Length of stay: 2 days
Visited: October 2023
The fall is our favorite time of the year to visit the cabin. The display of leaves changing colour is beautiful with all the vibrant red sugar maples and golden birches. Plus the days are still warm and, best of all, there are no pesky bugs. We decided to visit the cabin on a free weekend in October to enjoy the last of the fall foliage. But we also had some work to do.
Day 1: Getting to Work
It was cold, rainy and dark when we left home. We seemed to have left the miserable weather behind as it was warm and sunny by the time we arrived at the road leading into the cabin. From there it’s about a 15 minute walk to get to the cabin. Fall was still in full swing and there were still quite a few leaves on the trees.
The cabin has become a second home to us over the past few years, especially during the pandemic. To provide some history, the property was purchased in 1903 and has been in K’s family for over a century. The land stayed untouched until the 1960s when the initial road was put in. But there was a bit of a dispute in terms of the property line and a second road was installed a few years later. It wasn’t until 1967 when the cabin was actually built. The cabin is very rustic. There is no running water or electricity. It is nestled in nearly 100 acres of forest, most of which are along the shoreline of a lake. It has remained relatively unchanged over the years, except for a few upgrades, including replacing the roof, fireplace and windows.
While most of our visits to the cabin are leisurely and involve going for a canoe ride, sitting by the fire, or going for a walk through the old mining buildings, the purpose for this trip was to do some maintenance to the outhouse. K’s parents came down a couple days earlier and had started the process of replacing the roof, which included measuring, picking up supplies, removing and replacing the rotten wood, and doing some other prep work. By the time we arrived, the roof was ready to be shingled. I made a couple more trips to the car while K got right to it.
For such a small area, it ended up taking the better part of the day to finish the roof. The outhouse still needs considerable work, but that’s a project for another time. By the time we cleaned up our work station, it was just after 5:30pm and the sun was starting to set. We moved the bench and grabbed some chairs from inside to watch the show.
K’s parents headed home while we planned to spend the night. After watching the sunset, we headed inside to tend to the wood stove and to get started on dinner. Needless to say we went to bed early that night.
Day 2: Leaves and Leaving
It was overcast and windy when we woke up the next morning and the forecast was calling for rain throughout the day. We made a few trips to the car to haul our gear out and to get our steps in. Many of the leaves had fallen since yesterday and what was left likely won’t last long given the wind.
We had wanted to go for a canoe ride, but the conditions weren’t the greatest. So after eating a late lunch, we packed up. We took one long look before departing. We likely won’t be returning for awhile as I was just under eight months pregnant at the time of our visit. The next time we’ll be back will be with our little one.
Until next time.
L
Very beautiful sunset photos, wow!! It’s great that you guys maintain the cabin so well, keep that family tradition going forward. I like the last photo with you and your husband leaning over for the shot in another window. Great post! ☺️🇨🇦
Thanks! It’s pretty special that the property has stayed within the family for so long. Hopefully it can continue. One of the benefits to keeping the cabin very basic is that it doesn’t require much maintenance. The biggest challenge is dealing with fallen trees, but that helps create more firewood, so it’s not too bad.
Gotta keep those wodowmakers away from the cottage 🙏🏻😊🤙🏻
You bet! We had a big wind storm that came through here a couple years ago. Thankfully nothing fell on the cabin. But we’ve started to mark the dead trees that are near the cabin in the summer so we can start proactively cutting them down.
That’s great, be proactive! Doing this also may prove to be a fire-break should a forest fire break out. 🤙🏻🙏🏻
Good point. All the more reason to stay on top of forest maintenance, especially since they’re predicting another hot summer here in Ontario.
Gorgeous sunset. My summers were spent at our cabin in Manitoba, so nice to have a long history for the family cabin. Maggie
The sun setting over the water is such a beautiful sight. That’s awesome that you had a family cabin too. I’m sure you made many memories there and that it helped fuel your love of exploring and of the outdoors!
