Screaming Heads at Midlothian Castle

Luckily the statues don't come with the associated audio as the hundred or so giant Screaming Heads would make a terrible symphony of sound. Instead the large sprawling property in Burk's Falls is nestled in the perfect slice of nature. The strange attractions found at Midlothian Castle are the creation of artist Peter Camani, a former high school art teacher, who poured concrete into a large scale sculpture garden. We thought it would be a perfect place for a medieval faire or maybe a music festival and it turns out they have an annual techno Harvest Festival in September.

The Midlothian Castle

Artist and sculptor Peter Camani at work

The site is a few minutes off of Highway 11 as it winds through the Muskoka, just 30 minutes north of Huntsville or 3 hours from Toronto. It's easier to drive there if you are already in the area and don't have to worry about the weekend cottage traffic. But once you get there the parking is free and plentiful, plus there is no cost to enter, although you can make donations in appreciation.

The three ghosts

Some of the ample parking

Walking along the edge of the parking you can see three ghost like structures, followed by the castle set beyond some impressive gates and columns then a series of small stores selling various artistic items. You can take several paths throughout the property, including a a stroll through a grass valley running beside a small creek.

See more of the Screaming Heads after the jump.

Algonquin Park in peak fall colours

Ontario's massive park is bursting out in fall colours right now which adds so much to the natural beauty of Algonquin Park. Created in 1893 to help preserve some of the wilderness and headwaters of quite a few important rivers you can find so much to see and do  with a lot of the park accessible along Highway 60, just 3 hours north of Toronto. You don't have to go far into the park to see spectacular fall foliage - it's gorgeous enough along Highway 60 as the hills and valleys are full of colour (Colour Change : 100 - Leaf Fall : 10). They have electronic signs out warning people not to stop in live lanes on the road - this would be a very dangerous situation as so many are heading up to see the colours.

Some of the views along Highway 60

From the park's website; "The essence of Algonquin is in its vast interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes – 7,635 square kilometres of forests, bogs, lakes and rivers. The only way to explore the interior of this park is by paddle or on foot. There is also a second Algonquin - along the 56 kilometre stretch of Highway 60. Here you can enjoy camping at one of eight campgrounds, hike one of 14 interpretive trails, take part in the extensive educational Discovery Program, and visit Algonquin’s exceptional Visitor Centre, Logging Museum and Art Centre."

There are several Algonquin Outfitter locations in and around the park. They can drop off kayaks and canoes to your campsite or to the beach or docks where you depart for your voyage

We biked the amazing old rail trails, kayaked in rivers and lakes, camped in a forest of pine trees at Pog Lake campground and explored some of the museums, information centres and the nature walks. The only things we didn't do were portage between lakes and fish! Sadly the only moose or bear that we saw were in the visitor centre - stuffed.

On the multi-use rail trails in the park

Remnants of an old railway bridge

Past rail lines run along and through forests. This one is where an old sawmill was located

 On Rock Lake. We traveled between Rock Lake and Whitefish Lake

See more photos of the fall colours and the park after the jump.

2024 IndyCar Series schedule released including Toronto in July

The new IndyCar schedule has the return of the Honda Indy Toronto in Exhibition Place on Sunday, July 21, 2024, part of the IndyCar's 17-race season. Toronto's race weekend would start with Fan Friday on the 19th and continue to the headline race on the 21st. Canada is part of IndyCar's summer heat session with four races in July! I will also review the issues with the race in 2025 and beyond in Exhibition Place. Note: Feb 14, 2024 - the Nashville Finale has been moved from the streets of Nashville to the Nashville Superspeedway.

From IndyCar; "The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, March 10 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the 20th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. North America’s premier open-wheel series will crisscross the United States, including a stop for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26, before all roads lead to Nashville for an unforgettable championship finale Sunday, Sept. 15 down the heart of the city’s entertainment district and honky tonk row, where the 2024 champion will be crowned for the first time."

