Pikeslayer

Raycaster, For your consideration, I’d like to add the following: There is a severe shortage of ‘truly’ accessible cottages/resorts for those with mobility access challenges (ie wheelchairs/walkers). The ones that are truly accessible are in high demand and short supply. Many of them are advertised/booked through various associations such as March of Dimes, MS Society et al. That said, there are many cottages/resorts that advertise as “wheelchair accessible” but the majority of these are limited to entrance ramps and grab rails in washrooms. Speaking from experience, for those who are challenged with mobility, a truly accessible cottage/resort experience would include: · Entrance ramps and grab rails where required. · 34” doorways · Turning space for wheelchair in bedroom, living areas and porch/deck · Patient lift availability (these can be rented as needed) · Large walk in/wheel in shower area · Screened in porch/deck · Access to common areas. ie campfire, recreation hall etc. · Access to dock · Access to a pontoon boat would be nice · ‘Access’ means the ability to push a person and their wheelchair (200 lbs +) with relative ease (no steep grades) to go where any able bodied person may. · Cottage should be within 30 minutes of a regional health care facility/hospital. Here is an example of one of the better accessible cottages I researched (but it is still lacking in total access): http://www.willowbeach.com/cottage-handicap-accessible.php Also of note: · Quality used accessibility equipment (grab rails, patient lifts, portable ramps etc) are readily available at reduced prices through various organizations online as well as Kijiji · Typically, extended family and caregivers vacation with those that are mobility challenged as these are ‘special’ events. Chances are that if you are renting an accessible cottage, you would need a standard cottage to accommodate larger parties. · Truly accessible cottages can justify ‘premium’ rates. Long story short, if I was to consider purchasing a ‘resort’, I would most certainly want to target a ‘unique’ clientele. As mentioned, this is a high demand industry (unfortunately) with an extremely low level of supply. IMHO, this is a promising business opportunity. As an aside, our family is currently planning & looking for a suitable property for our son. Minimum 5 bedrooms, < 3 hour drive and within 30 minutes of regional hospital. It will likely include one of these: http://www.cottagelifts.com/pictures.html Our intention is to purchase and modify/renovate a property that is truly accessible from the front door to the pontoon boat. We will also make the property available for rental through various associations/foundations to allow families to enjoy an all inclusive cottage experience. I have no doubt that we will be able to achieve a 90% or better occupancy for whatever rentals we make available. Best of luck to you. Resort ownership can indeed be profitable with a proper business plan.

Here's some gear (so far) I'll be bringing. Hope to add more this week. The Okuma is missing its screw cap.

Sooooooo tempting.

Yep. That's kinda cool.

I'll get some photos of my gear for sale items up this weekend.

Also make sure your condensation drain hose is not blocked/clogged. If water backs up into the fan housing, your furnace will also shut down.

Sage advice Albert and see that DB has followed. DB, Is there sufficient parking area for a tailgate tackle swap?? I got a lot of gear @ garage sale pricing I'd like to see repurposed.

Congrats Chris.

Wild one in Ottawa. Congrats Sens!!!

Despite all the rhetoric in http://ontariofishingcommunity.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76038&page=130&do=findComment&comment=904758 does anyone realize or remember that Lord Stanley's Cup has not been won by a Canadian Team since 1993 !!!??? LAST CENTURY!! Heck, some of the youngsters here weren't even born yet. I for one, will put my allegiance aside and put my support behind any CANADIAN team that can bring The Cup home (even though Stanley lives in Toronto). Lots of great hockey happening outside of TML land in the coming weeks

Happy to hear your buddy got his boat back despite the ominous accusations. Hope your buddy has a plan in place if he discovers any issues/damages when starting the boat in the spring.

Love the "pudge" reference to Kessel "Back to the invisible Kessel — left off the power play the third, along with the rest of his line because Horachek could no longer bear to watch. Pudge will be Toronto’s cross to carry for years to come, which would be fine if he could just find his scoring mojo again. Where is that darn thing? Under the ping-pong table? Left behind at McDonald’s? Beneath his signature watch hat? Confiscated at the border?"

And you know this because.....??

THAT is funny I heard Cliff's version but yours is much more descriptive. You left a lasting impression Albert .

Hi John, Yes we will get out this year (you were not forgotten ) and No, there is no need for additional $$$ Let's touch base closer to July to pick some tentative dates. Simon

WOW!! Photo Finish & a record bid for the third year I've offered up this trip . AKA, you will not regret the Cat trip. Thx for supporting FFT. Cuzza, congrats & thank you for helping out the French family. I'll PM you tomorrow am with EFT details. Looking forward to meeting another community member with a heart .

BAZINGA!!!! Cuzza snipes by a hair Well played Sir!!

Anything more than $10 & I'll throw in lunch & post fishing bevvies.

Absolutely sir. And I am wide open for prime time.

Current lead bid $230 by Reel Man. Just about an hour to go....... Thx for the top ups FT. Most generous

PERFECT

Looks like you seared that sucker & let it rest before low & slow? Yum yum.

I am an advocate for professional counselling. It has served me well during a number of family tragedies over the past five years. Overwhelming cicumstances can be managed and coping strategies learned today will stay with you for many years to come. Make an investment in your future. Be well, Slayer

Hey DB, Thx for the report. Seems that FFT was another success despite the late start/notice. Good on those that ventured the sketchy roads & weather. I had to pick up my girls @ Pearson & the GTA was quite the goat rodeo. How was the walk out with the deep snow? I'm wondering if FP was regretting not taking up my offer of snowshoes ps. Sorry to see your Cat bid get sniped but all for a good cause. I can't take you out for cats, but you're more than welcome to join me for a day on Lady O for salmon & bows. If your interested that is . Thx for supporting Tyler. Slayer