Take Home "A Peace" of Penlake

Huntsvillle Floating Trail Avery Beach

SELECT YOUR OWN GROUP DATE

ALL SEASONS 2007 one month ahead

WINTER

WOMEN'S

WELLNESS

GETAWAYS

Stressed ?

Rejuvenate !

YOUR WEEKEND INCLUDES:

Select 6 of 12 group choices

Friday PM
1. Pedicure -Terri Lynn Banks Esthetic Studio
2.Reflexology with Aromatherapy Heather Hodgson certified instructor
3.Therapeutic Touch uses touch,massage and stress reduction techniques-energy field modality with Shirley Boon R.N.
4.NEW!!! Facial Massage/Hungarian Wellness Mud Mask -Lynn Henry -Head to Foot Spa

IF YOU DON"T SEE A DEER IN YOUR 2 DAY STAY YOU GET A FREE NIGHT !

BAMBI AT THE BACK DOOR WAITING FOR YOU !

Abundant Breakfast Menu of 50 Healthy Choices

Sat.or Sun. am - 5.Tai Chi on top of boathouse weather permitting or in gathering room 600 sq.ft.-Pat Boon -certified instructor

Free time to Hike Algonquin Park, or Golf, [choice of 5 courses], or Shop at Muskoka Artisans in Historic Downtown HuntsvilleFree time to explore one of 12 local recommended Huntsville restaurants from fine dining to pub food.Saturday evening enjoy an event at Huntsville's new Algonquin Theatre Center of the Performing Arts or see the Deerhurst stage show where Shania Twain got her start!NEW !!! optional demonstration :Soapstones-Handcrafted Soaps and Skin Care Products.This 2004 business award winner,of handcrafted Skin Care products made with high quality vegetable oils, will give your wellness group a one hour demonstration on soap making gratis with samples !

Sat.p.m.7.NEW !!!!! Muskoka High Tea at 4:00 p.m. with Wild Forest Berries and Delicacies together with Mel Malton Story Telling. Mel is Muskoka's favourite author,poet and cartoonist and occasional CBC commentator.

Sat.p.m.8.Hike in the Muskoka forest following the Old Portage Steam Train route between Penlake and Lake of Bays and /or Algonquin Park with noted naturalist

to be determined 6 months in advance

Sat.a.m. and p.m. individual appointments NEW!!!

9.Tarot Reading-An Effective Self Awareness Tool for weighing life's options

The more we choose to work with and trust in our life energy the more we grow in ability to cope, be in relationships,feel pleasure and to love self and others.

Susan Schellenberg R.N.educated in myth,symbol,drama,art and dream interpretation over 25years and studied with internationally respected tarot scholars.

additional $30.00pp for group of 6

Sat.am or Sun.am

Take home a fresh bouquet
10.Floral Arranging with Forest Embellishments- Heather West
Head Floral Designer Deerhurst Resort

sample: living wreaths

Fri.p.m. or early Sat.p.m.

11.NEW!! Lasagne Gardening with expert Carol Wagg -Carol has experimented with great success with this layering method to produce a gorgeous garden year after year.National Award in Country Gardens- Canadian Gardening Magazine In addition to sharing her gardening secrets -her fantastic floral photography proves it all !

IMAGINE FLOWERS IN WINTER

PLAN YOUR SPRING GARDEN

DREAM SPRING COLOURS

12.NEW!!! Water Colour Splash

Capturing Muskoka Beauty in water colours. Instruction and supplies -2 hours with artist Janine White B.F.A.

Your weekend price includes tax ,accommodation for 2 nights dbl. appetizer supper upon arrival, 2 breakfasts, 2 brunches, 6 activities of choice with professionals.{Use of canoe/kayak, 2000 sq.ft.boathouse} and walking trails on private forested acreage.

Women's Wellness October 2006

Pedicures, Reflexology, Facials , Therapeutic Touch, Face /Neck/ Shoulder massage,Water Colour-Shifting Colours and Shapes

Thank you so much.I had an amazing time and I was able to relax because of all the gifts you shared.Wonderful home .Amazing Views.I enjoyed my time here with" the Dancing Angels "and celebrating life and laughter this weekend .Warm wishes, Liz.Thank you for everthing.I had an awesome time with the open experience. Beverly Albrecht, Liz's mom .

