If you’re planning on visiting the cottage over the winter holidays, be careful. You’re quick trips in and out could actually cause mold, mildew and rot unless proper care is taken.

Moisture forms in the cabin when the temperature between the inside and the outside rises dramatically. Arriving at the cabin and cranking the heat, causes the inside temperature to rise. Cooking and taking showers compound the problem by filling the air with more moisture. When people turn off the heat and leave and leave, the cold air can’t hold as much moisture as the warm air, so the moisture condenses out, especially where it meets cold surfaces i.e. windows, doors, walls. This excessive moisture can cause paint to peel, insulation to deteriorate, damage window sills, and door trims.

Insulated cabins make the problem worse, because the temperature inside versus outside is much greater. The result is condensation. The solution is this problem is to have adequate vapour barriers, in addition to insulation, to separate the the warm moist air inside from the cold, dense air outside. A well insulated cabin, with proper vapour barriers, snug fitting windows and doors, helps to prevent condensation from forming.

But if you don’t have the cash to winterize your cabin, a simple solution, according to Cottage Life’s Jo Currie, is to turn off the heat while you are packing up to leave. Open up all the doors and windows for at least 20 minutes to allow the air inside to become as dry and cold as the air outside. Other ways to manage condensation is to leave the windows a bit during your stay. If you have exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom run them while you are there. You could also consider investing in a dehumidifier. Don’t store firewood inside, the wood holds moisture that gets released as it dries.

The only way to prevent condensation is to keep the heat at a low level year-round. Make sure that your cabin is well insulated, with proper vapour barriers and snug fitting windows and doors.

Here’s to winter cottaging, and I thought summer cottaging was a lot of work!

Cheers,

Julie

Although it’s only 10 a.m., the sun’s rays are starting to burn my forehead. Bits of rock, grass and dirt are swirling around me as I lunge my weed wacker into the tall grass. Hacking away at the dense growth, I keep my eyes peeled for long black slugs, seeking shelter in the moist earth. ‘Don’t want to hit one of those,’ I think to myself. Once the wacking is done, I will “tidy” up the beach front. Unaware of the path of destruction I am causing.

It’s ironic that all my hard work is actually dirtying my lake, speeding up runoff, contributing to soil erosion, and destroying fish habitant. This according to B.C.’s Sarah Weaver, co-founder of the Living By Water Project, and co-author of the book, On the Living Edge: Your Handbook for Waterfront Living, “Most times people who convert their shorelines don’t know the impact of what their doing.” Clearly I am one of them. Weaver adds, “I run the risk of damaging the thing that attracted me to it in the first place.”

She explains the shoreline, where water meets land, is where your waterfront property is the most susceptible to erosive forces. Erosion is a natural process causing a gradual wearing away of land surfaces by water, ice and wind. Left unchecked slumping, surface runoff and silt deposits can cause major property and building damage.

It is important for cottagers, like me, to understand the value of the “buffer zone.” By cleaning up my beachfront, i.e. removing rocks, small shrubs, logs and driftwood, I am actually damaging the riparian area, that narrow strip of land located along shoreline. Unbeknownst to me, where land and water meet is a unique and often highly productive ecosystem.

Allowing deep rooted vegetation to remain and planting additional grasses, shrubs and trees that are indigenous to the area, I can help buffer my shoreline from erosion. The Living by Water website states that if a buffer zone is properly maintained it can:

1. remove up to 50 percent or more of fertilizer chemicals and pesticides
2. remove up to 60 percent or more of some bacteria
3. remover up to 75% or more of sediment (soil particles)

Leaving driftwood, rocks and fallen trees in place along the shoreline will help absorb wave activity, and help minimize the impact of the large wakeboard boats, that I have grown so fond of.

This is great news. I now have a legitimate excuse to relax and take it easy at the cottage. As I gaze out from under my hat, good book in one hand, cold glass of lemonade in the other, I can take comfort in the fact that doing absolutely nothing is good for the environment.

Cheers,

Julie

Update on my environmental challenge: we have stopped buying bottled water and now just keep a jug of cold water in the fridge. I am still trying to wean myself off zip lock bags, this is proving to be harder than I thought. I am trying to consume local produce and meat/fish. Now if only they could grow mandarin oranges in the Okanagan.

What do you call a group of 46 guys sitting on a couch watching the Grey Cup?

The B.C. Lions.