The trees are amazing in the fall. And what a gorgeous sunset! How wonderful that you are maintaining the property so your little one can enjoy it as well. xo
The fall foliage in Ontario is outstanding, which is why it’s our favourite time to enjoy the outdoors. Since the cabin is rustic, it typically doesn’t require much maintenance. That being said, it’s good to stay on top of things and take care of the property so that we can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
Those sunset photos are stunning! It’s wonderful to have such a property in the family. Your little one is going to love trips to that cabin while growing up! Great capture of you, Linda, with your husband reflected in the window. Cheers.
Thanks!! It’s pretty special that the property has been in my husband’s family for so long. There’s so much family history (and good memories) here. Hopefully it can stay that way. We’re looking forward to bringing our little one to the cabin. Hopefully later this summer when the bugs aren’t too bad.
Wow !, you were in great shape for being close to eight months pregnant . Good for you ❤️ that’s something to be proud of for sure . It’s nice that K’s parents came and helped with the cabin. I’ve done shingling but it looks like hard work. Cleaning gutters is no walk in the park, either but it’s oddly satisfying haha 🤣🤣. The cabin looks like such a peaceful place . I love when the leaves start changing . Canada is gorgeous in the fall !!! Beautiful photos, Linda !
Thanks for your kind words! It became uncomfortable towards the end of my pregnancy, but staying active really helped. I’m glad we were able to squeeze in this last visit to the cabin as the fall is my favourite time of the year to visit. The fall colours in Ontario are outstanding. We had to make more trips back and forth to the car to haul our gear in, but I didn’t mind the exercise. Plus it gave me an opportunity to take more pictures along the way. And you know what they say, many hands make light work!
Yes! I like that phrase ” many hands make light work.” I’ve never heard that one. I’m keeping that one 💕 . A phrase I use with the kids all time is teamwork makes the dream work, ” lol 🤣🤣 it’s fun. I didn’t come up with it unfortunately but I share it nonetheless. I could imagine it must’ve been tougher as you were further along but it’s good you kept active. They say it’s important to keep active when with child to keep stress down and also keep your body in shape. I’m grateful you were able to do that and enjoy yourself. As I’m getting older, I’m really realizing how important self- care and spending quality time with others is. The colors are incredible in fall. Matt and I want to go back again in the fall lol 🤣🤣 but I’m not sure we’ll be able to. We’ll see what summer brings. I’m grateful you got to get to the cabin before winter and see all the glorious colors. I hope you’re enjoying your spring 🌼 🌼🌼🌱
I’m a huge fan of the “teamwork makes the dream work” saying too. It’s so good. Getting some fresh air and exercise worked wonders during my pregnancy and afterwards too. It’s good to keep the body moving, even when you feel uncomfortable and tired. I hear yah on the importance of self care. It’s something I’m trying to do a better job of, but it’s a work in progress. The fall colours in southern Ontario are outstanding. It’s one of the main reasons why it’s my favourite season! Our spring has been so lovely so far. We’re currently enjoying warm weather and sunshine! Rain is on the forecast, but at least it looks like it’s going to stay mild.
Same on my end !! We are getting a lot of rain but temps are mild . Today was very warm, though almost 80 degrees. Tomorrow it’s going to be more like a typical spring. I agree with you. Getting out and exercising helps when you’re tired. It relaxes you even more which is always good 😊. I am definitely going to follow your lead and exercise when with child . I’m glad you’re having more warm weather . The rain will bring us more beautiful flowers 🌺🌹 I’m glad you like that phrase too. I love anything positive . Yes!!! Canada has such a beautiful Fall. I’m so grateful I got to witness it
For sure. Sometimes it can be tough to find the motivation and energy to get outside, but once I do, I always feel so great afterwards. Now it’s one of the few ways I can get my baby to go down for a nap! The rain isn’t so bad if it leads to such beautiful spring flowers afterwards. Our daffodils and hyacinth are just starting to blossom. It’s such a lovely time of the year. Enjoy the warm weather!