“The upward trajectory of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is reflected through the 2024 schedule,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “With stops at premier and global entertainment districts, classic American road courses and thrilling, high-speed ovals, the 2024 season will be exhilarating and highly competitive from beginning to end."

2024 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule

Sunday, March 10 - Streets of St. Petersburg: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Sunday, March 24 - The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge (non-points event) $1 Million Challenge

Sunday, April 21 - Streets of Long Beach: Grand Prix of Long Beach

Sunday, April 28 - Barber Motorsports Park: Grand Prix of Alabama

Saturday, May 11 - Indianapolis Motor Speedway (road course): Grand Prix of Indianapolis

Saturday, May 18 - Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 1

Sunday, May 19 - Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 2

Sunday, May 26 - Indianapolis Motor Speedway (oval): Indianapolis 500

Sunday, June 2 - Streets of Detroit: Grand Prix of Detroit

Sunday, June 9 - Road America: Grand Prix of Road America

Sunday, June 23 - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: Grand Prix of Monterey

Sunday, July 7 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio

Saturday, July 13 - Iowa Speedway Race 1: Grand Prix of Iowa Race 1

Sunday, July 14 - Iowa Speedway Race 2: Grand Prix of Iowa Race 2

Sunday, July 21 - Streets of Toronto: Grand Prix of Toronto

Saturday, Aug. 17 - World Wide Technology Raceway: Grand Prix of Illinois

Sunday, Aug. 25 - Portland International Raceway: Grand Prix of Portland

Saturday, Aug. 31 - Milwaukee Mile Race 1: Grand Prix of Milwaukee Race 1

Sunday, Sept. 1 - Milwaukee Mile Race 2: Grand Prix of Milwaukee Race 2

Sunday, Sept. 15 - Nashville Superspeedway: Grand Prix of Nashville

The 2024 11-turn, temporary street circuit through Exhibition Place and out onto Lake Shore Boulevard will be the 36th year of the Toronto race which has already raised over $1 million dollars for charity during the Fan Friday support of  Make-A-Wish Canada.

Exhibition Place had previously provided a 3-year contract to race owners and operators Green Savoree Toronto, ULC which ran from 2021 to 2023. Both parties recently signed a new contract with a period of only one year - from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The difficulty with extending the contract duration beyond 2024 is the extensive work that is required to take place in and around Exhibition Place - work that is associated with the Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation, the Ontario Line subway construction works (Civil works 2023-2027), the Dufferin Street bridge replacements (2024-2028), the construction of an additional hotel and esports venue (Phase 2 expansion by Hotel X facility) located along Lake Shore Boulevard and adjacent to the historic Stanley Barracks (with a completion of mid-2025?) as well as the BMO Field seating expansion and hosting some of soccer's FIFA World Cup 2026 games at BMO Field.

An additional 17,756 seats will be added to the existing BMO Field on both the north and south sides of the field, making two levels of seats around the entire stadium. FIFA is also granted exclusive use of Exhibition Place from May to July 2026 which is typically the period when Honda Indy Toronto takes place. The plans for the expansion should be completed by May of 2024 and construction would start shortly afterwards with completion in two years to be ready for the World Cup games in 2026.

Hopefully Honda Indy Toronto will be able to negotiate the time and location for IndyCar and supporting series racing to continue in the city from 2025.

Laser Clinics launch at Union Station

Laser Clinics Canada launched in Union Station today, one of over 200 global locations, and now six in Canada, of the Australian-based group. Media gathered in the York Carriageway under the glass archway running along Front Street to watch the introductions. On hand to begin the launch was Laser Clinic Canada's brand ambassador Natasha Garguilo who also introduced a panel to discuss the opening and the experts necessary to run clinics around the world.

Natasha begins the introduction and panel introduction

From their website; "Laser Clinics Canada believes beauty is tailored to you. They are passionate about delivering best-in-class treatments and services using medical-grade, industry-leading technology at affordable prices. They specialize in skin treatments, laser hair removal and cosmetic injectables, tailoring treatments to the individual and ensuring all clients achieve their desired results. As the global leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare with over 15 million treatments delivered – you know you’re in trusted hands."