Thank you so much for all your kindness in opening up your home to us.I really am lucky to have found you.I'll always remember our first adventure here.It was am awesome experience.Your cooking is wonderful. It is sad you have to sell.Once we arrived we thought we had found our new paradise.Wish you all the best.Many thanks,Ruth Martin Six Nations Ontario.Many thanks,Ruth. Even though I was not well I had a great time.Kayla- Ruth's daughter

Thank you for opening your home and hearts! This was truly amazing for me .Your cooking Gaye is to die for.I enjoyed my stay and would certainly recommend my friends come for the experience.This truly was a treat ! God Bless! Pam

Thank you for the peaceful and comforting environment. The spa ladies who came were so gentle and kind.Meals were delicious.I especially enjoyed seeing 5 deer in 2 days. That has never happened before.I wish it was warm enough to swim in the lake but it actually snowed in October ! This is such a beautiful home.Your family is so fortunate to have such a beautiful thing.I loved the room I slept in and felt very cosy and safe Thanks for lighting the fireplace in the morning for first breakfast-much appreciated.The picture collages of your family are so nice and the little girl on the wall so beautiful.

Nyaweh [thank you ] for being great people, Gaye and George

Kris Johnson .........Six Nations Reserve Oshwegen Ontario

ps.Running with Team Diabetes Canada December 10th 2006 in Honolulu Marathon . I'll send you a post card.

Women's Wellness September 23 2006

Floral Arranging ,Tai Chi on boathouse top, Pedicures, Relexology,Therapeutic Touch and Hungarian Mud Mask Facials

Thank you Gaye and George for all your hospitality, the great food and the best Northern Ontario experience ever. I hope to return soon.Tracy

Thank you for one of the BEST weekends I've had in sometime !! I am going home a freshed and contented wife and mother.! My family thanks you . Good luck in the future. C

The little bear says a heartfelt thank you . Kim

What can I say .....Thank you so much for the most fun I have had in a long time.You are wonderful people to open your home to us. We all conected so well. I will reasure his memory always .Terri Penner Kitchener

Kim, Tracy,Adela,Canda,Raquel,Terri,

Women's Wellness September 10 2006

Tarot Readings,Pedicure,Reflexology,Tai Chi,Therapeutic Touch,Hungariam Mud Mask Facials

Thank you for a great experience . I cannot remember the last time I was so relaxed.You are a wonderful cook and hostess. We had so much fun ! I had such a calming and relaxing time with Susan when I had my tarot card reading . I will definitely be in touch with he again.Dinner at 3 Guys was superb. Second only to yours.I wish you much success and hope to see you again . Mary Mc Gowan Toronto

Thank you so much for a wonderful relaxing spa weekend .-for the fantastic food and hospitality.The swing on the lane is amazing ! Your home and surrounding area is so beautiful. I will think of this place as a reminder whenever I need to relax! Thank you again Brenda Smallwood Kitchener

Tammy,Brenda , Mary, Pamela,Connie ,Katharine , Stacy

Women's Wellness August 25-27th 2006

Amazing food ! Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us. You are one amazing cook !

Charlene, Dianne,Janice,Angela,Mary Ann and Tara

Bennacht -A book of Celtic wisdom by John Donohue

On a day when the weight deadens on your shoulders and you stumble

May the clay dance to balance you.

And when your eyes freeze behind the gray window and the ghost of loss gets into you

May a flock of colours-indigo,red,green azure blue come to awaken you in a meadowof delight.

When the canvas frays in the curach of thought and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you

May there come across the waters a path of moonlight to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours

May the fluency of the ocean be yours .

May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you ,

An invisible cloak to mind your life .

Embrace Wellness _ Overhaul Your Soul ....June 2006

The weekend we discovered pomegranate juice and champagne !!!!!!! .......and delicate floral topiaries ...and blackberry popcycles and mango popcycles.. all creative treats from guests !!!!!!!! We also discovered the uncop-operative weather was a non issue in Muskoka and we created our own warmth through conversation around the hearth.

