: Montreal and Ottawa...

2009-01-03T22:47:00.009-06:00

After our lunch in Kingston I continued on to Montreal in my van passing many cars and eighteen wheelers on the side of the road in the snow banks...

I arrived at my brother's restaurant, Le Jolifou, for a gourmet meal and a nice visit...

Montreal was piled high with snow (making it fun to park my van and trailer in the streets), so much so that this was the sight I saw; an appropriate mode of travel for the weather...

The next day, the 12th, on to Ottawa to load the trailer. Ottawa was buried in snow just like Montreal.

I loaded up and headed back home...

I continued on south, crossing two borders...

Until, on the 18th of December, and 5000 miles later, my 10 day marathon of driving (Chicago to Montreal to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico) was over...

The Catchacoma Trail was great fun. I will keep you posted when I can resume the Trail...

The Catchacoma Trail: Kingston, Ontario...

2009-01-03T21:48:00.005-06:00

The next day, Dec 11th, I left Toronto amidst bad weather reports, on my way to Montreal to visit my brother, Dave, and is family. The 401 was a little icy and I had to take it easy...

I stopped in at Kingston for a pre-planned rendezvous at the local Kelsey's restaurant...

I had lunch with two more Catchacoma friends, Don Cook and Fiona (Sullivan) Aris, 28 years later!

Here is Don with his kids, (Don, please remind me of their names, I know I've forgotten...). Don was his old self, just a little grey around the temples. He recognized me before I did him in the entrance way. Don's kids had that same smile he has.

Fiona enjoyed our visit very much. I was pleased to hear how happy she is with our blog and reconnections. Our two hours together passed very quickly as we chatted and laughed. Here we are together (Fiona was busy ordering dessert).

Before we parted company I convinced Don to help me recreate another old photo... the classic Don Cook pose, "which way to the beach?".

Not bad, eh?

The Catchacoma Trail: Me and Dave T., Dec 10, 2008, 28 years later...

2009-01-03T21:18:00.003-06:00

I arrived at Dave's office where we sat and caught up on the last 28 years since we saw each other. I think the last time I saw Dave was likely August 1980 (was that your final year, Dave?) when I would have made my annual after-camp-visit which was easy because our cottage was nearby in Bobcaygeon.
We ate toasted tuna sandwiches and discussed old times. Dave was as amiable as I remember him. Not as tall anymore... I have grown some since I was 15.

Here we are together. Dave is proudly displaying the album cover, Captain Fantastic, which a friend of his had recently framed for him.

Nice to see you Dave!

The Catchacoma Trail: Kitchener, then Toronto!

2009-01-02T22:14:00.008-06:00

I left Chicago on Dec 8th, the first day of a ten day driving marathon. The plan was to drive up to Ottawa to pick up a trailer load of house hold belongings to bring back to Mexico. It's been a couple of years since I'd been back to the old country, so I began to execute one hurried visit after another.
I left Chicago and arrived in Detroit that evening. I unloaded my van of all my merchandise and booth materials into a temporary storage unit, crossed the border (very easy) and drove through snow all the way to Kitchener....

My desination was my parents place where I was staying overnight. The plan was for Toni (Hinchberger) Pottier to drop by around 8:00 pm to say hello and snap a picture for the blog, but to my chagrin an impromptu business meeting that morning in Chicago with a gallery owner threw my schedule off by three hours. I did not arrive until 11:00 pm, too late for Toni to come by. I was really bummed. I called her on my cell from the road near Windsor to let her know I was too late... Sorry Toni!

The next morning (Dec 9th) I blasted over to Guelph to visit some friends and to see their new baby. The snow was heavy and I did not get away until later than expected. I drove to Toronto, dropped off the trailer and headed downtown....

... to Queen Street and Bay.... to the tower on the right....

.... up to the 30th floor (is that right?) to the office of...

Into Chicago....

2009-01-02T22:02:00.004-06:00

I arrived in Chicago for the One of a Kind Show....

In the famous Merchandise Mart Building. The show went well. Then I was off again...

On the Catchacoma Trail again....

2009-01-02T21:47:00.002-06:00

Well, I headed out November 28th from San Miguel....

Soon to be passing through Texas.... heading up to Chicago.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-02T21:44:00.003-06:00

Have a prosperous and healthy 2009!

Merry Christmas!

2009-01-02T21:25:00.002-06:00

Merry belated Christmas everyone. I've been a little behind on my blogging, but I'm back now.