Chris' 2008 Cottage Shots!

[Chris]

Well, the big day is finally here, almost.

It's the night before we open up the cottage, after closing up and being away since late last November. When we left, it was already snowing and staying on the ground. Closing up is always a crap shoot as we try to go as long as we can and some years we close up a bit too early and some years we screw up and wait too long! :yell:

Last year we timed it pretty good. We closed up and then weather turned and winter arrived early.

The road into our place is a three season private road deal, so if you get snowed in, you're in trouble!

Opening weekend is always a mix of nerves and excitement as one never knows what to expect. One year opening up at my Grandparent's cottage, we arrived to find three big hemlocks had toppled and taken out the corner of the roof and the porch. So we ended up going back to the marina to buy a chain saw so we could cut our way in. Insurance covered the roof repair and a reshingling job as I recall.

I'm hoping this year won't hold any surprises, but one never knows.

I plan to post up pics throughout the year in the gallery and then link them into this thread, it should be a neat little retrospective at the end of the year. :)

[Chris]

Alright...

Saturday Morning, 8:30 A.M and we're ready to go!

The truck is packed, Yolanda seems pretty proud of the packing job. ::eyecrazy:

And Sheeba knows, IT'S COTTAGE TIME! :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/803)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/814)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/821)

[Chris]

We're almost there!

Time to open up the rod-iron gate. :D

Sheeba is supervising.

There's still quite a bit of snow around as well. Although the cottage road is in pretty good shape. :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/822)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/823)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-5A.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/828)

[Chris]

First stop is THE LAKE! :D

Man, the water is HIGH!

Our place looks like Chris E's place. :eyecrazy:

The water is up at least 4 feet. The dock I'm standing on, was pulled up on a beach last fall and was mostly on dry land. Now it's in the same place and floating in 3 feet plus of water. :yikes:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/824)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/825)

[Chris]

Here's a shot of the same retaining wall when the water level is normal and the second is what it looks like now.

This area is actually a beach, but right now it's hard to tell. :yikes:

When we left today, the water had actually risen one more railway tie on the retaining wall.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/507/thumbs/2001-Beach.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/829)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-8.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/826)

From another perspective...

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/825)

[Chris]

The ice when we arrived was still pretty solid, with the exception of around the shore. Don't know if I'd be up for a walk on it though. :yell: :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-9.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/827)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-11.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/805)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-10.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/804)

[Chris]

After surveying the beach area, it was time to check out the area where are big dock usually resides, when we have water and not ice. :brickwall:

Sheeba was up for a drink, but I don't think wading or swimming was on the agenda. :p

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-13.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/807)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-14.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/808)

[Chris]

Here's another few pics that give some perspective, to just how high the water is.

This is the same ramp last fall when I winched it up.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/close4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/294)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/close5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/295)

And now. :eyecrazy:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-12.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/806)

[Chris]

After checking to make sure everything was in order and unpacking, we headed to town to do a bit of grocery shopping.

We also headed down to see the damn area, which is downstream from our lake.

The water was almost within a foot or so of the top of the damn. Any higher and it might have just overflowed the banks.

Here are a couple of shots of the water coursing down.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-19.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/813)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-20.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/815)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-21.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/816)

This is the outlet side.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-22.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/817)

[Chris]

We also took a trip through our local hamlet.

Here is one of the little marinas which is feeling the effects of the water.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-25.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/820)

This area is a little park area for tourists. Check out the basketball net. Water B-Ball anyone? :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-15.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/809)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-17.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/811)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-16.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/810)

[Chris E]

yup - a little more water than usual, and it's still rising on lake muskoka - yikes - haven't seen it like this since 1985

[Chris]

yup - a little more water than usual, and it's still rising on lake muskoka - yikes - haven't seen it like this since 1985The water rose about one half the height of a 6x6 over the two days we were there.

Pretty crazy! :yikes:

[Chris]

Here's a few shots from Sunday.

One of my spring rituals is replacing the our flag with a new one. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-42.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/848)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-40.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/846)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-35.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/841)

[Chris]

By the time we left on Sunday the ice on the Lake was getting pretty slushy. :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-29.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/835)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-30.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/836)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-33.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/839)

[Chris]

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-27.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/833)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-26.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/832)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/2008-Cottage-31.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/837)

[Chris]

Ice is out! :thumb:

Time for a boat ride. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-37.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/889)

Sheeba is ready! Now she just needs a boat! :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-48.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/901)

[Chris]

One boat, comin' up! :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-46.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/899)

Gotta mix a little gas first. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-45.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/898)

Got the motah!


http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-40.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/893)

Sheeba says, how long is this going to take? :irked: :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-43.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/896)

[Chris]

Not long! We're making progress, and all is good in Sheeba's world again. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-39.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/891)

Almost ready...

