A Great Getaway on the North Shore!

 A Great Getaway on the North Shore!

"No way!!" I exclaimed when Mark first suggested staying in a lighthouse for a few nights. Back in July, he had been researching on the internet and had found a getaway that he thought might be an interesting adventure. 

"There's no way that I want to be climbing hundreds of spiral stairs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night," said I - who was envisioning the stereotypical lighthouses that we had seen in Nova Scotia! 

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, N.S. 

With great patience (and I'm sure - some disappointment), Mark dropped the subject. However, he bided his time. 

A month or so later, we were on a day trip around the perimeter of St. Joseph's Island. It's a beautiful spot, and we stopped to take many photographs of the various vistas which we encountered. Towards the end of the trip, we spotted, very faintly, the lighthouse over the lake, in Bruce Mines. Using the zoom on our camera, we took a close up of the lighthouse from our position at Hilton Beach. It didn't come out very clearly, as it was quite distant from us.

Bruce Mines Lighthouse from St. Joseph's Island

I had the idea that, once we got back to the mainland, we could travel to the lighthouse and get a close up of the beach upon which we were standing. Mark agreed, secretly hoping that the more broad-minded part of me would come over to his way of thinking about the lighthouse adventure. I was as unsuspecting as ever! (Sometimes, I'm not the brightest candle on the cake!  LOL). 

When we got to Bruce Mines, we turned onto the road leading to the lighthouse. The entrance driveway crosses over a bridge and a causeway, passing through French Island, and ending on McKay Island, where the edifice is situated on the tip. 

With the photo taken, we started to look around the area, and I noticed that the square living accommodation was actually quite nice and I was interested to see that it could be rented out. 

It was at this point that Mark revealed that this was the lighthouse getaway that he had mentioned, the month before. He kindly concealed his frustration with my earlier dismissal of the idea.

Enlightenment comes slowly to some of us - but when it comes, the errant stubbornness gives way to excitement and so, I allowed my exuberance to come to the fore and we called and booked a 3 night stay in October, just after Thanksgiving, which was the earliest vacancy available. 

Last week, time caught up with us and we enjoyed a memorable time at this amazing venue. 

The entrance was, itself, a sight to be beheld - even though it was a fairly dull afternoon. 

Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse is owned by Pat and Larry Peterson, and Pat has been running the business for several decades. Apart from the lighthouse, they also have 8 modernized housekeeping cottages, open from May to October.

A wonderful person, Pat personally visited us once we had settled in, and told us about the amenities,  gave us some brochures, and related some of the local history. Seeing we were interested, she kindly loaned us a skip full of historical documents over which we could pore at our own leisure. 

Postcard given to us by Pat, the owner

Among them, we found a document by Merrit (and Pat) Strum, a W.W.II veteran, who was the 'unofficial' historian of Bruce Mines. 

Here is part of what he wrote back in March of 1907 (slightly edited for the sake of clarity):

“By the year 1906, the marine traffic through the North Channel of Lake Huron had become very heavy due mainly to the increased volume of timber being shipped through the port of Bruce Mines.
After the copper mines closed, it was realized that their next best move was to get in on the timber market.
With the shipping getting heavier it meant that the chances of marine accidents would increase. Until 1906, the only Beacon to guide the traffic was a lantern hanging on the dock building.
It was deemed that it was necessary to construct a Lighthouse as a safety measure to guide the boat traffic.
In 1906, the Federal Government called for tenders to construct a lighthouse. The following year, a tender was accepted and it was decided that the best location for the light would be on the point of McKay Island. It was constructed in 1907.

It was a square white wooden dwelling, with a tower rising 34 ft  from the roof. The light had a visibility of 11 miles, and the foghorn was hand cranked.”

The lighthouse was operational from 1907 until 1955, when it was replaced by the current steel tower with solar panels which powers the batteries. It is maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard. (For a fuller history, check out their website: http://www.brucebaycottages.com/mckay-island-lighthouse/lighthouse-history/

Today, the original building is a modern housekeeping lighthouse with 3 bedrooms (2 doubles and 1 bunk bed), with a 2-piece bathroom on the main floor, and a second bathroom, with shower, on the second floor. It is open all year, and gives a panoramic view of the North Channel of Lake Huron. It is the only building on McKay Island - apart from a Lounge next door (which is a rental unit for special celebrations, about one per month), and so allows for privacy during your stay. (At the moment, the lounge is closed because of Covid-19 restrictions). 

