#286 - A Cottage Day

My sleep was contentious at best.

Not unusual for me when not sleeping in my own bed. I was very tired from the events of the day and the lateness of the night. I managed to stay in bed until about eight-thirty. Robyn had left earlier and gone done to the dock to read in the morning light.

I got out of bed and set about pumping up the tires on my scooter, which I hoped to tour the fourteen-acre cottage property at some point during my stay.

Just as I finished, my sister-in-law, Shannon came down the steps with my nephew in tow. They had a cart filled with things they would need for the beach. Just then my brother-in-law, John, pulled up the stone path in his car with my niece. They had gone out for breakfast and brought home a tea for Robyn and some extra sandwiches.

We all headed down the pathway, newly covered in fresh woodchip and made our way to the beach and then out to some red Muskoka chairs sitting on platform at the end of the dock. The sun was out and at a low angle. It was shaping up to be a lovely summer’s day. The kids jumped into the lake and played for a bit while we chatted and soaked in some rays for a couple of hours.

Then it was time for me to make some bacon, eggs and toast for everyone. The thick cut and crispy bacon strips were a big hit with the kids and the adults. After freshening up, we drove to the town of Parry Sound and explored some of the downtown. They had an amazing used bookstore that was incredibly large and stuffed to the gills with books of all kinds.

Next, we explored a small gallery with paintings rendered in vivid colours of the local scenery. The artist had a very nice colour sense.

The real reason for the trip was to get some Kawartha Lakes ice-cream from a lakeside spot. We ate a delicious treat while we watched a ferry depart to give tours of the area. As well as the ice cream the area had some quaint stores and restaurants with great outside eating areas.

I bought some nice espresso cups in a store my sister-in-law wanted to check out. She also bought two large pillows and a bowl shaped like a canoe to out their Nespresso pods in. It’s sure to be a hit with the people who rent their cottage.

We headed back to the cottage with a plan to take a dip in the river. I changed into my swimsuit, grabbed a portable sun umbrella and some sunscreen. The kids were happy just to jump off the dock for a while, until the idea of swing across the river to a kid’s park to over all their thoughts. Robyn floated out with a standing board with my nephew. My sister-in-law swam with my niece, and I stayed close by on another standing board in case anyone got too tired. The kids wore life jackets, so they weren’t in any danger.

We made it all the way to the other side and as soon as we arrived on the banks, the kids decided they didn’t want to play at the park anymore, so we headed back.

Now back at the dock, I set up my umbrella, opened a drink and kicked back in one of the Muskoka chairs. There was music playing softly on a portable Bluetooth speaker and a cool breeze blew across the dock. We spent hours just enjoying each others company and the antics of the kids.

Afterwards, Robyn went to take a nap and Jon and I went to trim a birch that had fallen across one of the paths. I’d brought up my new electric mini saw that made short work of it. The trail is now safer for any renters who visit in the future.

Then it was time for dinner.

My in-laws made some chicken souvlaki with pita bread, tzatziki and a nice salad. It tasted just like Mr. Greek. The kids left to draw with chalk on the deck while we cleaned up. Robyn left to watch the kids, and I grabbed a shower. I hate the feeling of sunscreen on my skin.

Feeling much refreshed, we said goodnight to the kids who were escorted to bed by their parents. They needed to sit with them until they fell asleep.

I went up to their sitting room and plonked down on an overstuffed leather chair to do a little writing while everyone was occupied.

Eventually, everyone came down to the sitting area. I helped myself to a bottle of 18yr old scotch I’d brought along and was even gracious enough to share. We chatted for an hour or two. We were all feeling exhausted from the day in the sun and the fresh air and water.

We descended to the basement master suite, which was lovely and cool. Robyn attempted to read, but I was all for closing my eyes and calling it a night. So that’s what I did.

Until tomorrow.