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-36.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/888)

Sheeba says....can we get a 4 stroke please? :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-31.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/883)

[Chris]

Lots of smells out here! :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-13.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/863)

Anyone home?

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-20.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/871)

Sheeba says, thanks for the boat ride! :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/April26-08-8.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/910)

[Chris]

We weren't up last weekend. :(

But we are up this weekend! :)

Here's a few pics from today.

The weather is nice and sunny, but it's a little on the cool side. The black flies are starting to come out, so it's good there was a bit of a breeze.

The water level is also down substanially. It's not back to it's normal level, but it's close. :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/MAY-10-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/924)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/MAY-10-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/925)

[Chris]

A few more...

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/MAY-10-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/926)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/MAY-10-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/927)

[RNC]

Cool pics Chris it looks like you have a nice place for summer fun. Your waiting for the ice to melt and, I am waiting for the water to warm up a hair more so I can jump in.

[Chris]

J,

The ice has been out for a bit now. ;)

The water level actually was almost back to normal last weekend. Right now we're just booting around in our little punt with the 25. It's still lots of fun though. To me, if it floats, it's good.

I'll try to post up some more pics next weekend. :)

[Chris]

It rained most of the day. So we went to Canadian tire and picked up a few things. Then I did a little work on the boards. Later in the day the rain stopped and we had a little BBQ.

Here's a few pics from the end of the day...

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/long1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/934)

Sheeba was happy it stopped raining! Time for a run - catch me if you can. The camera barely could. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/long3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/936)

[Chris]

Looking out across the lake to the north.

The sun is getting ready to set.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/long4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/937)

Looking out to the sunset in the west. :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/long5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/938)

[Chris]

Last couple 'til tomorrow. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/long6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/939)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/long2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/935)

[JW]

Chris, one of these years the wife and I will have to get passports and visit you at the lake cottage!! I'm about 6 1/2 hours from Thornhill. Where's the cottage?

[Chris]

Chris, one of these years the wife and I will have to get passports and visit you at the lake cottage!! I'm about 6 1/2 hours from Thornhill. Where's the cottage?We're about 2 1/2 to 3 hours north of Toronto. Thornhill is basically right above Toronto on the north side. Thornhill used to be a little town on to itself at one time, but Toronto has continued to sprawl so Thornhill is a little area within the city at this point.

My Grandparents starting cottaging on our lake back in the early 1950's. They bought a piece raw water-access land and camped on it for about 15 years before they built a cottage. So I cottaged with them up until the mid to late 80's when they sold. I bought a back lot in 1989 and starting building a house in the sticks. Then in the late 90's I sold the house and bought some acreage on the lake that was near my Grandparent's old cottage. The property I bought, belonged to cottage friends that I used to hang with. They sold the property off which had a nice older cottage and guest cabin back in the mid 80's. The subsequent owners let the cottage and guest cabin get pretty run down and one of the owners tore the main cottage down back in the mid 90's.

So when we bought the cottage, it was more or less raw land with the guest cabin which was in a more or less condemned state. So we've more or less fixed up the guest cabin and we stay in that. We've got big dreams of rebuilding a main cottage at some point down the road, but we haven't rounded up the funds as of yet.

So we more or less have our little antiquated cabin on a beautiful lot, with a woodstove, no running water and very basic hydro service.

So when I build the monster cottage, you'll get your invitation!

Until then though, I doubt your wife would have much fun. :p

[JCRAFT]

It's nice to see a personal side of you Chris, Your cottage has a beutifull view and thats all that really matters. A small cottage is still better than a tent.
When I get up to my Dad's cottage on the St.Laurance I'll snap some fresh pics. He has a private island on the Canadian channel almost under the 1000 Island bridge.

[Chris]

It's nice to see a personal side of you Chris, Your cottage has a beutifull view and thats all that really matters. A small cottage is still better than a tent.
When I get up to my Dad's cottage on the St.Laurance I'll snap some fresh pics. He has a private island on the Canadian channel almost under the 1000 Island bridge.Love to see your pics!

And yeah, you're right. My camping days are behind me, I tell you that. And don't get me wrong, we love our place and we feel blessed to have it. I dreamed of owning the land most of my life. So to get it in the end was a dream come true. We'd just like to have a bit better cottage so we could share our cottaging passion and the cottage experience with our friends a bit more.

Dat's all :)

-Chris

[yolanda]

Even more exiting than opening up the cottage...is the first long weekend.

