Wednesday June 6, 2007 

I would like to say that I went out and scoured Consumer’s Report for the latest on generators, conducted a thorough Google search and became an overnight expert on the energy producing machines. The truth is I didn’t. I relied on Ed, my next door neighbour and all- around great guy.

Ed was one of the first people to have a cabin on Horne Lake and is a builder. It is Ed who built our new deck and everyone else’s cottage on the lake. Ed owns a Honda generator. Perched in the back of his old Ford pickup, it sits like a black lab, eagerly waiting for his master to call him. And as I watched Ed build our deck, I was fascinated by how easy his generator starts. It has a key. Not a long pull cord that you have to strain your arms tugging on, but a simple gray key. And what is even more intriguing is the noise it makes, almost none. It is so quiet we can actually talk to each other without him having to turn it off.

Wow, I think to myself, this is a thing of beauty –truly an awesome machine. So that’s when I decided to buy the Honda EU30000isCA. With its four stroke engine, the Honda instantly made us environmentally friendly. It uses about half the gas of Fat Bastard (it will run at maximum load for seven hours)and is much, much quieter. Lovely, as I like to call the new generator, has a maximum load of 3,000 watts, but she’s rated for 2,800 watts. This is more than enough for our requirements. Lovely has a built in inverter so she will also charge the batteries (not deep cell batteries)from our solar panels. If you need a portable generator you can buy a wheel kit as an additional feature. They come standard on the larger generators.

Price: While there are lots of cheaper generators on the market and even Costco sells generators, I was willing to pay the big bucks for the Honda name and the reduced noise level. Lovely sells for $2,379 and is worth every penny. As for Fat Bastard, he is sulking in our boat house. Make me an offer…..

Links: www.Honda.ca

Tuesday June 5, 2007 

Fat Bastard came with our new cottage, together with the 70’s Mexican rattan furniture. The previous cabin owners downplayed his cranky, feline disposition. We quickly discovered how hard he is to get along with: finicky in nature, moody and extremely difficult to start. Some days on the first pull, but lately, he flatly refuses.

Climbing up onto his black metal frame, I bend over and repeat the prayer, “please start, please,” then taking hold of his small black rubber knob, I yank -nothing. I yank again and again and again still -nothing, not even a spark. I yank on his cord until sweat begins to bead on my forehead, a dull aching throb descends onto my shoulder blades and my knees quiver from being crouched too long. Hopping down off his stubborn frame, I stamp around our boat house, red faced, worn out and ticked off.

“It’s over. I can’t take this anymore. I need a generator I can trust. I need a generator that will start. You are so out of here,” I warn Fat Bastard.

As cottagers who live off the grid, the generator is our grid. Our power requirements are lessened by having a propane fridge, stove and fireplace, and our lights run from a solar panel and two –six volt batteries, but when we need to start the water pump, run the washing machine, or recharge batteries then we need a generator: ergo, Fat Bastard.

“This is the year,” I tell my husband, “this is the year we break down and get a new generator.” Of course I have been saying that for the past three years. I’ve never considered myself a high maintenance gal. I would opt for a generator over a sparkly bauble any day of the week. So I was delighted when I finally convinced Bill that we should get a new generator for our anniversary.

There are a couple of things you need to consider when buying a generator. Fortunately, Cottage Life Magazine, May 2007, You’ve Got the Power, had some helpful tips that I read after I bought ours. I would recommend this article for first time purchasers (www.cottagelife.com). Listed below are some of my own thoughts.

Things to Consider when Buying a Generator:

1. Power How much do you need? Generators generate power –it’s measured in watts. You need to write down all the appliances you have that use electricity and calculate how many watts they use. Some appliances list the watts, while others need to be calculated. For example, our washing machine uses 115 volts and runs on 12 amps. To calculate the watts required, multiply volts and amps.

