The Lake
At the End of the Day
by Garry on Sep.08, 2009, under Life, Nature, The Lake
Lake of the Woods Island Mystery
by garry.c.stewart on Aug.01, 2009, under The Lake
The other day we were explaining to some friends about some cottage lots on Lake of the Woods where electricity had recently been run from our point across to Hay Island (1.5km away). This lead to wondering how much these lots were selling for (a lot!), followed by some Google Map activity where we noticed this white square with a dark shape in it.
Well, this just had to be investigated. So, this morning Eric, Len & I boated over and hiked around and discovered this concrete structure with a stainless steel venting tube. It’s in the center of this part of the island between the east and west shores. There is virtually a road cleared up to where it’s located and the “road” carries on south up the middle of the island for quite some distance. We didn’t walk to the end, so we’re not sure just how long it is.
There is another stainless steel tube close to the east shore in an area that was obviously excavated, close to where we landed the boat . But this tube has no visible concrete base. From this shore location it looks like there is a buried cable/conduit/??? in a trench that has been covered over with rock that leads up to the concrete pad. There are no signs, identifying marks or and indication as to it’s function or purpose. It seems like there is a humming coming from what ever is on the other end of the pipe, but that could just be some sort of echo or resonance effect from the pipe itself or …
Any ideas on what this is all about? Then please post a comment.
Days gone by
by garry.c.stewart on Dec.20, 2008, under Family, Life, The Lake
Here is a picture that brings back some memories.
It’s at the lake with the whole family, at least the whole family as back on August 5, 1993, things have changed over the years. My dad is taking the picture and my mom is on the left at the back. Gail & Gord with Ian and Craig and Shirley and I with Eric And Scott around the table. To me this picture symbolizes what the lake was all about for my parents, especially my dad. A place where the family could gather all together and share in the lake experience. I remember working with him as we built the cottage from plans that were slightly more that the back of a napkin, actually two fairly simple drawings. The design goal was always about having enough space so that everyone could be there at the same time.
Today, it’s rare that everyone is there at the same time. Distance, scheules, relationships and life seems a little more complicated than back in the day. Perhaps I was just more oblivious back them. Today, As I sit in the livingroom looking out at the snow and Christmas is approaching I can feel a whistful longing for the lake and the way things were. But, life moves forward, things change, and I need to adapt to the new realities. The lake will alway hold a very special place in my heart for the memories that were forged in that place with loved ones in my life. Change can never take that away.
Speed Trip
by garry.c.stewart on Nov.08, 2008, under The Lake, Travel
Friday night we picked up a U Haul trailer and loaded up a king size bed and some other stuff for a quick delivery trip to the lake. Strangely, the U-Haul folks we not to willing to rent the trailer for two days, so we compressed the trip down to 24 hours of extreme trailering.
By the time we were ready to go it was 8pm. After picking up some dinner at A&W where their lightning fast service didn’t exactly help us get underway any faster. The drive down was a little sketchy from time to time as it was snowing and the temperature was around -1° so there was some snow in the passing lane and a little ice from time to time. It had to be a little bad because we came up behind several different semi-trailers that were doing 60kph. Oh yeah, and then there was the big buck that crossed the highway right in front of us. No biggie, he made it and so did we.
After arriving we lit a fire in the fireplace and huddled under a blanket while watching a couple of episodes of House. The next morning it was quite white outside. Winter has arrived and only a few short days ago it was much warmer.
Towing the trailer really put a hit on the gas mileage but on the way home we tanked up a .884/l the lowest price in many many months.
After breakfast we unloaded the new king size bed and loaded up two ancient singles destined for the dump later in the day. Then we quickly tidied up the cottage, antifreeze the plumbing and hit the road again as we needed to get the trailer back by 6pm. After a quick stop for gas in Falcon and again at Prawda (did I mention pulling the trailer is hard on gas?) we’re back in Winnipeg picking up some stuff from the house for a trip to the dump. After the dump, Windsor Plywood to pick up some 14′ baseboards, bending them to fit in the trailer. That’s right after 8 years, we’re getting baseboards. Drop the baseboards off at home, drop some stuff off at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and drop the trailer back at U-Haul. Phey, having the trailer off the truck is quite a relief. Then back home for a quiet night. That’s enought driving for one day.
Project of the Day
by garry.c.stewart on Jul.25, 2008, under Kayaking, The Lake
I’ve been thinking about how to store the kayaks without having them on the dock for some time now. The original idea was to have two “J” shaped brackets with webbing strung between to cradle the kayak, but I was worried about the stability of the top “J” being only supported by the vertical outside post, which in turn is supported by a 2×4 bolted to the bottom of the dock. The weigh shouldn’t be a problem as I can stand on either support arm and each kayak is approximately 50lbs, so with both on the rack each end only needs to carry that weigh.
After staring at the problem for several days, I came up with this idea. The top cradle is hinged so after the top boat is removed the cradle can be flipped back to gain full access to the lower boat. This method allows for better support on the dock-side uprights and improved stability.