Man, what a horribly cold and damp long weekend! I don't know about anyone else, but I want a refund on that weekend and would like to be able to use my long weekend card on the next weekend that has decent weather.

Was it as bad for everyone else or did you at least get a day or two that was bareable?

[yolanda]

Great pictures...makes me want to be up north even it is still cold and rainy.

[Chris]

Here are a few pictures from this weekend.

It was seriously buggy this weekend! Lots of mosquitos so I had a bug cover my head a lot of the weekend especially on Sunday.

The big project for the weekend was putting the docks in.

Here are a few pics...

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/946)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/947)

[Chris]

Attaching the ramp is always fun. :eyes:

The hip-waders make life a little easier.

I use a winch mounted on a poll to winch up the ramp to the right height. ;)

Sheeba loves standing on the end of the dock and barking at boats, so she's supervising and making sure everything is done to spec. :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/949)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/950)

[Chris]

All done!

Sheeba is back in action for another season! :devil: :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/951)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/948)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/952)

[Chris]

I'm finishing up the day burning up some brush that has falling over the winter.

A nice way to finish off a beautful day. Even if it was a big "buggy". :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/fire1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/954)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/dock8.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/953)

[Chris]

Living up in Canada, our long weekend was actually last week versus this past weekend like the U.S.

On our long weekend, it poured rain for two out of the three days and the third day was cold!

Anyhoo, here are a few shots from boat ride we took on Sunday when the weather was really nice. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/961)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride8.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/962)

[Chris]

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/959)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/960)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/958)

[Chris]

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/957)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/956)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/ride1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/955)

[Chris]

Well we haven't taken pics this weekend as the bugs are INSANE!

Not to mention it's been raining most of the weekend as well.

Man, the bugs are bad. To cut the grass I had to put on my "bug suit". Same deal with cooking dinner on the BBQ, bug suit time. :yell:

[Chris E]

i told my sister to stay at home - no point in being around the bugs - my house is bad for bugs right now and i live in a subdivision - hopefully the warm weather will kill the blackflies

[Chris]

Chris,

What I've found this year, is there aren't very many dragon flys, almost none actually. And usually they come out around the same time as the bugs and they clear a lot of them up.

[Chris]

Well I've been a little tardy in updating my 2008 cottage thread. I've actually been taking a few pictures, although up until recently it's been tough to take many pics due to the weather.

According to the old weather man it's been the rainiest summer on record.

But I do have some, so I'll start putting some of the pics up.

Here's a few from July 13, 2008. It was quite windy on this day. During the week, we actually had our sailboat break loose from it's mooring. Same deal with the swim ramp a few days later. Yolie went diving and managed to find one anchor in about 6-7 feet of water but the other we lost. So we had to make another one.

Anyhoo, here are a few pics from July 13...

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1226)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1228)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1227)

[Chris]

Here is the "Latin Lover" putting on the gear to attempt to go find the anchors.

She had no luck on this day as the water was way too murky, with the wind stirring everything up.

Hell of a look though eh? And if she mis-behaves any time soon, I'll post the better ones I've got! :p :bigthumb: :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1230)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1229)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1231)

[Chris]

Here's a few more from the same day.

I also caught a few of a boat out for a ride. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1232)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-9.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1235)

[Chris]

A few more....

I don't remember what kind it was....I think it might have been a Chapparal.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1233)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July13-08-8.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1234)

[Chris]

Here's a few from July 14, 2008.

These are pictures of some of the flowers that sprung up in Yolie's rock garden. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July14-08-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1240)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July14-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1241)

[Chris]

Last few of the garden and one of Sheeba enjoying the summer air. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July14-08-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1243)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July14-08-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1244)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/July14-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1242)

[Chris]

Here's a few pics from August 16 - and also the evidence to why I haven't taken many pics and updated this thread on a regular basis.

It's been RAINING all summer!

Take a look at the water level. My little dock which is normally about a foot out of the water is submerged. At one point, I had rocks on it weighting it down so it wouldn't float away. :yell: :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/Aug16-08-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1257)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/Aug16-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1258)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/Aug16-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1259)

[Chris]

Our friend the frog that hangs out on the beach is enjoying the wet weather. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/Aug16-08-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1260)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/Aug16-08-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1261)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/Aug16-08-6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1262)

[Chris]

Here's a few from September 6, 2008. :)

This is of the sunset through the overcast of the horizon.

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/September-6-08-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1266)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/September-6-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1267)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/September-6-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1268)

[Chris E]

very depressing at our end of the lake - pulled the ladder, put the kayak away, and cleaned up the rest of the dock - the season is slowly coming to an end - man i hate this time of year.

