My summer catch up post.....

Our Location: Summer Home
Near Tehkummah, Ontario

 

It’s been a while since I’ve last post but time is winding down here in our summer home and we will soon be scratching our hitch itch. So I thought I’d drop a post or two to get me back into the swing of things and let you all know we survived another summer here on Manitoulin Island. 

 

When we arrived we waited for spring and it finally came. Ron and Sharon's gift of a cactus wind chime in the top right photo.

 Manitoulin Island is where I grew up and my siblings as well as my father still live here, along with numerous other relatives. Riley and I come back to the farm for our summers and enjoy the time we spend here. 

With morning comes dew and of course the sun rise.

 

 We park in an old quarry that no longer resembles a quarry as it’s grown over and now just seems like a great place to park for the months we are here. We are a few miles from the ferry dock at South Baymouth and can see the Chi-Cheemaun at dock from our favourite swimming place.
 

This is our favourite swimming spot. The grainy pic on the right shows the ferry dock in the middle of the photo, that tiny white spec but we get a better view with the naked eye.

 

A wee bit of history about Manitoulin Island for those that are interested. It is home to just over 10,000 winter residence and over twice that in the summer months. It is located 27 miles north from the tip of the Bruce Peninsula town of Tobermory. The island covers about 1050 square miles and is home to numerous reserves. The island was first visited in about 1650 by Jesuit priests but they didn’t remain long. The Odawa Natives were here at that time but came and went for centuries believing the island was inhabited by the great spirit Manitou. Some of the natives believed he lived in an underwater cave near the current town of Manitowaning (Man-i-to-wan-ing) which means Cave of the Spirit. A loose translation of Manitoulin Island means Island of the Great Spirit. Around 1830 the island became the Administration Center where the British Government doled out gifts to the natives who came from many, many miles around. In the 1920 and 30’s the island was supported by the sheep, turkey, logging and fishing industries. Except for the fishing the other industries have slowly declined until recreation/tourism became the main industry. 

 

This is the road we take to reach home. The road follows the pictures from left to right.

 

Manitoulin Island boasts of being the largest fresh water island in the world and has three inland lakes which also contain islands. It is located in one of the 5 great lakes, our lake being Lake Huron and more specifically the waters of Georgian Bay. We have proof of life dating back to between 10,000 BC to 20,000 BC. Manitoulin also has the biggest unceded reserve covering the entire eastern shoreline of the island. The island is still home to First Nations, including Odawa and Ojibway.

 

Some towns on the Island.

 

There are two ways which you can access the island during the months from late April to mid October. One of course being the Chi-Cheemaun (Chee- chee- mon) which means Big Canoe. It makes the 27 mile crossing from Tobermory to South Baymouth during those months, twice daily, spring and fall, and 4 times daily during July and August. The one constant access point is on the northern part of the island at Little Current where the swing bridge allows passage of autos year round and marine traffic during the spring, summer and fall. 

 

 

Some of the roads we travel on a somewhat regular basis.

 

A riot of colours grace the country side at this time of the year and the fiery reds of the sugar maples seem to lure the visitors from far and near. Truly a painters delight at this time of the year. Thus ends our little information blurb of the island.

Some of the views we see on our travels. The bottom left photo is the swing bridge, the only permanent access year round.  The bottom right photo was taken on a morning walk as I head toward the double gate on the road in the above photo.

 

We took a trip to Toronto and Brantford on the long weekend in August to visit both daughters Courtney and Bradey. The rest of our summer found us enjoying the peace and quiet but also longing for more of a purpose to our days. We found ourselves a little part time job in late August and have enjoyed ourselves greatly. We look forward to returning to our labours in the spring.
 

Auston Richard Peter.

 

A first child for middle daughter Bradey and her partner David arrived on Sept 12, Weighing in at 7 lbs 1 oz, 20 inches long. A healthy little boy, Auston Richard Peter arrived at 7:21 AM. Auston is a first grandchild for me and a first nephew for daughters Riley and Courtney.

 

Taken early in the spring as you can see no leaves, small leaves and the lovely fresh colour of new leaves.

 

I’m including a number of photos I’ve accumulated over our time here, forgive the fuzziness as they were all shot with my phone.

Before the sun hits the leaves on my walk home from morning coffee this morning.

 

We plan on pulling up the feet and beginning our southerly journey on or about October 21 or 22. I’ll keep you posted. 

 

 

First we had a little hail, then more and more on a rainy day in September.

 

We hope everyone had a great summer and we are looking forward to catching up on our reading when we head out on the road.

Various sunrises throughout the summer.

 

Until next time…take care, be safe,

 

Sunrise this morning over the Igloo and our back yard fire pit. That is the calm waters of South Bay you can see off there in the distance. The Igloo is down and to the left.

 

 

 

Deb