The Almaguin Highlands, an extensive territory covering a 90 km corridor from Huntsville, north to Callander, west to Dunchurch and east to the Algonquin Park border, is a land rich with lakes, rivers and a lively history. Once considered as a possibility for a government Indian Reserve in the early 1800s, Almaguin became a centre for lumbering and ultimately a year-round mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

Almaguin: A Highland History offers a wide range of stories from the opening of the area by colonization roads to the first vessels on the Magnetawan River and the courage of the early pioneers. Included are community histories of the many towns, villages and ghost towns of today, profiles of colourful personalities, as well as interesting and amusing tales of these rugged early times.

Although a city girl, born in Toronto, as a child Astrid Taim spent most of her summers at the family's summer residence in the District of Parry Sound. The cabin was, and still is, located on Compass Lake in McMurrich Township (now McMurrish/Montieth Township). Those memorable summers spent with her parents were to leave a lasting impression. A first-generation Canadian, Astrid very quickly learned to appreciate the Almaguin Highlands, as the region reminded her parents, refugees from the Second World War, of their homeland, Estonia.

While attending university, she became involved with the grassroots conservation group, the Local Architectural Advisory Committee (LACAC), and soon became their historical researcher for the Town of Markham. At the same time, Astrid became a regular columnist with the weekly Markham Economist and Sun, writing about the history of the early settlers of Markham. After graduating from the University of Toronto's Victoria College, specializing in fine art and architecture, Astrid went on to spend a year at Toronto's Ontario College of Art (OCA), perfecting her printmaking skills.

Before joining the editorial staff at the Almaguin News in 1988, Astrid spent a number of years as a district correspondent with the North Bay Nugget. Today, she makes her home in Burk's Falls, where as well as writing, Astrid lends her support to environmental and humane causes.

Astrid Taim's profile page