On a more serious note, I was watching Peter Mansbridge on the CBC last night, and my heart went out to those folks living in Ontario. Brrrrrrrrr. While here on the west coast we are experiencing frostier temperatures, (+6) they are getting hit with the first major storm of the season. Being involved in an accident while in the midst of a blizzard would be quite simply, horrible.

I’ve always wondered how the police and hospital staff notify next of kin and relatives in the event of an emergency. In B.C., our phone numbers are printed on our driver’s license. I’m not sure if that’s the case in other provinces. I recently read in a magazine about ICE - in case of emergency, It was conceived in the mid 2000’s, and promoted by British paramedic Bob Brotchie. It’s purpose is to get people to key their emergency contact numbers into their cell phone under the name ICE. For example, ICE1 - Mom, ICE2 Husband. This enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, to identify victims and contact their next of kin to obtain important medical information.

Coincidence?

How often do two bloggers talk about the same subject on the exact same day? All the time. Recently, Heather from Cottagenews.ca posted a great blog on Preparing for a Winter Trip to Cottage Country the exact same day I posted Winter Survival Essentials for your Car. Heather included links to two websites that are very useful, Environment Canada and the Weather Network.

Reviewing Environment Canada’s Emergency check list there I realized there were some items missing from my list. They are:

• Sand, salt or kitty litter
• antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
• tow rope
• jumper cables
• small shovel, and scraper

Update on Shortbread Cookies

I would like to thank Debb for responding to my SOS for a good shortbread recipe. Debb often leaves me comments and they are all appreciated. Here is her response:

Debb’s Mom’s Shortbread Recipe

The key is to not over mix the dough. Ideally, you want to mix gently with a mix-master, but I have been know to whip up a batch in a food processor without too much damage to the dough.
I like to put the dough into a cookie press. Each Christmas I make trees, stars and flowers. You can decorate them the way you would sugar cookies, but I like to put a smal bit of candied cherry on top or just leave them plain! You can also roll them into tiny balls, then press them on the cookie sheet in a criss-cross pattern with a floured fork. It’s also fun to make cookie bars and then dip one end into melted chocolate!

Mix together 3/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup corn starch [this is what makes the shortbread short!
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 cup flour
Bake at 300º for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.

Cheers,

Julie

It’s minus 20. The road is barely visible, obscured by blowing snow and darkness. The icy conditions have scared away other drivers, leaving the snow rutted highway void of traffic. Suddenly the 4 x4 goes into a spin and loses control. It plows off the road into a deep ditch. The taillights, dusted with snow, form a white camouflage making it invisible from the road. Unless the occupants of this vehicle are prepared, there is a strong likelihood they will die of hypothermia, if left undiscovered.

“What most people don’t realize,” explains David Arama, owner and chief instructor of the Wilderness Survival Challenge and School, “Is that cars are full of metal. They draw heat away. If the temperature is -20 or colder, you will likely freeze to death in your car, or suffer severe hypothermia if you can’t produce any heat.”

When asked what is the most important thing people should carry in their car during the winter, Arama replies, “A sleeping bag, good for minus 20, and an underpad.” He also recommends if people are able, to get out of their car and go into the woods and build a lean-to. I must admit, I’m not convinced on the last point. I personally think trying to build a lean-to in a raging blizzard is more likely to kill me than staying in my car. However, I do not teach wilderness survival skills for a living.

As we head into winter, we’re likely to encounter bad road conditions, especially on the way to the cottage or cabin. Simple things can save lives. “Most people are unprepared and don’t think it (getting stranded) can happen to them,” states Arama. He recommends you be as prepared as you can, starting with your car. Here is his list of essential items for your vehicle.

Wilderness Survival Essentials

1. Sleeping bag rated -20 degrees and an underpad
2. Wool clothing i.e. hats, mitts, long underwear as well as wool/fleece blankets
3. High energy snacks like granola bars, nuts, or trail mix
4. Water or water purifying tablets
5. Road Flairs
6. Cell Phone
7. Candle - nice to have but doesn’t warm you up much
8. First Aid Kit

Another important point is to let people know where you are going and when you are expected back. Arama recounts a story of a man in the Muskokas who went out driving in his SUV. He took a wrong turn, got lost and ran out of gas. Unfortunately he waited 9 days for help that never came. Eventually he made his way out to the highway, where he was discover, but suffered severe frostbite. People were looking for him; they just didn’t know where to look.

Given that our family will likely be spending more time on the sea-to-sky highway this winter, this is one piece of advice I am going to take. I hope you will too.