Thank you ! I agree . My hubby and I have been walking almost everyday this week. It’s great 😃. Aw the babe gets sleepy on walks !! My mom used to wear my brother and I out that way . She was smart 😂🤓 We were and are still balls of energy . Yes!, our daffodils bloomed and our hyacinths, too!!! I’m so excited for more to blossom. I love spring . Thank you ❤️ you enjoy this great weather, too ❤️
That’s fantastic! I figure we might as well take advantage of the nice weather before it gets too hot or humid outside. And before the bugs come. Mothers are so smart! I’m finding it definitely takes some craftiness and a lot of patience! Have a wonderful weekend.
Good to see you back at the cabin pal, looking forward to more updates.
It’s always nice to visit the cabin, especially in the fall when all the leaves are changing colour. I’m glad we managed to squeeze in a couple of last minute trips as we likely won’t be back until later this year when our little one is a bit older. Take care. Linda
I love seeing your progress. 🙂
Thanks!! I’ll be including some more baby bump shots in my next post! I tried to take a picture each week as it was neat to see how much my belly grew, especially towards the end.
Gorgeous sunsets, and what a great location to watch them from.
Thanks for your lovely comment. I’m glad the cabin faces west as it’s really convenient to watch the sunset right from the shore.
Such a beautiful sunset! Will be so special to return to the cabin as a family of three 🙂
For sure. We’re hoping to take our little one there this fall. It’ll be a lot more work, largely because we have to walk everything in, but that just means that we’ll have to stay for longer!
That sunset is beautiful, and how special to think it’s your final trip as a two. I hope everything is going well with new motherhood and that you’ve managed a trip to the Cabin as a 3 🙂
Watching the sunset is one my favourite things to do at the cabin. There’s just always something so special about seeing a sunset over the water. Motherhood has been quite the adventure. Right when I think I have everything figured out, of course everything changes. We haven’t been to the cabin since our last visit in October, but we’re hoping to return this fall when she’s a bit older. We will be taking her on her first flight next month though, so we’ll see how that goes. Wish us luck!
You were is such great shape for almost 8 months pregnancy. I remember I was huge😀😀
Sunsets and sunrises are great around a lake.. since we moved up last year, I simply love my “office” view😍 I can’t wait to try our new kayaks.
Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Christie, xx
Thanks!! Being active sure helped, but I did get much larger towards the end! I couldn’t agree more about how sunsets and sunrises are extra special when watching them by the water. I’d love to live by a lake or the ocean someday. That’s the dream. Sounds like you’re enjoying it! You shouldn’t have to wait long to try out your new kayaks given the warm weather! Happy Easter! Linda
Hope you had a great Easter too!
We did! The weather has been so lovely lately that we’ve been trying to spend more time outdoors.
Wow! Wonderful place and awesome photos! Love the leaves ready to put inside a frame.
So cute cabin you are a lovely couple, thank’s for share Linda.
Have a wonderful new week.
Elvira
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. It’s always a treat to visit the cabin and spend time in nature, even if we had some work to do. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
Always a pleasure visit your blog Linda read your post makes me feel so close to the place you share. A cozy cabin so nice experience work on it. Keep enjoying your weekend too. Elvira
You are too kind. I’m looking forward to returning to the cabin. Probably when the weather is a bit nicer.
Always a pleasure Linda.
That sounds amazing it will be.
Have a wonderful day!
That sunset😍😍. It’s always sad when the wind takes the leaves. What a change in one day hey? You looked awesome for 8 months 🤰!!
Thanks!! I know what you mean about the leaves. We wait so long for them to change colour and once they do, they seem to fall so quickly, especially when it’s windy. Until next year.
You look radiant and I hope you get to go back soon with your little one.
