For the last 20 years, I have been coming to Muskoka (more specifically, Huntsville) for long weekends and vacations. My family has owned a cottage up here for most of this time. Laura and I hope to build our own retreat up here someday soon. Here are some of the things that keep me coming back to Muskoka:
Reconnect with Nature – It would be an understatement to say that I am a big tech guy. There isn’t a gadget I don’t own or aspire to possess. I do, however, like disconnecting from technology from time to time. Whether it be the lake, the rocks or the trees, there is something calming about it. Others however don’t like disconnecting. One morning I was sitting on the end of the dock with a fresh cup of coffee. I was enjoying watching the pristine glass smooth water when I saw a man gliding by in a fishing boat. I figured he was getting out early to get some fishing done. Little did I know that he had his laptop out, and was trying to mooch our unprotected Wifi signal. Algonquin Park is only 30 minutes away and always great for a walk through the wilderness. When I was younger I would take my canoe up there and go on adventures into the wilderness.- Taking conference calls on the beach – There is something calming about taking a conference call from the beach or from the end of the dock. No matter how stressful the call is or who I am on the call with, having my feet in the lake just seems to be naturally calming. As an aside, I tried the same thing in my office before but unfortunately it didn’t have the desired effect and was frowned on by others in the company.
Long afternoon naps – For those who know me, I am usually working crazy hours. It’s a very nice change of pace if I am able to have a good nap and catch up on some sleep. Disconnecting from worrying about a deadline or catching up on work is always a bonus. There is something so disarming about hearing the swaying leaves in the breeze and escaping stress by having a nap on a bed or a hammock.- Board games that turn into epic battles – Whether it be a rainy day or a late evening, a good board game can quickly take center stage. Emotions run high as people try to play words in Scrabble that everyone knows aren’t words, or during the frantic race to build the first houses in Monopoly. I am personally on a 7 year Scrabble streak at the cottage, and welcome anyone to come and challenge me for the title.
- Cottage Treats – There are a few things that can only happen up at the cottage, whether it be getting our favourite frozen yogurt at Yogs or going out to one of favourite restaurants, 3 Guys and a Stove. It is fortunately pretty easy to become mayor of places up here via Foursquare, which is a definite plus.
- Some great cooked meals – While they aren’t always the fanciest meals, man, are they some of the most satisfying! I love working the grill and putting a smile on people’s face after a busy day of swimming, gardening or just having fun in nature. Something about to going up to the cottage makes for some great meals. The food tastes fresher, and you seem hungrier. It is a perfect storm that is impossible to resist. Whether it is a BBQ steak, some cedar-planked salmon or slow roasted ribs, there is always a meal to be had. Over the years, lots of friends and family have brought new and different food and recipes. It often becomes an exchange of new ideas.
Long Canoe Rides – There is something so relaxing about taking the canoe out for a spin. Whether it be a day trip or just a quick spin to get out of the cottage. Always great to get some exercise to burn off all of the huge meals we inevitably eat up at the cottage.- Cottage Sunsets – It be all of the things above but there is something really settling about a beautiful sunset at the end of the dock. You will see that the background of my Twitter account @jpuopolo (shameless plug, I know) is a photo taken from the end of our dock.
I cherish the time I have spent in up north over the past 20 years. That is where Laura and I fell in love and where I ultimately proposed to her. I have gotten over 50 bruises, 5 scars and countless other (and better!) memories over the years that I wouldn’t change for anything.
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May 22, 2011
I have to agree with you 100%. I have been going up there since I was young enough to use the neighbour’s collie as my horse, which is now close to 60 years. I have spent countless days in the bush observing and enjoying nature. I have canoed hundreds of miles either alone or with friends and as the saying goes, I am a true Canadian. My children grew up spending as much time as possible each summer in our canoe following ducks and loons and all types of water fowl. There is nothing so lonely or so welcoming as hearing that first loon call across the water each year. This is a love that I have shared with my parents and grandparents. It is comforting to know that that same appreciation for the Canadian wilderness still grows strong within each subsequent generation. Canada, and its wildlife and environment are in good hands going into the future.
May 23, 2011
We have a trailer up near Gravenhurst, and love to get away from it all up there. I too hope to own a cottage up that way someday. There is something about knowing that Muskoka is waiting for you that make those days in between weekends easier to get through.
February 13, 2012
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