It was a wonderful sunny morning with a strong west wind blowing across the point, so while it is relatively calm water in front of the cottage, there is a nice breeze to keep things from getting too hot. Even so, after a while of working with my shirt off, I could feel the potential of a nice sunburn coming on, so on with a shirt and hat. Gee, is that wisdom or old age? A hat, since when…?
As I’m warping up the job and doing a little dock repair I hear Shirley scream from outside the lower door of the cottage, “Garry! Come quickly, there is something in the cottage!”. We’ll after the recent attack of the Squirrel Army, we’re a little on edge so I came flying up the stairs. Sure enough, as I go in the door I can hear a clatter, but soon determine that it’s just something thunking around in the dryer. Crisis averted. The Fortress is still secure from intruders.
Shot a bear at the lake.
by garry.c.stewart on Jul.22, 2008, under The Lake
Take a look.
Plans for today
by garry.c.stewart on Jul.20, 2008, under The Lake
It’s raining, again. Fully overcast with a forecast for thundershowers, but hey it’s Sunday at the lake and by 5pm, the sun will be out as many head back into the city, but not us, we’re still on vacation and Monday is looking awesome at 26 and sunny!
In spite of the weather, we’re heading out to catch the 8:30am start of the 4th annual Kenora Borealis Triathlon / Duathlon. I’ve seen some very cool Tri bikes around town this week, so it should be interesting.
The 4th annual Kenora Borealis Triathlon / Duathlon takes place on Sunday July 20th at Garrow Beach on Rabbit Lake in Kenora. It features an Olympic and Sprint Triathlon, a Long and Sprint Duathlon, and a Try-a Tri (for athletes 12 & up). The Long Duathlon and Sprint Triathlon are qualifying events for the 2009 Triathlon World Championships
Assuming we’re not in a torrential downpour, we’ll head over to the Tunnel Island trails to repair one of my geocaches. After that, we’re winging it.
Squirrel Wars
by garry.c.stewart on Jul.20, 2008, under Nature, The Lake
Three days ago the enemy penetrated our perimeter defenses for the second time. He was located hiding in a water reservoir. After a short skirmish, the enemy was extracted and left on the side of the road, presumed dead. After this incursion it was necessary to fortify the perimeter with IEDs (improvised entrapment devices).
Two nights ago there where heavy casualties inflicted on the squirrel army. Two dead, one wounded and one prisoner. The wounded and prisoner were relocated far from enemy lines. Last night it was quiet on the battle front, but this lull in the action will not make us complacent for we must be ever vigilant until victory has been assured. Repairs to the perimeter may take place today to facilitate improved ventilation to the fortress.
Rocky and Bullwinkle
by garry.c.stewart on Jul.16, 2008, under The Lake
But there was no Bullwinkle, just Rocky.
We’re watching the CBC National news on TV and there is a clatter in the cottage. We think there is something on the deck, but no, it’s in the house, and it’s a squirrel. He’s trying to get at the chocolate cake and in the process he’s knocked the knives off the breadbox. After chasing him up and down the house a couple of times either trying to guide him out the front patio door or snag him in a blanket he suddenly runs up the kitchen window screen and disappears behind the valance and he’s gone! It turns out there is a hole in the screen!
Earlier this morning we noticed that some fruit, a pear and a banana, had been nibbled on, and both Gord and Shirley had heard some “noises” in the night. We thought it was mice and set the traps, but it seems like the culprit was something a little larger.
Tomorrow’s task – fix the screen.
Early morning
by garry.c.stewart on Jul.15, 2008, under Cycling, Kayaking, The Lake
I was up sort of early this morning, not quite early enough to catch the sunrise, but definitely some nice calm quiet time to do some reading down a the dock. I’m currently reading Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive by John Eldredge and enjoying the book very much.
After some reading I’m feeling the need, the need for speed, on the bike that is. So, after attaching a second water bottle cage and loading up, I’m off for a run into Kenora. The route is about a 40km return trip with the usual hill climbs to get from our branch road out to the highway. After that, it’s paved shoulders all the way, but with some longer, less steep grades. In preparation for the upcoming mountain hike of Mt. Thompson, I’m climbing every hill out of the saddle to work the legs more and hopefully simulate more of a climbing exercise that will pay off when we’re hiking.
Just after starting the ride, it started to rain, and then it rained harder, but hey it’s warm and it’s only water so I push on to Kenora. It rains the entire way for about one hour, and I’m fully soaked. After a little crusing around town, it’s back to the cottage. This part of the ride is rain-free, but there are still puddles and spray from cars. When I’m back I notice a gritty feeling in my mouth were I’ve apparently inhaled some road debris. Yummy!
After making a post-ride breakfast of bacon and eggs, it’s down to the dock, where it’s now hot and sunny with very few clouds. Shirley and I head out for a paddle in the kayaks down to the bottom of the bay and I’m starting to think that a shirt would have been a good idea as the hot sun is frying my back. However, things change quickly and as we’re paddling back a thunder clap is heard and we’re caught in a downpour and get totally soaked by the time we’re back at the dock. An hour later as I write this, it’s clear and sunny again. It’s been quite a weather day!
Tonight, nobody cooks as we’re going out to the Plaza Restaurant to celebrate a birthday.
