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As soon as the temperature goes above zero, people start booking their summer vacations. Phone calls and emails all day...
No full dates yet, but don't wait too long! There are only 4 cabins, and 40 campsites. I don't double book, like some places do.
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Over the weekend I received email from yet another new booking portal. I see that they have displayed all of my property details (some incorrect, apparently now I have a cabin for 8!) with absolutely NO authorization from me. They even want me to work for them, providing new photos to their high resolution specifications. For this privilege of client revenue capture, I can pay them 18%. And they want your payment in full in advance of your arrival here.
This is ridiculous. It's the beginning of the end. The end of small business in the tourism sector. No small business can afford this kind of "service" AND our illustrious government. Hello Holiday Inn! I know of only one of those on waterfront, in Thunder Bay. They don't have any log cabins. No campfires, picnic tables. The only similarity between Holiday Inn and my place is that children stay for free. I hope they have a data breach... I have directed them to remove my details from their website. Convenience. All in the name of convenience for the consumer. Just remember folks, you get what you pay for. If I have to pay out 18% to a booking engine, don't expect the cabin to have a roof...gotta reduce expenses somewhere! For the first time in a long time, there were birds flitting about today. And singing! Little finches. I don't put a feeder out, because it mostly feeds squirrels and bluejays; the little guys are still left to their own devices.
It's a good sign. The cold weather is passing. I'll be happy to see some warmer temperatures. The cabin fever part of the program has definitely been longer than the last many years. As, I am sure, you all know. Not meaning to make anyone paranoid, but this was on my radar as well. Apparently now it is a reality
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/hackers-hijack-car-computers-and-take-the-wheel-1.1322678 Convenience has its hazards... For those who skim through...you might have missed this, so I am reposting.
My website is full of photos taken by myself, clients, and volunteers who have stayed here. There is ONE file photo on the entire site. If you can figure out which one it is, I'll give you a free 1/2 day canoe rental, value $15. Of course, there are a few people who know the answer to this, and they do not qualify for the prize. Based on availability. An accommodation booking must also be made. Are you game? Hardly a day goes by that we don't hear of another data breach. Walmart and Neiman Marcus having their customers credit cards hacked. Canadian Security forces spying on their own citizens in airports. Etc.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/personal-data-online-5-of-the-biggest-security-breaches-1.2514287 I expect soon we will hear that travel sites and other internet portals will have the same problems. Hackers are often way ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. Some companies have even admitted to allowing spying through their digital products (though not in a very loud voice). Meanwhile, we are all pushed to use more and more devices, because of the "convenience". Is it convenient to have to replace your credit cards, or rebuild your credit reputation because of data theft/breaches? With regard to this, I have continued to make sure that any data I receive is secure. I don't share it with anyone, unless required by law enforcement. The only requests to date have been for information due to compassionate searches for individuals. This occurs when someone is on vacation and the police are contacted to find them because there is a problem at home. I am not using booking engines for this reason, and also to keep the cost of business down. Did you know that booking platforms can charge up to 15% to capture your reservation? It may not be as convenient, but if you make direct contact with me to make your booking, I can assure you that your financial and personal datum are secure. As well, I can answer any questions you may have about the premises. Assumptions can ruin a vacation. Asking questions is always a smart move. As a proprietor, I have heard many stories about a website and the reality not matching. My website is full of photos taken by myself, clients, and volunteers who have stayed here. There is one file photo on the entire site. If you can figure out which one it is, I'll give you a free 1/2 day canoe rental, value $15. Of course, there are a few people who know the answer to this, and they do not qualify for the prize. Also, you must pick a time when all of the canoes have not been rented by other clients (the prize cannot displace a paid booking). To qualify for this prize, an accommodation booking must also be made. Are you game? No groundhog saw it's shadow here. They probably can't get out from under the snow...
This is such a strange 'weather forecasting' technique. How can you get spring earlier than equinox in this climate? It's 7 weeks to the first day of spring in an astronomical context. Whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, there is bound to be at least 6 weeks of winter. April snowstorms in Ontario are not uncommon. There might be a respite with a March thaw though. |
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February 2018
AuthorSince 1989, I have been known to many as The Red Dear. Most of the rest of humankind calls me Sandra. Categories
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