Over 40 years ago, my Grandma and Poppa bought a little piece of lake front property on the northern Bruce Peninsula, approximately three hours north west of Toronto. With their three girls in tow, over the next few years they built what is now the family cottage. Four decades later, the family cottage tradition is still going strong, with numerous family members, friends, and even pets, visiting each summer.
This past weekend, we added one more to the list of cottage visitors, little miss Morley. Or, as we figured out, the 5th generation cottager.
This past weekend, we added one more to the list of cottage visitors, little miss Morley. Or, as we figured out, the 5th generation cottager.
My parents first took me to the cottage when I was less than a month old. And while I can't recall that exact visit, I do have fond memories from the 30 years that followed - spending time with my cousins, nature hikes and scavenger hunts, catching crayfish, swimming in the lake no matter how cold it was, scuba diving, and now, introducing my daughter to one of my favourite places on Earth.
Here is how Morley spent her first weekend at the cottage.
Each trip to the cottage usually involves a drive into Tobermory, a tiny harbour community at the northernmost tip of the Peninsula. Since the weather wasn't exactly in our favour on Friday, it seemed like the perfect day to make the 20ish minute drive. What was once a hidden gem, is now a popular tourist attraction, drawing people from all over Ontario and the bordering US. We took our normal tour around the harbour, checking out what was new since we were up last, and stopped to sample the beers at the Tobermory Brewing Company.
Saturday the weather was perfect, so we hopped in the kayaks and went for a little tour. With the water level being at its highest in years, we were able to venture a little further into the marshier areas of the lake perimeter to check out the new cottages that have popped up in recent years.
A dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake was also warranted, but it didn't last too long. Seems as if I'm becoming a bit of a wuss as I get older.
A dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake was also warranted, but it didn't last too long. Seems as if I'm becoming a bit of a wuss as I get older.
Morley loves the water and was drawn to the waves hitting the rocky shore. While it was still a little chilly for her bathing suit, she was happy to hang out with her Poppa and dip her toes in Lake Huron for the very first time. I foresee many hours spent in the water on future cottage visits.
For little miss Morley, it was a successful first trip up. So much so that she didn't want the days to end. Either did mom and dad. Even if it meant pushing bedtime later and later each night. Why is it that time always flies so fast when you're enjoying yourself?
If the cottage walls could talk they would tell you about the holiday celebrations they've been a part of, new friends they've met and even the happy, and sad, moments they've witnessed. This weekend we added another milestone to the cottage history.
And while my Poppa is no longer with us, I know he is the ray of sun shining down on us, smiling at what he created.
I can't wait to make more memories at the cottage with our daughter.
Do you have a family cottage?
Where is your favourite summer vacation spot?