You are too kind. I must say, I do miss how amazing my hair looked while I was pregnant, along with those pregnancy hormones! We’re hoping to take our daughter there this fall when she’s a bit older. It requires much more planning and taking way more stuff, which means we’ll just have to stay for longer. Take care. Linda
Fall is definitely my favourite season — I’m so happy it’s only a few weeks away! It’s amazing how long the cabin has belonged to K’s family. And even if it’s sometimes hard work to maintain such a place, it’s absolutely worth it (especially with such a spectacular sunset). Great photos by the way! Oh, and just imagine what wonderful new memories you are going to make now at the cabin with your little one.
Nice! We have to wait another half or year for the fall! Agreed, it’s pretty special how the property has stayed in my husband’s family for so long. We can’t wait to take our little one here. Hopefully in the fall! Cheers, Linda
Thank you for taking us to the Cabin on a regular basis to follow its changes. Your latest photo is a good illustration of how the Cabin is being passed from generation to generation.
One of the wonderful things about the cabin is that it doesn’t require much maintenance and that the forest has remained relatively untouched over the years. It’s neat how it’s stayed within the family for so long. We can’t wait to make some new memories there with our little one.
Nobody minds being asked to work in such a beautiful location. Looks like you had stellar weather and those sunset pix are gorgeous. I am sure your family will make many great memories there with your little one. Happy Monday Linda. Allan
Exactly! The work isn’t so bad when the weather is warm, the scenery is lovely and you have great company. It’s funny how we severely underestimated how long it would take to fix the rough though. But hey, we finished just in time to enjoy the sunset. We’re looking forward to taking our daughter there, hopefully this fall when she’s a bit older. Hope you had a wonderful Easter. Linda
Lovely sunset photos. It is nice to have a cabin you can go to during weekend and make a lot of memories.
Thanks for your lovely comment. The cabin has become a second home to us. There’s a lot of family history here and we’re looking forward to making many more memories in the years to come.
Beautiful photos! What a great relaxing place to have and an interesting history with it! Lori
Thanks for your kind words. We’re so lucky we have this little slice of nature all to ourselves. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and unplug from the world around us.
Sounds like quite the project, but I’m sure it feels good to have that step complete. How exciting to be anticipating your little one’s first cabin trip!! Also, gorgeous sunset photos!
We severely underestimated just how long it would take to repair such a small area. But then again, we’re not really handy people when it comes to renovations or repairs. The timing worked out though as we were able to enjoy the sunset afterwards. And yes, I can’t wait to return with our little one! It’ll be significantly more work as we have to lug everything in and out, but hey, that just means we’ll have to stay for longer!
I love reading about your cabin updates. What a serene place. I didn’t remember it dating back over a century! How lovely to have this passed from generation to generation and now you will create new memories for baby M! 💕 And she’ll have an updated outhouse to enjoy!
Those Fall colors and sunsets looked beautiful and how nice to look back on that memory now that nature is emerging and blooming into Spring once again.
Aww thanks! It’s pretty special how the property has been in my husband’s family for so long. We’re looking forward to taking little M there soon, hopefully this fall when she’s a bit older. It’ll be much more work to lug everything in, but it’ll be a good workout. And it also means we’ll just have to stay for longer then to make it worth our while.
What a treasure to have this in your family. It’s an absolutely idyllic location – your photos are stunning! Enjoy!
Oh I know! There’s so much family history here. Plus the land itself is quite lovely. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy nature and unplug from the internet and the world around us.
So great to have your own private place to escape to
For sure. The cabin was especially nice to enjoy during the pandemic when we couldn’t travel and our parks and green spaces were temporarily closed.
It was so sweet to read how long this cabin has been in K’s family. And now you’ll get to share it with the next generation! 💞
I’m so looking forward to taking our daughter there and sharing our love of the cabin and the great outdoors with her. We’re hoping to visit later this year when the weather is nicer and the bugs are no longer aggressive.
These are amazing Autumn Leaves.. Anita
Thanks! The area around the cabin has a beautiful display of leaves changing colour in the fall. It’s one of the main reasons why it’s my favourite time of the year to go.
Gorgeous autumn views from the cabin, and that is awesome that you did the maintenance on it before the baby arrived. Also, beautiful sunset!
