Goodbye Summer!

The Labor Day weekend was fast and furious. I flew back from California, landed about 6 pm, and drove straight up to the In-law's cottage about an hour north of Zelie. It is a cute little rustic house, built on stilts, situated above a lake in what used to be an old strip mine. The owner of the property decided to make some money about 15 years ago, and sold off lots and homes to people who wanted to get away from day-to-day life. The lake is not big, and is certainly not pristine; several years ago the family actually dubbed it "Sludge Lake," because of it's tendency to lose water and end up being more of a muddy swamp than an lake.

But it is a nice-get-a-way, and over the years we've spent many fun weekends just relaxing in the woods and being with family vs. the distractions of day-to-day life and its never ending schedule of events.

One of the fun things to do is walk around the lake. It is probably 25 acres or so when full, so there is enough to paddle a Kayak or canoe around. Bob the Builder" never make a complete path around the thing, which I think he missed the boat on, but he did eventually sell houses and lots around 3/4ths of the lake, with several rows, so it has developed it's own pathways that you can take cool evening walks around. The last quarter is a bit of a hike, but fairly doable, as long as you can walk and step gingerly through weeds and piles of rocks and furrowed earth.

Dogs absolutely love the place, and it is always a joy to set your Lab free, watching them jump and frolic and retrieve various objects, proudly emerging from a frothing wake, with their latest prize. Cooper had a blast and chased after his thrown stick over and over again, always ready for the next one. Of course he had to run right up to us and shake off after every soaking!

One of my favorite things is taking the kayak out on the water. The families bought several over the course of a couple of years, and there is at least one at camp at any given time, depending on how much planning is accomplished ahead of time. The lake is always calm and still, so it is an easy paddle around the "island," chasing the geese and fish before you.

In the evenings after the sun goes down you can sit on the enclosed porch and chat, or watch videos, a favorite pastime of both kids and adults alike.

Originally the cottage was two bedrooms, but Pat & Stew added on a master suite which provides just enough room to host both my family and Patti and April and all the dogs, which is a horde in themselves. So for a good family weekend, the place pretty much rocks and rolls with activity.

Great place to spend a long last weekend of summer!