Cheers,

Julie

It’s nine a.m. on Sunday morning when the OPP call to inform you your cottage has been broken into. Some neighbours discovered your back door ajar during their early morning walk. The officer explains your boat house door has also been jimmied, and needs to be repaired before it can be secured.

If you’re lucky, the cottage is only a three hour drive away; but not everyone is lucky.

Or, what if you’re almost home after a relaxing weekend, and you have that nagging feeling that you’ve left the stove on. What do you do?

These are issues that every cottage owner dreads. Fortunate are those who have a neighbor or a friend, who lives close by, and can check on your property for you.

Protecting a cottage is not just about preventing break-ins. Frozen pipes, uprooted trees, and heavy snowfall can also wreak havoc on summer homes.

We check it out, founded by Angela Balan, who is also a cottager, provides peace of mind for property owners. Her company perform routine inspections on vacation properties, inside and out, and posts a report on their website complete with photos. In the event of an emergency, they guarantee a four hour response time, and will make “temporary fixes” to any problem they discover.

“If a cottage is left open after a break-in,” explains Balan, “more damage can occur, particularly with animals or inclement weather. Our people secure the place, take photos and post a report on our secure website. The owners then go online where they can view the damage.”

We check it out, also maintains a network of trades people who will perform the repairs on your behalf. I could see this service working really well for people who fly south for the winter or for folks living out of province.

A membership can be split between a city property and a vacation property. You can have them inspect your city property in the summer and your summer property in the winter.

Memberships vary in price, but a basic plan which includes six regularly scheduled inspections and two emergency visits, costs $379 a year.

Unfortunately, this service is only available in Ontario - Muskoka, Haliburton and Kawaratha regions, but rest assured, they are expanding across Canada.

So the next time you arrive home only to discover you’ve left your make up bag at the cabin, don’t panic, we check it out will Fedex it to you.

Cheers,

Julie

Walking into the condo, I can feel my heart sinking. The old blue carpet is worn and frayed around the edges. The white walls are scuffed and gouged. Entering the living room, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bright pink flowers covering the circa 80’s blue couch. As I gaze around the room, I quickly note the cheap brass picture frames unevenly doting the walls. The white laminate kitchen table and chairs match the kitchen cupboards. Its hard to focus on the room’s spaciousness and the incredible views when all I can think about is, ‘how could you make this place look better?’

Regardless of whether I am buying a vacation property or a home, I like properties that have been fixed up. The nicer the renovation, the more I like it. According to Glen Mishaw, a real estate agent in Whistler, I’m not alone. He notes that painting the walls and putting down new flooring will show a property better and sell it faster. When I ask him for a dollar figure he declines to comment.

So how much is a renovation worth to a buyer and how much can it increase a property’s value? That’s going to depend on the market and the property. A unit we are currently considering buying, if it was renovated would likely list for $40,000 to $50,000 higher than the current asking price.

Getting a property ready to sell is a time consuming process. Aside from painting and new flooring, here are five easy ways to make your property more saleable:

1. Pictures - take them down or hang them properly, especially if they are uneven and mismatched. It’s better to leave the walls bare.
2. New bedding - most big box stores sell “bed in a bag” combo sets. Get rid of the ratty comforters and go with neutral shades.  Throw cushions are great for adding splashes of colour but use sparingly.
3. Lighting - get rid of those brass lamps from the coffee table and the night table. Ikea is a great place to go for inexpensive modern lights.
4. Clear off your counters - get rid of candles and holders made prior to 2000. Burn any flowers or plants that are synthetic or dried. This includes all swags, silk ivy plants, wreaths. Old wine bottles belong in the recycling bin not on top of kitchen cupboards. Store family photos in a rubber maid container along with the other stuff from your closets.
5. Window treatments - balloon valances, hanging blinds and cheap plastic blinds detract from the view. Ikea, Target, Walmart and even Home Depot, all sell neutral window treatments and wrought iron rods. Curtains can neutralize a room and create a clean modern look.

A lipstick renovation is all about painting the walls, putting down new flooring and following steps one through five. It’s important to remember, most women make the decisions and we love lipstick.

Cheers,

Julie

Walking around the Fall Cottage Life Show I come across a booth I can’t even get near. People are lined up in rows waiting for the person in front of them to leave so they can take their place.