Guest manual and lighthouse-themed coasters

Bedroom light switch

The well-equipped kitchen affords everything that you could need, and the comfortable beds allowed for a good night's sleep. The living area is spacious and includes a loveseat, a rocking chair (strategically place by the main window overlooking the lake) and another seat, also facing the window. A TV is also available with a variety of channels, including the Stingray series for background music. 

A nice, quiet sitting area at the top of the stairs

This is the bedroom we chose - it was on the ground floor with the 2-piece bathroom 'ensuite'

There is also an inviting ladder which, upon climbing takes you up to the old lamp area of the lighthouse and out onto the 'Widow Walk'. Of course, we had to explore! 

The original lighthouse lamp

View to the north from the 'Widow Walk'

Mark getting ready to climb to the top of the lighthouse

View of the Lake from the 'Widow Walk'

Outside, there is a large lawned area with a bench and two Muskoka chairs for enjoying the scenery. There is also a generous deck area that overlooks the lake, with a firepit nearby, and a stone grill a little further back. Guests can use the BBQ that is just outside the building, and they have access to kayaks and canoes in season. 

During our stay, we experienced a variety of weather conditions, from overcast skies, to amazing and powerful lake wind/rain storms, and clear skies with brilliant sunshine in the mornings. 

On our first night, the storm was raging outside and one could hear the continual pounding of the waves against the rock. I got up to use the bathroom and went back to bed. I lie there for a while, listening to the crashing waves when suddenly - and I really mean ALL AT ONCE - the wind and waves stopped as if someone had waved a magic wand over the lake and it became instantly calm! It was magical. 

Then, within the hour, I looked out of the window and saw a clear night sky, uninterrupted by light pollution, with a myriad of stars to gaze at! It was phenomenal. 

The following night, the pattern was repeated and I got up in the early hours and was able to take a picture of both Venus and Mars (which was unusually close to Earth at that time). 

Venus - in all its glory

Mars - the 'red' planet - our nearest neighbour

The moon - some people describe this scenario as the 'old moon in the new moon's arms'

Earlier that afternoon, the storm had started earlier than the day before. At one point, we were reading inside the cottage when Mark noticed that the rain had temporarily abated and the sun had broken through the dark clouds to light up the area in pure golden colours. It was truly awesome, and we also were treated to a double rainbow. 

Perhaps these short video clips give a better idea of what we saw: 

During the days, we hiked some of the trails - including the bluffs, and the small pathway to the Kissing Rock, and Sunset Bay. We were amazed that there were still some wonderful fall colours to be enjoyed as those in our own home town had passed peak the week before. 

The Bluffs trail

The mornings were delightful and gave us the opportunity to capture some beautiful scenes varying from spectacular sunrises to morning mists kissing the surface of the water.

On the second morning, Pat texted us to let us know that a freighter was coming into the port. We had actually seen it upon its arrival into the bay, but were so impressed that she contacted us to let us know. We believe it was collecting trap rock from a local quarry. Apart from a couple of fishing vessels, it was the only traffic we saw during our stay. 

What with hiking, watching the waves constantly lapping against the rocky shore, experiencing a variety of weather conditions, and taking the opportunity to read and just chill out, it was a lovely time - and a welcome change of scenery and pace.

Mark was right - it was a truly wonderful adventure - and we look forward to returning for another getaway at this North Shore retreat!

For further information about renting the cottages or the lighthouse, please visit the website: 

http://www.brucebaycottages.com/

 Local Talent Always Amazes Us!

Every now and then, we happen upon an unexpected experience that brings us a terrific sense of wonder and joy. 

Last week, we were on a day trip to Manitoulin Island, and made our way to Providence Bay, where there's a really nice boardwalk along the beach. We had been there a few weeks beforehand, and wanted to check out the fall colours. 

As we were progressing towards the main area, we heard the sound of music floating through the trees. The closer we got, the more it sounded like live music and, sure enough, when we turned the corner, there was an art festival set up and this young couple were just finishing off the first half of their performance. 

After a quick visit to the local 'centre', we returned to the site and were given a couple of lawn chairs right in front of the 'stage' area, where the couple were going to complete their performance after their lunch break. 

We found out that this young couple live in Sudbury, Ontario (about 2 hours away from where we live). 