Dear Gaye and George ,

Thank you truly isn't enough !You have both created such a warm and comfortable home it is hard to leave.Everything was amazing from food presented to just sharing conversations.The Tarot card reading with Susan Schellenberg was so emotional . Susan has a gift of putting you in touch with your reality and helping you to realize a better you.Dinner at 3 Guys was impeccable.Fantastic atmosphere and really high quality service and food. Another wonderful Huntsville Muskoka experience!Thanks again and we hope to be back ! Robin from Brampton .

Dear Gaye ,

Thank you for a great weekend filled with professional pedicure, reflexology, facials, tai chi, tarot readings and floral designing with Heather West from Deerhurst.You are a wonderful cook and hostess.We've had so much fun ! I had such a relaxing and calming experience with Susan when I had my tarot card reading.I will most definitely be in touch with her again.Dinner at 3 Guys and Stove was superb-second only to yours !! I wish you much success and hope to see you again soon. Mary -Toronto

I cannot tell you how fabulous my weekend was . Women's Wellness Weekend will have to be a yearly TRADITION. I am thankful I experienced this weekend with my friends with whom I am so close and have now bonded even more. Susan was fabulous. I had never had my cards read.She was very understanding and supportive through an emotional self discovery self selection of choices.Saying good-bye to her was hard.Thank you once again Gaye. You are an excellent cook and fit into our group well.See you again next year ! Sheree- Oakville

Thank you so much Gaye . We truly enjoyed every pampering experience you arranged for us.The meals were decadent. You definitely spoiled us. Susan's tarot readings were an emotional experience that enabled all of us to bond more deeply on our wellness weekend.Dinner at 3 Guys and a Stove was an experience we will enjoy again on our next visit.Thank you again !

Sheila Karklins-Hamilton and Kim Slimmon -Kitchener

Embrace Wellness _Overhaul Your Soul .......Mother's Day Weekend 2006

Fabulous !!! I've never had an experience like this before.Gaye is an unbelievable multi tasker extraordinaire.AND the food was breathtaking. Would come back in a heart beat .

This was an amazing weekend away with the girls ! Exceeded our expectations . Well done Gaye !

Just wanted to echo the kudos to Gaye for an exceptionally great job and also to all of you for your wonderful company this weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed myself !

Activities enjoyed ....pedicures, therapeutic touch,Hungarian wellness mask,tai chi on boat house top,story telling with Muskoka author Mel Malton and a boat cruise around the lake to settle us into this break away weekend .Leaving Sunday by 11:00 am still had us home for Mother's Day refreshed and appreciated by families.

Comments Overheard: "Exceeded our expectations" "Mel is a treasure" "Pamela Steel-cook book author- writing for The Toronto Star travel section added to the fun" " Slept so well listening to the loons ", "Lemon Fluff will be wonderful for my family" ,Can't believe all the choices and variety ", "Thanks MOM " ...Vanessa, Jennifer,Susan,Natalie,Teresa,Mary and Shelagh

Women's Wellness Mother Daughter Getaway Sept 23,24,25th -2005

We all came on a mother/ daughter weekend from the city of Toronto..looking foward to this for over a year.Friday when we arrived we had all come from stressful city jobs with busy weeks . Gaye made us feel right at home and exposed us to a wide variety of wonderful foods to nibble all evening fresh, from the oven .By the end of the 3 days, we were all quite relaxed with bulging tummies by choice, from the menu of originals and our hearts and minds were full with shared thoughts and solutions to life's woes. Thanks Gaye for making us all feel so welcome.We loved the reflexology,T.T. pedicures,Tai Chi ,spa cuisne and boat cruise with George .No complaints at all from this group ! Karen Magowan ,Crystal Lovegrove- Toronto

