Today’s story idea was literally handed to me. The Cottage Bible, written by Gerry Mackie and Laura Elise Taylor, was given to me as a Christmas gift from my girlfriend Sheryl. This is a well written, beautifully photographed, detailed guide to owning a cottage.

Gerry Mackie, a biology professor at the University of Guelph, devotes a good chunk of the book guiding cottagers on how to co-exist with nature, something we often lose sight of. He writes, “Respect the natural life around you at the cottage. The rewards will be many.” He even provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove quills and ticks from your dog.

Below are his suggestions for visiting the lake in the winter. While we seldom get snow on the west coast, the rain and wind can make visiting the cabin a frosty and somewhat unpleasant experience. His advice is relevant regardless of where your cottage is located.

Tips for a Successful Winter Visit

• Bring slippers for the ice-cold floor
• Invest in an electric blanket or hot water bottle
• Consider dragging a mattress or using a cozy sleeping bag in front of the wood stove or fireplace so you don’t have to heat the bedrooms
• Bring enough water for cooking and drinking
• Bring a plastic sled to carry your stuff across the unplowed driveway

Mackie writes if you use the toilet, use lake water or melt snow for flush water. Make sure you leave the tank empty; just use buckets to flush. Don’t forget to drain the bowl and add antifreeze again when you leave. He also suggests not bothering with the generator because you have to rewinterize it. OPPPPSSSs - I didn’t realize you were suppose to winterize the generator. Guess I’ll be reading the section on Generators page 319, to find out what I missed.

This is a terrific book, and a good one for any cottagers on your list.

Cheers,

Julie

P. S. My copy came from Chapters

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.

“An owner discovered his two sheds on Bay Road had been broken into. A generator was taken along with a chain saw and generator fuel,” reads the email from the Horne Lake Recreation Management. These emails serve as a constant reminder that at some point our cabin could get broken into.

My fellow blogger, Heather at www.cottageblogger.com, recently discovered a break in a neighbor’s cottage they had been keeping an eye on. The cottage wasn’t damaged. The thief had riffled through the cupboards and stolen a $40 telephone , but it was the emotional impact, the feeling that their safe haven had been violated, that caused them the most distress.

Our cottage association is very good at educating us on security.  Below are some tips from Brian Jeffery, on behalf of the security committee, taken from our recent newsletter:

1. Make sure that your driveway is chained or gated when not in residence
2. Take any valuables home that you won’t be using during the winter
3. Engrave your driver’s licence number on any valuables you will be leaving at the cottage
4. If you are going to leave your boat on the trailer at the lake for the winter, insure that the trailer is securely locked or better still, remove one of the wheels on the trailer.
5. Keep window blinds closed and place dowels or pieces of wood in your sliding window and doors.
6. If you have any additional tips - please share them with us in the comment box below.

We also gave our next door neighbors, who often go up in the winter, our cell numbers in case there is a break in. The biggest challenge is getting the property secured after it’s been forced open and making sure other intruders, like bears, or raccoons, don’t decide to make themselves at home. Fortunately, I have a sister who lives within a 45 minute drive of the lake, but not all of us are so fortunate.

On Friday, I will be blogging about a company, “We Check it Out” who performs routine inspections on your vacation property and provides emergency visits on your behalf.

Cheers,

Julie

When it comes to making decisions I tend to follow the masses. For example, I will seldom buy a book that’s not a New York Times Best Seller. It’s the same with restaurants. I like to know what I am getting into, or at least have a pretty good idea.

So when it comes to holidaying, I consult those who have gone before me. Friends are my first and favourite source for information. One friend in particular, who travels extensively with her children, ages five and eight, has proven to be a great source for travel advice. Her, and her husband, have been coming to Tofino for close to 20 years, and have owned a home on Chesterman Beach for the past 9 years. So when it comes to Tofino, she is a resident expert.

During our recent visit to their seaside home, I asked her to list her favourite Tofino activities, starting with a beach walk. After all, Tofino is all about the surf and the sand.

Florencia Bay is one of their favourite beaches to walk.  Gold River runs into the beach, where her kids and their dad love to build damns.

