Two weeks have passed since my last post, and while I'm (somewhat) able to pat myself on the back for not waiting until I have a gazillion photos to share, I admit to having far more than I initially had in mind. Not that that's a bad thing. It means we've enjoyed every moment of the past fourteen days, beginning with a Saturday jaunt to Manitoulin Island.
Little Current marina
Our first stop after crossing the swing bridge that connects the mainland to Manitoulin Island was the town of Little Current.
On our route to the town's farmers market, we stopped at this park and admired a flock of Canadian geese.
Then, I noticed two sandhill cranes on the outskirts of the group.
Next stop - the farmers market situated by the marina.
We stopped at a number of booths (situated on both sides of the road) and purchased some fresh veg, mushrooms, a few baked goods and then John spotted the Split Rail Brewing Company (natural craft beer) booth. Their Hawberry Ale is a taste sensation and we'll definitely stock up on our next trip to the island.
We opted for something new, at least it is to us, and have to agree that honey and cacao are an amazing combo.
Gore Bay just happened to be having a sidewalk sale that day. Never mind that the rain was torrential, lots of folks were out and about. Our main reason for visiting was the New Grain Artisan Bakery and Kitchen. Our two loaves of classic sourdough bread were well worth the trip and we'll definitely return for more.
By this time it was well past noon and a takeout order of whitefish from the Lake Huron Fish and Chips in Providence Bay was not only a wise decision, but a delicious one as well.
We parked by the beach as it was still raining, but some folks were out regardless, enjoying the sand and surf.
While we were in a cute shop in Gore Bay John spotted these stars and thought they'd be a welcome addition to our poor old battered shed.
He also combined the farm fresh produce and eggs from Three Forks Farm to make this quiche. Yum!
My second boat trip of the season was a cruise on Depot Lake. It was a perfect evening to soak in the peace and serenity, as well as chat with some fishermen both on the dock and those returning from their outing. One man and his son explained although they live in Quebec City they love visiting Elliot Lake each summer. Meanwhile, our thoughts wandered to that magnificent city we hope to return to one day.
Sadly, we passed by this island that had suffered a fire within the past couple of years. The good news is there was already some new growth and signs of healing.
Depot Lake is really a series of four connected lakes and there are a few cottages on Grandeur Lake.
Navigating the four lakes was especially glorious as we headed back to the boat launch. The sun inched its way toward the horizon and even with the hazy skies (a result of the fires burning in northwestern Ontario) it was spectacular.
The following day we headed to Beharriell Park for a picnic lunch rendezvous with Mark and Alan.
Crossing the bridge to Dean Lake
Rest assured John spotted the two kayakers (see below) from the comfort of our picnic table. I imagine it was all he could do to restrain himself from not joining them (even if his kayak was in Elliot Lake)!
L to R: Mark, Dianne, John, Alan
Interestingly enough, we came across a storybook character while on the beach. Although he didn't share his name we had a good idea who he was.
When the humidity rose way beyond what is comfortable this past Monday afternoon we opted to venture back to Mississagi Park and are ever so glad we did. Not only was it cooler by the lake, but John was excited to go kayaking while I enjoyed the serenity of the beach.
Two mergansers joined me for awhile and I was delighted to listen to them quack and watch as they swam past.
Yesterday (August 11) was the first anniversary of my cancer diagnosis and I choose to celebrate it with good friends, lots of laughs, delicious food and even a glass of bubbly. My thanks and love to John, Mark and Alan for making it such a special, memorable occasion.
The guys are house and petsitting this week and as the weather forecast called for thunder in the afternoon they'd advised us they may have to leave if the skies began to crackle. The elderly dog, Gus-Gus, may be a big guy, but he is terrified of thunder. Thankfully, the skies held and we had a lovely couple of uninterrupted hours together. Just as they were leaving, however, it began to rain. And then it poured. Horizontally. With a fierceness John and I have never experienced in our twenty years in town.
Then, the power went out while we were playing a game of Scrabble on John's iPad. Undeterred, we decided to continue the game old school. We quickly realized how easy our lives are these days thanks to technology. Imagine having to pick your own letters out of the bag, check in the dictionary as to whether your word is allowed or not, and adding up your score in your HEAD as well as using a pen and piece of paper to keep tally as well. Wow, talk about true and utter hardship!
All joking aside, we fared the storm far better than some folks in town. Around 8 PM the hydro was still out so we decided to go for a drive north of town. Along the way we stopped to admire the clouds dispersed amongst the hills on Horne Lake.
Continuing on we caught a glimpse of the damage left by the storm. This uprooted tree fell onto the Horne Lake walking trail.
Our destination, however, was the Dunlop Lake boat launch to watch the beautiful setting sun.
On our way back home John suggested we check out Cinder Lake. The dirt road was a bit of a washboard with deep, wide puddles, but the van managed nicely and we were rewarded with a gorgeous double rainbow.
John pointed out the waterfalls at the far end of the lake and the massive amount of water rushing over the rocks.
As we reached the outskirts of Elliot Lake we began to realize the storm had caused far more damage than we thought. Fallen trees were everywhere.
Spruce Beach took quite a hit, probably because the wind would have whipped across the lake and onto the shore. Not only were trees and branches snapped and/or uprooted, the blue plastic sidewalks were tossed about the sand and curled up like jellyrolls, while the beach sign was ripped from its stand and tossed about 150 feet.
Meanwhile, a few of the homes that back onto the beach also suffered some damage. This tree landed on the roof of a home.
This homeowner was luckier.
Despite the recent damage from yesterday's storm it's been an idyllic couple of weeks for John and I. This summer has been, however, truly unpredictable weather-wise. Usually by mid-August the lawns are brown, the earth cracked, desert dry and craving moisture. This year everything is lush, green and jungle-like.
That said, if the hundred plus forest fires currently burning in northwestern Ontario will soon be extinguished, all of this rain is a blessing.
Until next time, stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy each moment.