Dear Gaye and George ,

Thank you for a wonderful women's wellness weekend/ The presenters certainly did a wonderful job of relaxing us and pampering us Friday evening with exceptional appetizers to boot.An intoduction to Tai Chi with Pat was fun and very interesting with the view from the boathouse top .Spa cuisine was informative and I learned a few things plus will enjoy Chef Pamela Steel's cookbooks .The brunches were excellent and hopefully will turn out as well when I try some recipes .Thank you so much .We certainly are more relaxed than when we came and the transition was fun. Thank you Karyn and Linda -Mississauga

Dear Gaye and George,

A very enjoyable Nothern "Getaway" Thank you for your welcoming hospitality . The Friday evening line up of treatments -pedicure ,reflexology, and therapuetic touch was a great way to reduce the work place stress.It set the tone for the whole relaxing weekend much needed.Perhaps the T.T. could have been done in the bedroom chairs away from the gales of laughter and talk to concentrate more and focus.The food choices were above fabulous and the presentation was always magnificent . Good luck and call us when your cook book is out !!

"Thank you for the weekend -your food is 6 star in my book".

Julia Sadler and Dorothy Dodds -Mississauga

Women's Wellness Sept. 16,17,18 -2005

Katie,Kathy,Barb,Donna, Joan, Dolores,Ivana,Melony and Charlene.......from St. Catharines,Huntsville,London, Acton, Sarnia,and Mississauga

Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank you ! I had a wonderful weekend and thoroughly enoyed your hospitality and warmth . It was a pleasure to meet you both, George and Gaye, and share in the history of your family roots in this little piece of heaven. Gaye your meals were delicious . It is so clear how much you put your heart and soul into ensuring your guests are comfortable.The women's wellness program was perfect from flowers to hiking to cruising .The reflexology and pedicure, with Heather and Terri Lynn, on Friday night were a perfect start to the weekend's relaxation.Keep the program going -we'll be back ! Thank you Charlene.

Thank you for the wonderful hospitality . You are such nice people ! Being in such a serene place makes me wonder why I live in the city ! And thank you for the amazing breakfasts . Girl- You can cook ! Ivana

Absolutely Wonderful in Everyway ! I've had the most enjoyable weekend with my girl friends , met new and wonderful people and had the most delicious breakfasts-brunches.Gaye you are a delightful cook. I can't wait to try some of the recipes myself . Thank you for all your hospitality . Melony

October 3, 2005
Our "wellness" weekend brought to memory the Buddhist philosophy of
"mindfulness" or attention to life moment by moment.
One wants to feel the effects of wellness instantly; aware of its
benefits moment by moment. We experienced that through the gentle foot
massage and pedicure; through gilded sights of nature's offerings
surrounding us; through the tantalizing tastes for our waiting palate as
well as the subtle sounds of the Muskoka backwoods. All of this woven
together with humour, joy and energy.
We did indeed feel well in ourselves and well in the company of each
other - doubly blessed.
Thanks for the dream fulfilled - not a moment lost or even delayed.

Sincerely, .........Donna Wolsey
London, Ontario

Gaye.... thank you for making our women's wellness weekend so pleasant and fun.
I think your motto should be "we keep em fed, busy, and laughing."

I enjoyed the reflexology, pedicure, nature walk, boat ride,tai chi and flower
arrangement...but most of all, I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious, well
presented meals and the gaity and laughter that came with it.

Thanks Gaye and George for a wonderful B&B experience. Joan

Thanks Gaye

I had a wonderful time this past weekend. Meeting an interesting group of women was really enjoyable.Going for a run back in St. Catharines did not compare visually, to running down your forested road.Your food was terrific and I’m only sorry I couldn’t stay longer on Sunday to enjoy the brunch and the tai chi and living wreaths. Thanks for the recipes!! Kate

You can't imagine what this weekend meant to us ...a cherished time with my daughter . Barb

Gaye and George , Third year back says it all ! September Women's Wellness 9th,10th,11th 2005

To say we enjoy your hospitality would be an understatement.Our third year back was just great and we enjoyed every minute.

