Summer Update

It has been a very long time since I've done an update.... As with many 'retired' people, we find we are busier than ever.

We moved over to the camp at the end of May...which stretched out through the first week in June as the new owners didn't come out to get the keys until June 4th. Thankfully, they have allowed us use of the shed at the lodge until we build the garage, as there is no storage space here. We also have things stored in the sauna here and in a tent-shed at Mary's camp. We have only a vague idea of where anything is. But, being summer, it's not too difficult to get by.

Our first big project is building a small pottery studio for me! We designed it with a second story that will be a library. There will be a sofa-bed in it to allow guest space. It is tucked nicely into the forest, yet still has a stunning view of the lake. I am very excited to have this space....which I might actually get to use by next spring because it will probably end up being storage space until we get the house winterized. That is our next priority! Winter is coming!

Do we miss the lodge? Not really. As you know, we talked about selling the lodge for the past few years. This was a slow letting go of our life there. The fact that we have this beautiful spot on the western shore of Kukagami Lake more than makes up for what we left behind at the south end. As I gaze out at our view here, I'm already looking forward to many winter snowshoe hikes along the ridges!

The view we wake to each morning is the lake just a few meters away, and marvellous sunrises! I've always loved 'morning campsites' when we are canoeing. I feel that joy every day now. This summer has given us marvellous weather. I'm swimming before breakfast very day. The water is just as wonderful here as it is at the lodge. There are lots of neighbours though...and Allan has to watch out for motor boats when he takes his long swims in the afternoon. We are getting used to the rise in activity all around us. And we rest assured that life at the lake will become quiet again when the summer is over.

We do take a few days away from building each month for a little get-away, and went to Killarney in June. We paddled around George Island and camped on the western shore. Then spend a day paddling around Badgley point. We hiked to the Crack on our way home. Having never been there before, we were amazed at the views! It was especially nice to see out over the bay to where we have paddled for many years.

Kate was at her summer camp for 3 weeks in July. We spent a couple of days in Algonquin Park just before we picked her up in Sundridge last month. Allan had never been in the Hwy 60 corridor before, and was keen to see the logging museum. Pretty as Algonquin is, we were glad to be back to our clear, cool Kukagami Lake.

In Early August we spent 5 days at Camp Manitou on the north shore of Lake Huron. Vesta came home from Ottawa to join us there, so it was a wonderful family time together...with someone else doing the cooking! I took a mini workshop on Acrylic painting, and found it very interesting. Could be a part of my future!

Mid-August found us off to do some canoeing. Leaving from home, paddling back home again ... to familiar places. In August! We used to have to work on these glorious summer days! We were out for a week, and it was wonderful.

Kate will be going to LoEllen Secondary school come September. I think she's looking forward to it? She will be taking the bus, so she will be able to go to school every day. It is the 2 hour bus ride that makes me uncomfortable. What kind of life is it for a kid to have that long a commute every day? She leaves here at 6:10 and gets home after 5. Yuck.

Vesta is living in Ottawa. She skied with x/c Ottawa last year, all over Canada! But mostly in the Gatineau's. She's having a great life, but still hoping to find a real job soon. Working retail part-time gives her lots of time, but she would really like to find a job in research or perhaps at a conservation area, or just about anything that will let her use her geography degree. Any suggestions and referrals would be very welcome!

We are looking forward to a long extension of this glorious summer... there is so much more we need to do! Would love to hear form you!

Viki et Al and Kate

Here's our contact info...not much changed from before....

Allan, Viki and Kate Mather

426 Fox Road

Wahnapitae, ON

P0M 3C0

705-853-1571

kukagami@gmail.com