Hiking in the old growth rainforest is another popular activity. Their favourite hikes are ones that lead to the ocean. South Beach Trail is one of these, and the great big rocks found here are great for climbing. They like to spend the day here and will often have a late lunch at the Wickaninnish Restaurant, located in the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, adjacent to the beach.

Eating is a big part of any trip and finding good restaurants that are kid friendly is pretty easy in Tofino. Here are some of their favourite haunts.

SoBo’s – this trailer serves the best polenta French fries I have ever tasted.  It is located in the Tofino Botanical Gardens, which is also a great place to visit. They serve good food in a picnic style atmosphere. (250-725-2341)

Rain Coast Café (250-725-2215)

Long Beach Lodge – the Great Room (250-725-2442)

Blue Heron – If you go between 6 and 6:30 pm, you might see sea lions feeding on the fish scraps (250-725-3277)

Shelters is also a favourite restaurant, but this one is better suited for adults (250-725-3353)

The Wickaninnish Restaurant has a kid’s menu, beautiful views, and pretty decent food (try their salads, but avoid the fish and chips). (250-726-7706)

Of course there is always surfing and Chesterman Beach is a mecca for surfers. There is a parking lot directly across the street from the beach and it is a popular spot for lessons. Surf Sisters with their pink shirts can be spotted on the beach beginning at 8 a.m.

Another activity they enjoy is kayaking. Several companies come highly recommended, they are: Tofino Kayaking and Remote Passages Kayaking.

I hope these help you with your trip planning and if there are any activities your family enjoys in Tofino, please leave me a comment.

Cheers,

Julie

“Mommy, I’m bored.” I don’t know about you, but I cringe every time my children say these three dreaded words. I have all sorts of snappy comebacks but none of them has ever worked, except for, “Oh, then let’s practice your piano.” Hearing these words usually means that some kind of action is required on my part. When it comes to my kids, I find a good offense, being prepared, is better than a defense, trying to come up with something on the spur of the moment.

Recently, we spent a week at my brother’s cottage on Crooked Lake, Saskatchewan. Packing to go to a cabin always leaves me in a quandary, especially when it comes to deciding what to bring for the kids. Clothing is one challenge, toys and activities are another. This time I decided to let my children decide what they wanted to bring. Big mistake. Two hours into our visit and my son was already complaining, “There’s nothing to do.”

Here is a list of things I wished I had packed for them and didn’t. I would love to hear what other people take along to help keep their kids or grandchildren amused.

1. More Puzzles - I found the adults loved doing the one puzzle we did bring
2. Arts & Crafts Supplies - scissors, tape, glue, sparkly things from dollar stores, heavy construction paper and string for kite making
3. Paint by Numbers - these are inexpensive and a great activity to pick up and put down
4. A good chapter book to read out loud to the kids - Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder would have been ideal
5. Play Dough - or the ingredients to make it.
6. DVD’s like RV, Blue Planet, Happy Feet, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz
7. Read-Along stories either tapes or CD’s
8. Bingo Game
9. Dollar Store Prizes for scavenger hunts
10. Sticker books

My sister-in-law, Nancy, saved the day with an over-sized purple ball she bought at the SuperStore for $0.93. We played a lot of soccer tag over the course of the week.

As you prepare for this Labour Day Weekend, hopefully these suggestions will help you with your packing.

Cheers,

Julie

If you were asked to name top cottaging destinations, Saskatchewan might not be one of them. But you might want to think again. With average national price of a standard waterfront property reachable by land costing $427,589, according to the 2007 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report, cottaging on the prairies might be a more affordable option.

There are three cottaging areas in the province, Regina Beach, Qu’Appelle and Last Mountain Lake, all boasting beautiful lakes with ample beachfront. A standard waterfront property in these regions averages $250,000, up from $155,000 to $160,000 in 2006. Like everywhere else in cottage country, the demand for waterfront properties has resulted in significant price increases over the last couple of years.

But if you’re willing to pay more, $380,000, you can get a nice year-round home on a lakefront property. Compared to Vancouver’s housing prices, that does sound like a bargain.