Reflexology and Pedicure...spaaaahhh! Living wreaths with moss,berries, forest treasures & fresh flowers crafted on the dock with Heather West Deerhurst Designer were keepsakes of the weekend- a highlight!High Tea on the dock [actually we substituted beer] with Mel Malton's cousin Hortense "story telling" was another highlight.Star gazing at night on boat house top with the loons keening,filled our souls with peace and made us sleep like babies.George gave us our boat ride in picture perfect weather followed by Chef Pam Steel teaching us wicked desserts -decadent chocolate ganache, chocolate pot au creme and chocolate bars in flaky pastry.....hmmmmmm for the trip home !!!!!

Les Dames ...Norma, Winnie,Marlene,Alice and Ida

Women's Wellness Sept. 10-12 , 2004 Highlights

Nibbling appetizers dockside upon arrival and watching 2 pileated woodpeckers with Woody Woodpecker headgear was an exciting moment .....Listening to the loons wailing and haunting the lake with their eerie nightly cries was fascinating....Massaging feet and pampering with a pedicure was so relaxing before settling into slumber the first night {the stress of city life was left behind}....Tai Chi on boathouse top, reaching for the sunny skies was an energizer, after breakfast on The Perch gazebo ..experiences not to be missed! Rock clay planters filled with fresh cut flowers & forest embellishments was a creative exercise, successful for all and a souvenir of the weekend...Cruising Penlake with George,the resident historian and story teller was a relaxing and happy way to spend a gorgeous sunny September afternoon ..{plus the bursts of speed kept it exciting!} After a whole year of waiting to come back to our favourite Huntsville restaurant..RiverBend ...we were not disappointed! Sunday,Chef Pamela Steel, taught us all about flavour enhancers for spa cuisine and gave us the skinny on nutrition [after another very special breakfast on the perch, this time with silver grey background } and we learned about frothers that work best with low fat milk,10 minutes per inch for baking fish,rice paper wraps,lime leaves,soy products,layering your flavours deeply to get the most flavour and ...and ...and ...]

Too soon it all came to an end .......another memory bank deposit of Woodland Springs experiences

Norma, Marlene, Sheila, Alice and Winnie -Toronto- September, 2004

Hi Gaye
Just a quick note to say thank you again for the weekend. We will be walking
on clouds for days. It put a great topper on our summer. Our breakfasts
(all of them!!) were just what we were looking forward to since our last
visit and just as wonderful. Your hard word was really appreciated. I wish
I knew where you get your energy. The flower arrangements all arrived back
to Toronto safely and mine looks beautiful on my dining room buffet. I hope
we weren't too rowdy for you. Cheers and best regards-.Marlene

I'm not sure why we didn't wrtite in the guest book last visit in November 2003on our first visi

.I suspect we were too busy stuffing our faces with all the wonderful food.so here we are back again and what a treat again.

Thanks again for your gracious hospitality -.Norma

This was an exciting fun filled yet peaceful weekend away from the bustle of the city life.Great food,

.wonderful company and we learned alot about wellnessand using ourcreative talents.-Winnie

Women's Wellness Weekend June 13-15, 2003

I came dragging up to Woodland Springs ...a tired soul from the field of education and left feeling renewed, strengthened and balanced! First, so noticeable was George's gracious welcome [even though I arrived early] " Why come on in ...welcome to our family ".....to a "stranger". There was a gentle dog Muffy at my feet, an old piano to lull out a few tunes from childhood memories, cosy chairs, little lamps and pillows to cosy up near, and old books everywhere. I was drawn away from "My Agenda" of books, tapes and professional materials. AND IT WAS GOOD ...much more of a destressor than I had planned.

The breakfasts were an extension of a truly loving heart as Gaye spread a panorama of pretty things e.g. pansy pie decor and lovely food items fit for a queen. The textures, tastes,...Delicious, delicious, delicious things just kept coming. The talks over breakfast with a wise angel 'opened up' the day and feast even more.

