What to bring

1. LIFEJACKETS are a must. Label yours as the wind can pick them up and take them down wind!
2. CLOTHING: Ensure that you bring clothes to allow for every weather condition. Life by the water can be cool in the night while hot in the day. We are often 5 degrees cooler than, for example, Toronto only a couple of hours to the south. Several sets of clothes are wise for kids. I know mine always had a 'soaker' within the first hour of their visit. Long sleeves are important -again- just in case! Boots, extra shoes, hats, rain gear, warm sweaters.
   
3. PHARMACEUTICALS: Be prepared with toiletries that include sun lotion, bug spray, and moisturizer for those inevitable dry skin or sun burn episodes. Band-aids and a First Aid kit are important tools. If you have allergies, bring antihistamines. Remember tylenol and other medications, just in case. Get regular Rx refilled, too. We take handkerchiefs, so as not to add to our garbage.
   
4. ENTERTAINMENT: I firmly believe that 'when in Rome do as the Romans do' - cottage life means Scrabble, Monopoly, Backgammon, Sorry, card games, activity books (Soduko or crosswords!) NOT computers and computer games. Writing and drawing pads. This is a great time to do a BIG puzzle - set it up out of the way and work on it when you feel like it.
   
5. READING MATERIALS: Visit the (local?) library and find some books. I save my magazines to read by the lake. There are many good books on Cottage Life that include information on wild life, crafts for kids, for example. If you visit a small, local book store you will find books by local authors.
   
6. FOOD: I used to bring peanut butter, jam, and other necessities in a cooler, which is always handy. Power outages can happen, especially in isolated cottages. If you rent ensure that you have flour, sugar, spices, etc. as well as tissues & toilet paper.
   

The shoulder season

I must admit that I like the shoulder season best: June & September have quite seasonal temperatures and the bugs lessen in the hot temperatures, when they occur. There are lots of fairs and shows to attend: opportunities for residents and tourists to get to know the area.

There are a great many Arts Shows, Craft Markets during the summer. Check with the Chamber of Commerce tourism info in your area.

The past weekend was quite glorious. The sun shone, the bugs hibernated in the heat of the day, and the Muskoka Arts Tour and the Muskoka Doors Open 2008 Tour were quite successful. We chose to go to Dorset and Baysville and visited some delightful properties. The merchants go to great lengths to entertain and host these events. Those who opened up private homes show great hospitality in sharing their pride and joy.

We had a great time and a lovely drive. What a treat it was. Many dressed in costumes, too. I have lots of photos as a reminder.

Today, it is cooler, the 'net says it is 17 degrees, but it is a cloudy, chilly 17! There are dark clouds and high winds. It feels like fall! We expect more thunderstorms, too. Yeah Canada!