EDITORIAL: Cottage fun in Northern Ontario

August 1, 2013 · 0 Comments

My family and I were fortunate to receive an invitation to a family cottage this past weekend on Lake Manitouwabing, just outside of Perry Sound.

Although the weather was not cooperative (windy, chilly temperatures) nothing beats being outside with your family, especially in scenic Northern Ontario.

We enjoyed all sorts of activities, including seadooing, boating, swimming, campfires and just being together.

This was the first trip I have taken with my new husband and our blended family. As expected, there were a few bumps along the way – kids getting bored on the ride there, and the traffic back, forgetting a few items like the all important Reactine, getting dumped off the seadoo and ending up 20 feet down in dark water – and losing my expensive sunglasses! – but for the most part it was a terrific weekend.

The traffic on Hwy. 400 was up to its usual tactics – slowing through the Barrie corridor – but even that didn’t take away from the joy of getting out of town. In fact I was prepared with new magazines, a fresh coffee and snacks for our road trip up north.

Arriving at the cottage is always fun too. The kids hoping out as fast as possible to change into swim suits, the fight over the bathroom, and the warm greeting from family. And certainly there’s a drink on the dock soon after.

Friday’s weather was the best of the whole weekend, which gave me the pictures I was looking for. Happy to always be behind the lens, and not in front of it, I captured several moments which will no doubt become fond family memories for years to come.

Perhaps better than the weather, and more consistent, was the food. We overinduldged on filet mignon, fresh fruits and veggies, stuffed chicken breasts and tons more. Let’s just say I didn’t weigh in on Monday morning!

After the kids were tucked in at night, the adults would gather around the kitchen table and play cards. Euchre, Rummy 500 and so on. A fabulous way to end a day of activity on, and near, the water.

For the most part, the kids (and the adults) got along. A few minor scuffles were quickly resolved by the promise of no desert after dinner (which worked for the adults too). In large families, squabbling is normal, but when you get 11 people together under one roof for the weekend, the threat of misbehaviour hangs over everyones head. Thankfully the fresh air and physical activity pooped everyone out – taking the risk of fighting out of the equation.

Overall, it felt like we were there forever. Heading home on Sunday night was a drag. Returning to reality Monday morning also proved a difficult task, as my brain was still running on cottage time – which doesn’t exist.

I look forward to our next family trip, perhaps to a cottage that we’ve rented for ourselves next summer. The trip would certainly be the highlight of our summer and the stuff of dreams over the coming winter months.

By Wendy Soloduik