A quick summer get away

      

Wow!  In my search of pictures I came across one that I have always loved.  Don't get me wrong, I knew I had it, but with changing computers, etc., it got 'lost' on a disc.  The picture is of my son and nephew on one of the many boats at the 'quick summer get away.'  Can you say, row, row, row, your boat?  :)  

My brother in laws family owns a fishing cottage in Ogdensburg, NY (near The 1000 Islands).  His parents grew up there, and the cottage on the St. Lawrence River became their summer home.  His Mom passed away, and his dad is a little old to spend the summers there by himself, but we do go up there quite a bit as a get away.  In recent years he has joined us.  What memories that man must hold of this little treasure.  

The cottage is definitely a fishing camp that is nestled on the banks and shore line of the river.  The majority of the house is held afloat by beams and railroad ties.  Surely there is more to it, but far be it from this non mechanical mind to know the details. The backside barely sits on land and after a few yards it goes up hill to a spot of land that runs to the road.  We park on top and have to descend down about 64 stairs to the 'camp.'  On one side there is a slip and the other a small beach.  Very small beach!  Their is a wooden deck along side the slip that wraps around the front of the house and also holds a 'portable pier.'  The pier is portable so it come out during the rough winter season. The deck is huge and is able to hold grills, several picnic tables, chairs and more chairs and still have enough room for the kids to fish right there in front of us.  No fear of being snagged by a fishing hook.  Ok, so only a little fear, but the smaller kids don't even have hooks :)  Now that 'our' kids are older they are more often than not out on the boat fishing.  

The cottage has one little bedroom, and a very large room upstairs filled with pretty much just beds.  Downstairs is the kitchen, living area with a wood burning stove, a bathroom, and a screened in porch that leads to the deck.  There is electricity and appliances as well as running water.  You can't drink the water as it comes direct from the river.  There is a hot water tank and filter for showers etc.  So there are some comforts of home.   

A week or weekend at the cottage is so relaxing.  Early in the season it might get a bit cool at night and you can see the fog roll in off the river.  During the day the shag flies can be a bit much, but the boys love it as it is great fishing weather.  The only part they don't like in the early season is going in the water to hook up the water hose to the house.  Someone has to get in and under the house to hook things up and that water is COLD!  Summer it is wonderful!  The sunsets on the river are fabulous and full of such colors.  The reds, oranges, and yellows mixing together with clouds in a serene setting, as the picture shows.  That is more the common sunset then not.  The river lapping on the deck and shore makes for the soothing sound of restfulness.  Early morning you can find barges running up and down the river.  You don't hear them unless they blow their horns but their massive size is amazing to watch.  Cranes can be found along the shores dipping their heads into the water, surely looking for breakfast.  Yes, we are generally up early enough to witness as we cook breakfast on the deck as the boys get ready to head out for their morning 'fish.'  Maybe the smell of bacon & eggs bring the cranes closer, but they are usually there.  At night as you lay in bed you can hear the water rustle on shore, the light breeze blows through the trees at the top of the hill and you feel an ever so slight sway in the house.  Funny you don't notice it during the day but at night it lulls you to sleep.  Or would that be all the fresh air?  Either way it's not enough to 'move you,' and would never cause motion sickness, but if you sit real still and close your eyes you can feel it.  Maybe, just maybe, it isn't feeling it at all but the rest of the sounds making you think you feel it.   

In town there is a few things to do, but we never go with 'a plan,' other than hanging out, resting and enjoying each others company.  So we spend time fishing, swimming, eating, and drinking.  What better place then to do all of those things?  Many a rainy day we visited Ottawa CN that is one of the most beautiful and clean cities I've ever seen!  

Aaaah, summer on the river.  It can't be beat for a quick get away!  The last hurrah this season will be Labor Day weekend.  Time to close things up and prepare it for winter.  I personally won't be there then as I have other plans.  Sad thing, I didn't get up there at all this year :(  Gawd I missed out!