George , as I trekked about the property, of rock hills, gardens, walkways , boathouse and forest paths the history of previous generations was present. I appreciated the man's touches of granite slab sidewalks, rock pier, water side gazebo not to mention the many trips into town to replenish the food supply for the cook's creations. I "lolligazed" in each chair basking in the sun and and listening to the lake. BUT Gaye you have a special magic and loving touch that makes Woodland Springs a haven and LOTS OF FUN. God Bless you both. Elvera

To sum up in a word "AWESOME" My stomach thanks Chef Gaye. My feet have never felt so good and I thank Terri Lynn for the pampered pedicure and Heather for the professional reflexology. I have laughed with the wellness group - gathering medicinal plants with Diane, relaxed with therapeutic touch with Shirley, stretched in Tai Chi fashion with Pat ...and listened and learned with Chef Pam Steel re Spa Cuisine. .......and I was led astray by Muff ! Thanks so much ..Vicki Owen
PS Keep in touch.We'll BE BACK !

All of the above. An exceptional experience. Thoroughly enjoyed all your guests. Thank you so much. Anne Lewis

This was the best weekend getaway. The food was the best and the hospitality amazing. My sisters, my mom and I just loved it and quite enjoyed Muffy as well.Thank you kindly! Jennifer Howard

Hi and Good-bye ....Well another blissful weekend comes to a close. I so enjoyed your cheerful long suffering approach to life and your insistence on beauty everywhere. Love to be pampered! The Wildflower Room is cosy and cool with a fine bed and lots of storage space and a view of the water to die for. Thank you Gaye, you are a great role model for this old gal.

WOMEN'S WELLNESS RETREAT highlights .....group sessions on top of the boathouse and hearthside can't be improved upon! Food was so good!!! The boatride around Penlake was a relaxing end to a great weekend. We've booked in for May 5th and Oct.19th next year. Same time, same place!!! Patti Wilson and group Toronto September 2002

Women's Wellness Weekend June 7.8,9th 2002 - Carving out time for ourselves.........

Dear Gaye - This is a follow up to our conversation during the boat ride. Hope you get a chuckle while reading it .Thank you once again for the marvellous wellness experience. I enjoyed the afterglow for several days last week. Joanne

Thank you both for your hospitality. We all had a fun very relaxing time. Your place is lovely! We will be back. Gaye- I will not have to eat for a week. Fabulous meals! George -Thanks for the boat ride filled with great stories! Cheers ...Pam
P.S .Nice to meet Barb and all the other folks. Shirley with Therapeutic Touch, Terri with Pedicure and Heather with Reflexology ......what a triumvirate for a welcoming Friday night experience together with wine and hor' doeuvres!!! We all felt totally spoiled floating from one station to the next! Each one bringing down our stress until it totally disappeared! Dianne Biggs has so much knowledge and experience to share re culinary and medicinal herbs. Showing us the plants for recognition and touch was a great way to familiarize ourselves with the friendly plants. Additions to soups and salads will liven up our meals. Dr Kate Dyck's no nonsense Down to Earth Nutrition talk gave us practical ways to improve the minerals and vitamins in our diets and a very creative recipe to cut back on the butter but still have true butter flavour. Exercise is just as much a part of good nutrition as food. Antioxidants are so important .....TAKE THEM REGULARLY!!! The best part was returning from the boat ride on a glorious sunny morning and testing out the new upper boathouse deck for a spontaneous display of Tai Chi ....a carry over from Saturday's session with instructor Pat . We'll be back next year for the women's wellness weekend ! Barb

What a wonderful place you have - a real treasure! I feel privileged to stay here with you all and some new friends I have met in a woman's wellness weekend. I have been fed so well. Thank you for that also. Hoping to see you again some time soon. Monique - May 2003

Your warmth and relaxed hosting made me feel right at home. I loved choosing my meals, the comfortable quarters and congenial guests made for a wonderful restorative weekend. I hope to return soon. Elizabeth -Oakville -May 2003




- your creamy rice apple custard pudding was like a warm hug in the morning!

-eggs in a nest is a structural masterpiece!

-nutty granola parfait is so delicious - I had this first thing both mornings

-the weather always co-operates here for my retreats - meeting on the boathouse in the sunshine for sessions was wonderful!

-reflexology and cranial sacral massage were sleep inducing after a long work week and Qi Gong energized us in the morning

-George's boat ride around the lake in the sunshine topped off the weekend nicely!

We'll be back in October 2003. Patti Wilson- Oakville May 2003