Jenna and Natasha

The panel, led by Natasha, included some of the medical team Dr. Waqqas Jalil, Medical Director and cosmetic surgeon, Shameeza Kassamali NP, Head of Inject along with Franchise Manager and Olympian Jenna Caira.

They talked about accessibility and making the laser services more affordable, with modern technology and private treatment rooms. Their program of 50/50 franchise ownership was also discussed and they were actively looking for people to open and run new locations.

The Laser Clinics Canada location along the Front Street Promenade

I also found it interesting that the Union Station location will be the flagship and the training centre for the Canadian operation, which from the sounds of things will continue to grow in Canada. Their six locations include one in Ottawa and five in the GTA - including one at Square One Shopping Centre, now part of the world's largest cosmetic clinic. Very impressive for a company started in Australia in 2008.

Toronto Windfest 2023

The wind started slowly but the kites gathered along Woodbine Beach before reaching for the sky during the annual Toronto Windfest from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, September 16. 

Some of these kites are immense, some are the typical triangular shapes but they all seem to have long tails and are all handled by skilled kite fliers. The yellow and black one is a sting ray.

See more kites after the jump.

Toronto Ukrainian and Polish Festivals 2023

Toronto celebrated two Eastern European countries heritage this weekend with the Polish and Ukrainian Festivals. Bloor West Village had the Toronto Ukrainian Festival from September 15 - 17 and Roncesvalles Village hosted the Toronto Polish Festival September  16 - 17, 2023. Both festivals welcomed visitors to the neighbourhoods with unique culture, food and entertainment, amusement rides, markets and vendors although both offered plenty of pierogis.

The Roncesvalles Polish Festival takes place on Roncesvalles Avenue between Queen St. West to Dundas St. West.

The Ukrainian Festival was located on Bloor St. West, Toronto, between Jane St. and Runnymede Rd and on the Bloor-Danforth Subway line.

There was an exhibition of damaged doors from the war torn country

Mexican Independence Day celebration Toronto 2023

Aye Caramba, it was a day of fun and entertainment in Nathan Phillips Square for the 29th annual Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Toronto on September 16, 2023. Thousands that flock to Toronto City Hall during the festivities make this one of the largest Mexican Independence Day events in the world. Plus this is the first time that I have seen a train in the Square.

From their website; "Mexican Independence Day celebrates the call to arms in Mexico in 1810 that led to the Mexican War of Independence that resulted in the creation of the independent nation of Mexico. Every year Mexicans around the world celebrate this event with festivities & a show of patriotism. In Toronto, we've staged free & public Independence Day celebrations annually since 1994.  With its mix of traditional & contemporary Mexican dance & music, authentic Mexican food, culture, crafts, art & more, this event brings together the Mexican community into the public realm for all to experience, regardless of heritage. We strive to celebrate our heritage & share it with the community at large as well as connect Mexicans to their roots, traditions & fellow community. The event is family-friendly & appropriate for all age groups & people of all cultures."

I think it is a high speed bullet train

See more photos of the celebrations after the jump.

Giant Rubber Ducky back in Toronto

The Toronto Waterfront Festival has returned to Harbourfront for 2023 and they brought the big guns out with the famous yellow rubber duckie.

It takes a lot of air to blow this baby up

From their website ; "The Toronto Waterfront Festival (formerly Redpath Waterfront Festival) is thrilled to announce the HUGE news that the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, presented by Clorox®, will be returning to Toronto’s waterfront, September 16-17, 2023. Due to the new nature of her set up, Mama Duck will be nesting on-land this time at 7 Queens Quay East."

From the side It looks like the Beatles' Yellow Submarine

There is quite a few free samples of food and drink being given out and the Canadian Armed Forces is on site as well. Two large personnel carriers as well as the Royal Canadian Navy with the sailing ship HMCS Oriole.