Gently manouvering my way to the front I see a sign that says, “The Oust-a-Mouse Bait House.” Mice it seems are a universal problem when it comes to cottaging, and a big one judging by the popularity of this booth.

The “house” is a white metal box that stores the poison, but unlike traditional mouse traps that are baited and placed inside your cottage, this is a lockable, weather-proof container that is placed outside the building. The idea is to kill the mice before they can get into your cabin and wreak havoc.

Unfortunately I don’t have any more details on this amazingly popular product, but if you suffer from mice infestations you might want to check out their site at www.oustamouse.com.

Here’s to building a better mouse trap.

Cheers,

Julie

There are things at the cabin that I call “cottage essentials,” then there is everything else. The essentials are different from the survival items like, fridge, stove, boat, dock, propane fireplace and generator.

“Essentials” are those items that I don’t realize I need, until I have to go and borrow them from a neighbor. I often think, ‘Oh wouldn’t it be great to have a cottage registry gift service for cottage owners, particularly new ones.’

While some cottages come equipped with the previous owner’s hand-me-downs, most do not. The first couple of years as a new owner required a lot of trips to the local Home Hardware store (often several times in the same day).

Standing at the cash register waiting to pay, I often wished I’d remembered to ask for the particular item for Christmas. After all, duck tape makes a great stocking stuffer.

Below is my list of Nine Cottage Essentials. These are items that I cannot live without, and would love to receive as a hostess or cottage warming present.

Nine Cottage Essentials

1. Ladder - tall enough to reach the cabin roof and one that is light enough to carry by myself
2. Duck Tape - works great on leaky pipes
3. Traps - mouse, ant and anything else that is small and moves quickly
4. Floating key chains - very important if you have a boat and small children
5. Good Tool Kit
6. Big Flashlight
7. Cooler that has wheels - and can hold lots of beverages (smaller one for the boat)
8. Nut & Bolts set
9. Squeegee for washing window- we have glass decks all around the front of our cabin…

This is my list, now tell me yours.

Cheers,

Julie

CottageDaily is changing with the seasons. You will notice we’ve put away the deck chairs and are now enjoying the fall colours.

Dockside has some new features too. Otis, this week’s “Top Dog” is just one of several items we have added to the site. Our pets enjoy cottage life as much as we do. We invite you to share their moments with us. Email your digital pets to julie@cottagedaily.com along with his/her name and lake area. We will post them as we receive them.

We have also added advertising to the site. Maintaining CottageDaily is a lot like owning a cabin. There is always something that needs to be fixed or “renovated.” While CottageDaily is a labour of love, there are costs associated with hosting and web development. It is my goal to keep the ads relevant and useful to you, the reader.

A lot of people have expressed an interest in finding cottages to rent. Over the next couple of months, we will be adding a cottage rental directory to the site, specifically for British Columbia properties.

I always enjoy reading your comments and am especially interested in hearing what you think about the new changes.

If you are heading out to the cabin this weekend, I wish you a safe trip with lots of sunshine.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Cheers,

Julie

“The undone business of one season will be the extra work of the next,” writes Tom Carpenter in his article, Closing up the Cottage. Never were truer words spoken. So on the eve of close up weekend, we do ours a little earlier to coincide with our Thanksgiving dinner, I am busy making a list of all the things we need to bring with us.

The better prepared I am, the easier this whole process will be, not only now, but in the spring as well.

So here is my Close Up Checklist:

1. 6 Rubbermaid storage containers for:

• liquids, dry goods, fridge stuff, valuables, kid’s games and bathroom toiletries (it’s recommended to bring home your bathroom toiletries, hand cream, conditioners and sunblocks as they will lose their consistency and effectiveness once they’ve been frozen)

2. Steel wool to seal the cracks and keep out mice

3. Tools to turn off the water

4. 2- Gallons of plumbing antifreeze (we have two toilets and rule of thumb is 3 cups of antifreeze per tank and bowl, plus 1 cup for every sink and drain, and 2 cups for shower-stall drains)

5. Recycling bags for old magazines, newspapers and cans

6. Baking soda for fridge

7. Vinegar for cleaning

8. Extra garbage bags for transporting bedding, and storing what remains
9. Straps to transport the kayak

10. Rain gear - it’s suppose to pour all weekend (sigh)

11. Registration for the boat trailer and prearrange with marina to drop off the boat on Saturday (heavy sigh)

Well that’s my list - if I’ve missed anything let me know.

Here’s to no surprises next spring.

Cheers,

Julie