[Chris]

very depressing at our end of the lake - pulled the ladder, put the kayak away, and cleaned up the rest of the dock - the season is slowly coming to an end - man i hate this time of year.Yeah, I hear ya. It seems like just yesterday that I was posting the shots of us packing the truck to head up and open up.

Now we're also starting the slow process of putting everything away. We've got another eight weeks or so and it'll all be over for another year.

Oh well, there's always next year! And hopefully next year the weather will be a bit nicer and less rainy. :)

-Chris

[Chris]

Here's a few from today. The leaves are really starting to turn and Autumn is definitely in the air. It's hard to believe the season is almost over for another year. :yikes: :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1300)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1301)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-08.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1302)

[Chris]

A few more. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-08-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1303)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-08-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1304)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-08-6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1305)

[Chris]

Here's a few of the walkway I've been working on for years. Every once in a while I add another step. I've done two or three this year. In these shots I'm digging out the hill, it's hard to tell in the pictures, but most of the hill is blue clay which isn't all that one to dig out. Hence why I just putz away at the walkway. ;)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-088.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1309)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-087.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1308)

And here's a pic of a bunch of leaves that piled up out back. :yikes: :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/sept28-089.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1310)

[yolanda]

The thing I hate the most about cottaging is that it always has to end.....cold....putting away the toys.....the boats....the summer gear....the docks.

It is like going to a great party that you wish would never end!!!

[Chris]

Here's a few from today. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1338)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1337)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-1.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1336)

[JW]

Going to be 80 degrees here in SW Michigan today! Good thing I still have one last boat in, the hillbilly pontoon! AHHHHhhhhhhhhh................the sun feels soooo gooooood.....................:cheers:

[Chris]

Hey JW,

It was in the mid 70's up here on Sunday as well. This weekend is our Canadian Thanksgiving, so it's a three day weekend for us.

Here are a few more pics.... :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1339)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1340)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1341)

[Chris]

Here's a few from the "old cottage road". :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-51.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1342)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1343)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October11-08-7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1344)

[Chris]

Here are some pictures from the October 18th weekend.

We went for a boat ride and then took out our big floating dock.

Sheeba is enjoying the boat ride. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1362)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1360)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-3.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1361)

[Chris]

Here's a few more. :)

Most of the leaves are gone now, so you know it's just about the end of the season. :(

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-4.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1363)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-5.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1364)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-6.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1365)

[Chris]

Last few - Sheeba is enjoying her ride and smellin' the smells. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-7.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1366)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-8.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1367)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-9.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1368)

[Chris]

One more for the road. :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/October18-08-10.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1369)

Now it's time to take out the big floating dock out. Sheeba says "say it aint so"! :yell: :)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/october18-08-11.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1370)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/october18-08-12.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1371)

[Chris]

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/october18-08-13.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1372)

Time to winch up the ramp using my highly engineered pulley system. :D

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/october18-08-14.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1373)

Here I'm putting on an additional cable, just in case. :thumb:

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/october18-08-15.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1374)

[Chris]

I've been a little delinquent in updating my 2008 cottage thread. So I figured it was time to close out my thread for the year. We closed up the cottage in mid November and we were chased on by a snow-storm. So we had to rush to pack up everything and call it another year.

Closing up the cottage is always a sad emotional kinda thing - for me at least. I always think back to all the things we did during the year. I also think back to years past and the good times we've had and the people that are no longer with us.

But thankfully, another season is only 3 or 4 months off, so God willing we'll do it all over again. :)

Anyhoo, here's a few pictures of the day we left and if you look, you'll see a bunch of big wet snow falling. The pictures don't actually do this day justice, it poured almost all day and then it started cooling off later. So everything started to freeze up and then it started to snow like mad. On the way home it was almost blizzard like conditions with a number of people spun off the road and into ditches. Anyhoo, here's the last couple of pictures for this year and come March or April, we'll hopefully get a chance to do it all over again. :)

-Chris

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/closing-weekend2.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1446)

http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/data/530/thumbs/closing-weekend.jpg (http://forums.endlessboating.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1445)

[kando]

Great shots Chris, the area looks pretty similar to that around Lake Simcoe, tell me, are there any fish in that lake? There are nothing but Pike, Cat-Fish and large yabbies (fresh water Cray Fish) in Simcoe but the yabbies can not be eaten.

Good job mate,

Bill from Aus'...kando

[Chris]

Hi kando,

We've got Northern Pike, Walleye Pickerel, Small Mouth Bass and a bunch of pan fish like perch, rock bass, catfish etc.

-Chris