Jamie was playing a harp guitar - an instrument with which we were unfamiliar. It had such a beautifully full sound and watching his fingers dance over the fretboard, as he accompanied Emma's singing, left us holding our breath at the sheer brilliance of his skill. Self taught, Jamie placed 1st  in the Canadian Guitar Festival Competition, in 2016. He also teaches guitar, and has his own YouTube page. (His cover of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' leaves us in awe!)  Check out his YouTube recordings here:

 https://www.youtube.com/user/JamieDupuisAcoustic

Emma's voice was mesmerizing as she sang her way through a variety of genres. There was almost a haunting nuance within her interpretation of the songs. We found out that Emma, also, has her own YouTube page, and we've been viewing the material she has recorded and we especially love her cover of 'Dream a Little Dream of Me'. She also writes her own music and plays the Ukelele. Check out her YouTube recordings here: 

https://www.youtube.com/c/EmmaMcDaniel/videos

Small world that it is, we found out subsequently, that Jamie actually played at a wedding that I officiated, back in 2018, in Blind River! Since I always touch base with the musician before the ceremony to ensure we are on the same page, I must have met him and chatted with him on that occasion! 

We also found out that Emma's grandparents live in Elliot Lake and are known to many of our friends. 

Cover of Elton John's 'Rocket Man'

Those who know this couple attest to what lovely people they are, confirming the impression we had taken away with us after meeting them in Providence Bay. They very kindly responded to our request for a repeat performance of the song, 'Mad World', which we had first heard echoing through the trees. Here's the YouTube recording of this song: 

When we had set out to spend a day on the Island, we had no idea that we were going to stumble upon such talent. We are hoping to have them come to Elliot Lake, once things settle re: Covid-19. We know that our town will give them tremendous welcome and support at one of our well-attended outdoor concerts. 

We're keeping in touch with Jamie and Emma, via social media. They are certainly our kind of people and, hopefully, they count us among their friends. 

Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

Some of you may remember that, last year (2019), we spent a month in Newfoundland - our first visit to our easternmost province. It had been on our bucket list for many years, so it was awesome to finally dust off that ambition.

Since then, I have been meaning to post a blog about the amazing experience we had with our encounters with icebergs in, what is known as, Iceberg Alley. At last, I've gotten around to writing this. 

Before you watch the slide show, there are a couple of interesting things we found out about these ice giants - mainly from the guide on the Iceberg Tour Boat, out of Saint Anthony. 

Icebergs usually being their journey when huge chunks off ice break off from the glaciers near to Greenland. It usually takes 2 years for them to float into the vicinity of Newfoundland/Labrador, where they tend to become trapped in bays, or bights, and remain there for a couple of months until they melt away, usually in mid-late July. The month of June is an excellent time to view them, as they sometimes come quite close to the shoreline, and there are some amazing photos, on social media, of humongous icebergs forming a backdrop to a small village, with buildings dwarfed in front of them.

This video shows some Greenland gravel on the top of the flat surface:

 

On some of the photos, you'll see a straight blue line, in the iceberg. These lines indicate a previous waterline mark before an iceberg upends, as a result of becoming top heavy. We didn't see it, in person, but when an iceberg turns upside down, it is a phenomenal event to witness. 

In this slide show, the first two pictures in the slide show are taken from the roadside on our journey up the western side of the Island, on our way up north to Saint Anthony. 

This first glimpse of an iceberg was spectacular as it was shaped like a huge swan!

Most of the pics are from our boat tour. One iceberg, at Saint Carols, was so magnificent that, at the end of the tour, we decided to drive round to the cove and view it from the land. We remained there for a couple of hours, taking in the sheer beauty of this natural edifice while enjoying a picnic on the rocks. 

Towards the end, you'll see another photo of an iceberg taken from Dungeons Provincial Park, near Bonavista, and the last few are from an iceberg we went to see near Twillingate. The latter iceberg (with the boat next to it) actually split in two the following day. We missed it by just a few minutes. 

Anyway, here's the slide show.... just click the picture to start it. 

The guide and skipper on the tour boat had a great sense of humour, too. As we approached our first large iceberg, they started to play the theme music from the movie, 'Titanic'! The boat went in quite close, and the tour guide was able to chip off a large piece of ice, which he proceeded to break up into small pieces for each of the tourists to try. Although there was a slight taste of salt (because it had been in the sea), it was crystal clear, and refreshing. The glaciers from which the iceberg had come were formed before the Industrial Revolution, and so were free from most of the pollution formed since that era. 

He was telling us that many local folk gather the ice from the bergs and use it to make beer. They call it, 'Iceberg Beer', and it's a speciality in the area. 

Beer, or no beer, we will never forget our first encounter with these ice giants. 

