In the late 1930's, family on my Mom's side erected a simple cottage on a steep embankment overlooking the St. Lawrence river in Ontario Canada. Right in the middle of what is known as the Thousand Islands. Technically, there are 1,864 islands in all but who's counting. More here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_Islands
It was built for summer living only, so come mid October a weekend is spent getting it closed down for winter. But August is prime time there and Virginia and I took a week to head back to this place of memories from my childhood.
Things have changed. Then again, they haven't. Across a small bay from our cottage are two others along with several small bunk houses. All belong to cousins and these days there are so many more now than back then. After a week of visiting, I'm still having trouble with everyone's name!
But the commanding view from our elevated deck hasn't changed much. It allows a great look at the St. Lawrence as it flows past. You can still see the bridge that gets you across from NY State to Ontario Canada and a large observation tower on Hill Island. But then again, I noticed there is more noise. Power boats are more plentiful as are their loud engines. Lots of Jet Skis buzzing about.
Yet there are still grand sail boats that glide by. A favorite sight for sure as well as the bird wildlife: Great Blue Hereon, Osprey, Geese and very active Owls.
A surprising change is that the water is much cleaner now due to a somewhat evasive muscle species. They are everywhere and filter out all the algae. Also the water was really warm, so there was plenty of swimming.
We had a great week of sleeping later than normal, family dinners, catching up with relatives - both immediate and distant, sailing (thanks to Pete!), motor boating, swimming and canoeing. It was a great time, and this was a typical visit. A nice thing that's still the same as I remember.
The Harrington cottage from 1939.
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A bridge that eventually leads back to the USA.
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Be here by 5PM.
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Some quaint homes among the lush greenery.
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An art bike.
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Swimming happens in a moments notice, a luxury of river life.
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A neighbors place, with a green lawn and a flock of Canadian geese.
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If you don't like locally grown corn with dinner, then you're in trouble.
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Catching up with relatives.
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Canoeing happens at a moments notice. Another luxury of river life!
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I had not captained a sailboat in decades. Thanks to Pete, he got us going then let me take over.
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We had a reunion to celebrate my sister and new brother in law's wedding. Congrats Sue and Pete!!! Seen here are Dad and Pat.
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The most favorite place to sit at our cottage.
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Got motor?
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We biked along this bike path. Take a closer look at the icons on the sign. Clever.
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More quaint homes.
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A park along the river.
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Heavy rain today.
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Our front porch swing.
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No explanation needed.
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Lunch time at our place.
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Wind kicks up, skies getting dark.
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My nephew knows his way around his little outboard. My niece awaits her pick up.
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I loved catching up with my sister. She's the bomb. :)
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Steve and Gail.
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Quality porch time.
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Island living as viewed from high on the Canadian span of the bridge.
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Sue and Virginia just . . . hanging out.
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Virginia on the bridge. So much fresh water as far as you can see. How can we get some of this to the West?
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Our immediate family. We had a very fun week.
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The folks are retired now and they spend much of their time at the Thousand Islands. It feels great to have shared a slice of summer in a place they love so much and it's so wonderful to find the things that make it so revered are still there.