A number of friends have recently built “cottages/homes” in these areas. Despite having to commute by plane, they love the area and the beautiful scenary. I am off to explore the region of Qu-Appelle next week and will be blogging from my brother’s waterfront home. One thing I did notice was how inexpensive a round of golf costs. With the average price for 18 holes costing approximately $20, I might just have to sneak in a few rounds.

Here’s to exploring new territory.

Cheers,

Julie

The plump ripe blackberries burst, staining our fingers red, as we pull on their delicate bodies. Fighting their spear-like thorns, we brave the dense underbrush, trying to get at the low hanging clusters. The fight is torturous. Our wrists and fingers are irritated from the tiny little pricks. At last we emerge from the thorny briars. Our Tupperware bowl is overflowing with the sweet succulent fruit.

It’s berry season on Vancouver Island. Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries flourish on this rocky coast. The Saturday morning Farmer’s Markets offer an abundance of local homemade jams and jellies.

Talking to one local producer he informs me that his jam has only three ingredients: fruit, sugar and Certo. ‘Wow, I forgot how little is easy it is to make jam,’ I think to myself, and so braving the elements, the kids and I set off to procure the berries.

This is actually the hardest part, getting the fruit and keeping the kids from eating it. We are rewarded for our efforts. Stirring the deep purple mixture, a sugary aroma fills our cabin. I can already taste this sweet-tart jam on my hot buttered toast, and unable to wait for breakfast, I end up having toast for dinner.

Five cups of blackberries yields eight cups of jam, enough to share with our neighbours.

Below is the recipe we used – it is simple and delicious – perfect for the cabin.

Blackberry Jam

5 cups of crushed blackberries (I used a potato masher)

1 box CERTO Pectin Crystals

4 cups of white granulated sugar

Preparation

In a large saucepan stir together crushed blackberries, and Certo.

Bring to a boil over high heat. Add sugar.

Return to hard boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat. Stir and skim for 5 minutes. Pour into sterilized jar to ¼ inch from the rim. Cover with lids and screw rings on firmly.

(I use a pan of water to sterilize the lids, rings and jars as well as any utensils I need – I boil everything for 10 minutes.)

Cheers to Jammin!

Julie

Driving down the dusty lane, leafy green corn stocks with their golden tops grow in neat narrow lines. A small wooden sign with the words, “Fresh Corn,” is propped up against a wooden post. Following the green arrows, I arrive at the source. Nothing tastes better than corn slathered in butter, and getting it fresh from the field tastes even better.

Now that the corn is ripe and plentiful, there are many ways to serve these golden niblets. Today’s Corn Salsa recipe can be used as an appetizer, or served as a delicious summer salad. Accompanied with grilled steak, it makes a delicious meal.

And if you like things on the spicy side, try the Spicy Butter recipe below, it will add some zing to your cobs.

My favourite place to find recipes is at www.epicurious.com. Users provide their comments and offer suggestions for improving the recipe. Today’s recipes are from this site.

Corn Salsa with Cilantro Dressing

Directions

In a large bowl combine the following:
3 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 6 small ears of corn)
1 red pepper chopped

1 orange pepper chopped
2/3 cup finely chopped red onion

½ cup black beans (from can – rinsed)

In blender, purée until smooth:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons (packed) golden brown sugar
1 garlic clove
Salt and pepper

Preparation

Just before serving, pour dressing over corn mixture and toss. This makes a great appetizer or add it to a salad and serve with grilled chicken or steak.

We all love to slather our corn with salt and butter, but if you want to add some zing to your cobs, try this spicy butter instead.

Spicy Butter

Ingrediants

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lime peel
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Sugar (optional)
8 ears of corn

Directions:

Mix first 7 ingredients in medium bowl. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.)

To boil corn: Bring large pot of water to boil; add pinch of sugar, if desired. Husk corn. Add corn to pot. Return water to boil and cook corn until water starts to boil and corn has turned a darker shade of yellow. Drain corn and serve immediately with lime-chive butter.

