Kawartha Waterfront Realty

Never a summer missed in 65 years.  The cottage holds a lot of memories.  From walks to town for black balls and popsicles, gas for the motor, or worms for fishing, to endless hours swimming from our raft or overturned wooden rowboat.  As children my brother, sister and I spent two glorious months at the cottage every summer.  We never seemed to run out of things to fill our days.

It began with delayed plans for a family cottage interrupted by the war.  Eventually an addition was needed as the family grew.  Then shortly after, a Hilltop cottage, one of the very first post-war ‘pre-fab’ buildings was erected and then finally in the 70’s, a permanent retirement home was constructed.  The Guest cabin, which was once our childhood ‘club house’, was move from the very back of the property to its present location.  This evolution provided for comfortable accommodation for four generations of family all at the same time.

Our own five children followed in turn.  Motor boats, sailboats and all the resulting water sports were open to them along with regular trips to the ice cream store and the Kinmount Cinema.  As families mature and for one reason or another, move much further afield, the cottage has slowly moved to a new stage.  For most of the season, things now seem to remain peaceful and relaxed on the dock.  There is a laid back appreciation for the sun coming up, early morning coffees, watching the loons or maybe even the otters drift by the end of the dock.  If one feels the energy, maybe even an early paddle through the light mist as it clears the bay.  This seems to be the perfect time for reminiscences, especially as the sounds of younger families begin to drift your way.  The bay starts to come alive again with the sounds of others’ children beginning their new day…..splashing, laughter, quiet voices.  It leaves you feeling good.

For us the cottage has now become the catalyst that draws the family together for the once a year gathering – flying in from across the continent to holiday together.  The dock is full, the B.B.Q. never seems to be off, water activities start up, and campfires burn late into the evening – even a trip to the Kinmount show is planned.  Two grand-daughters are now experiencing the cottage life.  Five generations of the family have loved this cottage.  The cycle repeats over and over again.  So many memories shared.  The time has come to pass the torch to a new family.  I know traditions will change, but new memories will be once again cherished.

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