Algonquin Park Cottage Weekend Sep 27-29, 2024

When we booked a cottage just outside Algonquin Park’s west entrance, on Oxtongue Lake, for September 27th weekend, we were not expecting any colours yet; however, the fall colours were coming out.  When we arrived at the east entrance, we could see some colours starting but as we drove to the west entrance, it was clear that the colours were coming close to peaking.  It would be a beautiful weekend with weather and certainly crowded with people.  We had the cottage for two nights.  The owners had several cottages on the property, however, ours was the best in location, privacy and layout.  The only thing they didn’t provide was your own towel, otherwise, it had everything from internet with a flat screen tv to a barbecue on the deck facing the lake.  Also included for free were paddle boards, kayaks, pedal boats, and canoes, and swimming on its sandy beach.  Fire pits were situated near the cottages and there was one on the beach.  

We did do some hiking as planned.  On Saturday Saturday, we hiked the Track and Tower trail and Whisky Rapids trail.  Sunday, we hiked Hemlock Bluff, the Lookout and the Spruce Bog Boardwalk.  

We always left enough time to return to our little cottage to prep for supper, for me swimming, and enjoy our surroundings while sipping on a cocktail.  Some hiking trails were closed off to the public during this time, due to parking space, whereas others were crowded with people as these were recommended by the park staff particularly for fall colours.  We did enjoy hiking the trails over the weekend but nothing compared to the enjoyment we had staying at this cottage, so much so that we asked to stay another day, but no surprise, they were fully booked.

 

Adventure cycling in Nova Scotia Sep 13-21, 2024

Cathy and I were eager for our long-awaited trip to Nova Scotia to cycle the Rum Runner Trail located between Halifax and Lunenburg.  We had previously booked this trip prior to Covid but then Covid happened and our trip was cancelled by the owner of the home through Air B&B and when we went to re-book with her, she decided to no longer rent her little cottage located mid-way on the Rum Runner Trail in Queensland, Nova Scotia.  So I went back to searching online and came across this beautiful little studio unit, fully equipped to be self-sufficient, full kitchen, bathroom, complete with a hot tub and fire pit just outside the front door facing the ocean and located in the historic Unesco Lunenburg.  We were thrilled and hoped that this would finally happen.  

Finally, the day came.  We left at 5am driving past Montreal along the 20 straight into New Brunswick and stopping at Jemzeg for the night at a cozy little Motel on the shore of Grand Lake.  It also had a hot tub and swimming pool and a dock to jump into the lake.  This was a good location to stop as the next day would only involve a 4-hour drive.  We arrived in Lunenburg in 2pm and as our unit wasn't ready yet until 3pm, we walked the boardwalk and enjoyed the surrounding area of this historic and quaint little town.  

I got the call that we could check in just before 3pm and off we went.  When we entered our little unit, it was so welcoming: the door was open with the house key on the counter, there was a tray with an unopened bottle of red wine and 2 wine glasses with a bowl of Lindt chocolate balls.  We were blown away and quickly settled in with a drink and a chocolate while lounging in the chairs on our deck.  This unit was completely private with our own dock.  It was quiet and our host Jay was so helpful and respectful of our privacy.  He had a kayak he said I could take out at my leisure, equipped with paddle and life jacket which he kept tied on the dock.  We were so impressed that we would definitely return here again.

Our days were spent cycling and touring the area.  One day we stopped at Peggy's Cove, then walked Hirtle Beach near Lunenburg, visited the Ovens which is a natural phenomena of caves situated on private property where people can camp, then Blue Rocks a little fishing village surrounded by boulders in the water.  Our days were full, we didn't want to leave but finally it was time to come home.  The weather really accommodated us the entire time, warm and comfortable, no rain and light wind.  We were truly enchanted by this little area.

On our way home, we travelled through the United States, along a scenic route going through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.  It was a great way to spend one week.