 

Happy 64th Birthday, Mark!

Happy Birthday to this wonderful human being who made his first appearance in Hamilton, Ontario. 

Mark is the easiest person to love, as anyone who meets him will attest. He has a wonderfully warm spirit, a beautiful heart, a great capacity for listening, and lives life to the fullest. 

I am so blessed to have known him over the last 28 years and I know that I’m the luckiest man alive to be with him 24/7. 

Darling, you have my heart, now and always. I will love you forever and a day!  xxx ooo 

Recent Encounters with Local Wildlife - Part 1 (Our Feathered Friends)

Recent Encounters with Local Wildlife - Part 1 

(Our Feathered Friends)

 

During this challenging time of social/physical distancing, we're feeling really fortunate to be living where we do, in Northern Ontario. We live on the top floor of our apartment building, and are using the nine flights of stairs to take us straight to the parking lot, avoiding the elevator as much as possible.

Once in the car, we can travel just five minutes north of the town, and be in the surrounding wilderness and designated crown land, where we can drive or hike without meeting anyone, and we can still be following the protocols. 

Although all public parks and trails have been closed, we still have access to all the natural trails and so can get out in the fresh air without compromising ourselves or others. Instead of just being 2 metres away from others, we’re often 20 km distant – and that has sometimes stretched to 200 km!

Like most people, we miss meeting up with friends to share a meal, or do something together with them; and we REALLY miss our normal traveling and house/pet sitting adventures. However, we've been using this free time to explore our area in more detail, following trails that we have not yet traveled, and venturing out at all times of the day in the hope of seeing some of the abundant wildlife we have on our doorstep. 

So, we decided to share some of the photos and video clips of wildlife that we have been lucky enough to capture during our recent local excursions. This blog will focus upon the various birds we have seen. Part 2 will share our shots of larger wildlife.

Between our Nikon Coolpix P900 camera, and our Samsung S9 Cellphone, we have been very happy with some of our results. Hope you enjoy them, too!

BIRDS OF FLIGHT

For the first time in years, we've sighted several kestrels, just north of Iron Bridge. 

Turkey vultures may not be the prettiest of birds, but they are fun to watch

A first, for us, we were delighted when we came across this chestnut-sided warbler...

...and his cousin, a black and white warbler

We've also been lucky to have spotted several other species that we hadn't noticed before. 

Northern Flicker

Redpoll

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

We managed to capture the sweet song of the Rose Crested Grosbeak. 

Snow Bunting

Tree Swallow

Then, there are species that are more familiar to us.

Robin (the ones I grew up with, in the U.K., were much smaller that their North Amercian cousins)

Common Gull

Red-Wing Blackbird

Thrush

Killdeer 

Song Sparrow

                                   

Broad Wing Hawk

                                   

I'm reminded of a funny story. Just one year after my arrival in Canada, a friend from the U.K. came over for a visit. We were on Toronto Island, not far from the airport, when we noticed a man taking a photo of some birds. We said to him, 'Excuse me, but we've noticed a lot of birds that look like blackbirds, but have red wings. What are they called?' He answered, 'They are red-wing blackbirds!'  We both laughed at ourselves, which masked our embarrassment! 

One of our favourite birds is the woodpecker. We have seen several Downy and Hairy varieties, but the one we always look out for is the Pileated Woodpecker, with its distinctive call and low-pitched tapping. 

Here's a video clip of him tapping for grubs. (The first part is a little shaky!)

...and in the following clip, you can barely see him, but you can hear his tapping - and his call...

WADING BIRDS AND WATER FOWL  

Living in a town that is surrounded by over 4000 lakes within a 100 km radius, we are well situated to see a variety of water fowl.

Loon - the cry of which epitomizes the North for us

This duck was escorting her clan across the road and into the bush

Mallards

Ring-Necked Duck

Spotted Sandpiper

 

Solitary Sandpiper

We had seen a Bittern in Algonquin Park, but this one, which was standing on the side of the road, was our first sighting in this area

Various mergansers adorn our surrounding lakes

Sandhill Cranes are often to be seen during the summer months.

These cranes were intermingling with Canada geese in a local field

We managed to capture this one, as it was taking off...

...and these two took off on the read ahead!

We were fortunate to capture all these different birds over the last few weeks. 

Before finishing, I just have to share this video of some Sandhill Cranes taking off when we were visiting Manitoulin Island during our first year, in Elliot Lake. It will always leave me in awe - and appreciation of being in the right place, at the right time.