I wasn’t much help! The extent of my involvement was passing things to people, like nails and shingles. It was still nice to visit the cabin though, especially since we lucked out with the weather.
Beautiful!! Loved the sunset pictures!!
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. I’m convinced that sunsets are even more spectacular when viewed by the water!
Like Ab, it’s always nice to read about your cabin updates. I wasn’t aware of its long history in K’s family. But that makes this little corner of peace even more special for you, K, and the baby. The sunset show is just spectacular!
It’s pretty special how the property has remained in my husband’s family for so long. Hopefully we can continue the tradition. We’re looking forward to visiting with our little one, hopefully later this year. It really is the best spot to watch the sunset.
Enjoyed the overview of the cabin’s history, I believe there was some new info not mentioned before right? 1903… what a fantastic thing to still have for the family. I am hopeless with any kind of DIY stuff but admit that I can feel the romance of this kind of project in such a lovely location. You were certainly rewarded for the day’s work with that magnificent sunset.
You are correct. I haven’t really shared the history of the cabin before. It’s pretty special that it’s been in my husband’s family for so long. They started a visitor’s diary back in the 1990s which is always fun to read through. It’s too bad they didn’t start it earlier! Neither of us are particularly all that handy, so we severely underestimated just how much work was involved! But hey, we got it done! Or at least this part of the project! Agreed, watching the sunset was a nice reward for our efforts.
What a sweet and tender time at your favorite place as you close the chapter of you 2and get ready to open the next chapter of you 3. I dont think you could have found a more lovely place. The sunset pictures are stunning! 🙂
Thanks!! We ended up going on a couple more small weekend trips before the baby came, but it was really nice to go to the cabin one last time. Even though we kept busy, it still felt very relaxing.
Sounds beautiful!
Even though we had to do some maintenance, we also found time to get some rest and relaxation and enjoy the scenery.
I’ve visited my brother in Toronto and gotten out into the countryside in the fall a few times and it’s magical – the maple leaves and other colors! You have a great spot there and the maintenance is just something we all need to do that keeps it livable.
Considering the cabin doesn’t require much upkeep, we really can’t complain. It somehow didn’t feel like work when we’re surrounded by such beautiful views and the weather is fabulous. The fall colours in southern Ontario are outstanding. Our trees really know how to put on a good show!
What an incredible place! The view is astonishing! It’s wonderful to think of your little one vacationing there.
Cheers to you,
Julie
We feel so fortunate that the cabin has remained in the family for so long. It’s become our second home in many ways. We’re looking forward to taking our little one here soon. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
I’d take a tiny cabin like this over tent camping any day. Thank you for the travel idea.
Oh absolutely! It’s so much more comfortable and convenient to stay in a cabin compared to roughing it in a tent!
Nice view of sunset.
Thanks! Watching the sunset was a nice treat after spending the better half of the day working on the new roof to the outhouse.
Lovely as always. The photos are fantastic. Fall is my fav time too. Love the kaleidoscope of colors.
Thanks for your kind words. There’s always something so special about the fall and when the leave are changing colour. It’ll be back before we know it. Cheers. Linda
The smell of the fall in Ontario slips out of your photos delighting the senses. I wish I could bottle the sounds and smells and open it up here during blue moments. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading and for your lovely comment. The fall is my favourite time of the year when all the leaves are changing colour and the air feels cool and crisp. It’ll be here before we know it. Cheers. Linda
Yet another great post and with so many beautiful autumn photos, Linda! 🙂 I can easily see why autumn is your favourite time of the year to visit the cabin – the air is crisp, your feet crunch fallen leaves everywhere you wander, and the sky just looks bluer somehow now that fall is in full swing. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day. Aiva xx
The display of fall colours in Ontario is outstanding. We lucked out this year and had fabulous weather in the fall, which made being outdoors even more enjoyable. I’m glad we made the most of it and managed to spend some time at the cabin before the baby arrived. Thanks for reading. Linda
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