Washing machine: 115 volts x 12 amps = 1,380 watts
• Vacuum cleaner : 120 volts x 7 amps = 840 watts
• Computer charging: 120 volts x 1.3 amps = 150 watts
• Hair dryer = 1,600 watts
• Toaster = 800 watts
• 2. Timing After you calculate how many watts your appliances requires, you then need to figure out if you are using these appliances at the same time (peak wattage) –requiring a bigger generator, or if you use them intermittently –maybe a smaller one would do. I am not able to run my hairdryer, the washing machine, the vacuum and the water pump all at the same time (4,300 watts); our generator is not big enough. Any appliance that heats or cools is going to use a lot of watts. If your cottage has electrical appliances or base board heaters, you will likely need a generator that can produce at least 5,000 watts.
  Tomorrow ….Shopping for generators.

Monday June 4, 2007 

Considering a New Kayak?

While fiberglass kayaks look pretty, they scratch. If your beach is rocky or gravely you might want to go plastic. They handle wear and tear better and are cheaper.Closed kayaks can be used in colder weather and are warmer. Invest in a spray skirt – Mountain Equipment Co-Op (www.mec.ca) has them for as little as $38 (Seals Splash Deck). It keeps the icy drips from your paddle off your legs.

Used Kayaks can be purchased from kayak touring companies in the late fall once their season is over. I got mine this way -a little scratched on the bottom but discounted 40% off the same brand new model.

Safety – Kayaks under 6m or 19’8” must have the following on board:

• Approved PFD
• Heavy line of 15 m or 49’3”
• Spare Paddle
• Bailer or water pump
• Signaling device ( I use a Fox 40 whistle)
• Lights if paddling after sunset or before sunrise

If you would like more information on boating safety requirments, go click on http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/TP/TP511/boat.htm#Canoes_kayaks_less_6m•

On final note, store your kayak out of the sun – direct sunlight will warp your shell especially if your kayak is a darker colour like red or green.

Satuday June 2, 2007 

Some people look forward to Christmas, others Halloween, my husband –shopping at Costco; but for me, nothing is more exciting than standing at the threshold of the Spring CottageLife Show, held every March in Toronto, Ontario. Scanning the enormous hall, my senses quickly process chrome, fiberglass, wood, lights and -ahhh -the sweet smoky smell of fresh roasted candy nuts. Like a kid at ToysRUs, it’s all I can do to contain myself.

While this year’s CottageLife Show was very similar to last year’s, there were some new twists on some old favourites…

Canoe or kayak?
Growing up in southern Ontario,canoeing was the only way to go. We played “rock the gunnels” on our old aluminum canoe, seldom using it as a canoe –more like a floating raft. But looking around the cottage show, the steady old canoe seem to be losing ground -or rather lake -to the slick, lightweight, durable plastic kayak.

A kayaker myself, I enjoy the ease at which I can paddle through the water; I also enjoy the seasonality of my kayak. In the early spring, long after the boat has been put away for the winter, my kayak and I take to the water. This light weight boat is also my escape –from my kids, my husband and our 794 square foot cabin, which after a few days of “family time” can become too confining. The solitude of being alone on the water relaxes me – my thoughts drift with the current. I return from my paddle, calm, serene and ready to be mom again.

It was interesting to see that most kayaks featured at the show are open or “sit onto”– meaning there is no hatch on them. It makes getting in and out easier and the open design allows you to bring your dog or child. It’s best to wear your bathing suit because you are likely going to get wet. And like people, some kayaks are more stable than others. I have a used Necky kayak –but again, the type of kayak you purchase will depend on your weight and size as well as how and when you plan to use it.

More to come on “Tips to Consider When Buying a Kayak”

Friday June 1, 2007 

Wish you were here…

Welcome to CottageDaily.com, a daily dose of escapism for people who share a passion for anything cottage or cabin.

Every day brings a new adventure at the lake- entertaining friends for the weekend, fixing a burst pipe, or discovering a patch of wild berries. Eventually it all becomes a story, something to share with others around the campfire or over a cold beer at the end of the day.

CottageDaily is your place to share stories, experiences and photos. We want to tell you about our favourite things and we hope you will tell us about some of yours.

A note about advertising: we often research and review products and services that we feel would be of value to fellow cottagers. We do not get paid to promote or endorse the products or services we write about. Our goal is to provide good quality information that will enrich your recreational experience. We do have media partners who pay to advertise on the site, but these ads will be clearly marked, and will, enhance rather than distract from your experience.