To grill corn: Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Remove all but the innermost husks from corn. Fold back inner husks and remove corn silk. Rewrap inner husks around corn. Grill until husks are slightly charred and corn is tender, turning often, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately with lime-chive butter.

Cheers,

Julie

With his head barely above the wave, five-year-old Dawson Foreman, road the three-foot wake to victory this past weekend. He and his brothers were competing in the BC Wakeboard Championships held at McIvor Lake, Campbell River. With clenched teeth, and a look of steely determination in his eyes, he hung on to the 75 foot rope and managed to make it through the course with no falls - something the older novices is his class couldn’t pull off. Dawson, the youngest competitor, was just one of the many boarders who impressed the judges and wowed crowds with their strength and courage.

Over the next couple of days we will be showing pictures and videos from Sunday’s competition.

If you think you are too young or too old to compete in these events, held up and down Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia and across Canada, think again. You don’t need to own a cabin or have a fancy Malibu wakeboard boat. What you really need is courage and the willingness to get wet and take some falls. The clubs offer water skiing, wakeboarding and wakeskating  instructions.

You do need to register. The cost to join Water Ski and Wakeboard British Columbia is $60, for a family and $35 for singles. Check out the site to find a club in your area and get ready to have some fun. The coaches and participants are very friendly and welcoming and especially patient with the younger members. It’s a great way to teach your kids to water ski, wakeboard and wakeskate.

Who knows, maybe you will be competing in next year’s championships.

Cheers,

Julie

When your husband, sneezy, and your son, wheezy, both suffer miserably from allergies and asthma, spring cleaning at our cabin takes on a whole new meaning.  One of the biggest culprits is dust mite allergens: a microscopic scavenger insect that consumes skin particles shed by humans. Their fecal pellets and body fragments are the main source of allergen in dust. 

These nasty little invisible creatures love: humidity, warmth, shed skin and darkness.  Every year when we open up the cabin, I hit the war path to eradicate them.  Armed with my bucket and vacuum, I leave no mattress unturned.  One of the best ways to eliminate bed dust mites is to use a dust mite mattress cover which is a zippered vinyl allergen proof cover.  You need one for the box spring, the mattress, pillows and comforter.  Make sure to wipe them with a damp cloth weekly.  These covers can range in price, but I usually buy mine at Walmart and throw them away at the end of the season.  They are not strong enough to withstand the washer and dryer (ours melted in the dryer last year).

In order to kill dust mites in bedding, you need to hot wash bed linens and blankets weekly.  The hardly little creatures are killed at water temperatures greater than 140 Fahrenheit or 55 Celsius.

The other challenge I face is eliminating dust-mite havens.  This means no stuffed toys, book cases, or rugs, in our bedrooms which are a major repository of dust mites.  All furniture and fixtures in these rooms are damp dusted after vacuuming is completed.  Vacuuming itself does not remove dust mite particles and make sure you wipe the bed frame.

One final note, mites love humidity so do not use a humidifier if you are a fellow sufferer.  We had to move our son’s room at the cabin to a dryer, sunnier spot.  It takes a lot of work to keep the cabin dust mite free, and still we have sniffles and sneezes, so I make sure I have lots of Claritin and Kleenex on hand for the cottage season.   Guzuntight!

Hypoallergenic Bedrooms (courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital)

• Eliminate bed dust mites – zippered vinyl allergen proof mattress covers

• Kill dust mites in bedding – hot wash bedding

• Decrease dust-mite havens

• Reduce humidity

• Avoid pets & pet secretions – pets out of house

• Reduce circulation of allergens: completely block off forced air vents in bedroom. Heat bedroom with a baseboard heater (ideal 65F, 18C). Clean or change furnace filter monthly.

• No smoking inside the Home

• Reduce pollen in bedroom: if pollen allergy is a problem, keep the window shut in the bedroom during the specific pollen season involved unless it’s raining.

• Replace curtains with a blind

• Remove carpets from bedroom and replace with linoleum or hardwood

• Relocate bedroom upstairs if it’s in a damp basement

• Get rid of pets – do not replace them if they die

• Stop smoking