As editor of this site, I am thrilled with the prospect of talking to cottage and cabin owners across Canada and around the world. A cottager from the age of three, I enjoy nothing more than driving my packed jeep to the ferry that takes my family and I to our cabin on Horne Lake. I am filled with a giddy excitement knowing that in three hours -baring any incidents -I will arrive just in time for a water ski before the sun sets.

Throughout the summer we will be discussing food ideas, playlists for your iPod, things to consider when buying a kayak and sooooo much more.

We welcome you to CottageDaily – your daily escape to the lake.

Thursday May 31, 2007

For anyone born after 1980, the following may come as a complete shock:you don’t need a microwave to make popcorn. In fact, it’s probably better for you if you don’t.

Living off the grid (without electricity) forces you to give up things and microwave popcorn is just one of them. When my niece and nephews came for a visit last summer they watched in amazement as I made popcorn the “old fashioned” way – on the stove.

Five cups of popcorn with butter is approx:750 calories or 154 calories per cup.

Got any popcorn toppings you’d like to share with us?

Wednesday May 30, 2007

While kayaks are becoming popular cottage toys, the canoe—a long time favourite—has been declining in popularity. Or so I thought, until I spoke with Joe Bradant of Swift Canoe & Kayak, Gravenhurst, Ontario, who assured me things have been changing. A lot of it has to do with weight.

Canoes have long been the “fat boys” of the boating world – for those who have ever portaged through Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Park, you know what I mean. The metal Grummond at 75 pounds was virtually impossible to carry alone. But this has changed thanks to technology- aerospace technology and a fusion process that creates Carbon Kevlar canoes weighing only 30 pounds. According to Bradant, they are every bit as stable as their predecessors. “These are the strongest, lightest boats we’ve ever made.” Sounds like the fat boys have been on an Extreme Makeover episode.

These sound great for the lake and ideal for tripping, but can you canoe alone? Navigating a canoe solo is always a tricky proposition. “Yes,” affirms Brandant, who explains that kneeling thwarts are inserted into the floor of the canoe to accommodate solo paddlers.

So if you are looking for a new family toy, or a solo getaway, you might want to take one of these sleek new vessels for a test ride. Oh, and I do have to apologize. I was unable to test this canoe and I am not being paid by Swift to endorse their product; I am merely writing what I saw. The best way to find out if this might be a good fit for your family is to try them out. Swift Canoe and Kayak does offer rentals and lessons at most of their locations—check out their website at www.swiftcanoe.com for more information.

Happy Paddling

Tuesday May 29, 2007 

What do mooring whips and broom sticks have in common? On our lake they’re used to keep boats from hitting the dock.

Our cabin is located on a relatively small lake: six miles long and roughly ½ mile wide. One thing that I have been noticing is the increasing size of boats on our lake and the resulting wash or wake from these boats; the bigger the boat; the bigger the wake. Not to point fingers, but most of the wash is coming from wakeboard boats. Please don’t get me wrong, I love to wakeboard and I love watching wakeboarders do barrel rolls, 360s and glide across the rail – but these thrills come at a price and unfortunately, we with our little 16 foot boat, and everyone who has a boat on the lake are bearing the brunt of them.A lot of our neighbours are doing the smart thing and installing mooring whips. Made out of fiberglass these eight foot poles (depending on the size of your boat) are installed on the dock and the lines from the whips are attached to the front (bow) and back (stern) of the boat.

Photo courtesy of Houston Marine Systems

According to Mark Houston of Houston Marine System, if the whips are set up properly, the boat won’t hit the dock thus eliminating the need for buoys. The boats aren’t rubbing up against the dock, putting stress on the buoys and scraping the boat’s edges.

The whips come in several sizes with the 8 foot whip starting at $290:

1. 1.8 feet long for boats up to 18 feet in length or 2500 lbs
2. 2.12 feet for boats greater than 18 feet or up to 5000 pounds
3. 3.14 feet for boats up to 10,000 pounds
4. 4.16 feet for boats up to 20,000 pounds

Mark recommends the whips for smaller lakes but if you’re on a big lake and subject to big storms, you might want to consider a lift system. For more information you can visit Houston Marine System at www.hmsdock.com.

For those looking to save a few bucks, take a tip from our neighbour Mike and install two old broom sticks – they don’t have the flexibility that fiberglass has but they seem to work just as well.