Length of stay: 3 days
Visited: November 2025
We had a cold, windy and rainy end to the fall. The forecast was calling for the first snowfall of the season on Sunday. Perfect timing as we took Monday off of work and planned to spend the long weekend at the cabin. This way we got to see the contrast in the landscape before and after the snow.
Day 1: Things to Burn
We hit the road just before 7:30am. It was a little chilly, but the air was calm and the sun was shining. We stopped at the Maple Dale cheese Factory to get some fresh garlic bread sticks, cheese curds and a block of cheese. It was also a good opportunity to stretch our legs and get out of the car.
From there it’s another hour’s drive to get to the cabin. We arrived at the top of the road leading into the cabin just before noon. After parking the car, we walked in with our first load of stuff. Our little M managed to hike the entire way in, which was just under a kilometre. Most of the leaves had already fallen and the ground was carpeted with a layer of crunchy dead leaves.
The cabin felt like 0°C inside, a few degrees colder than the temperature outside. We got a fire going in the wood stove then made some lunch and unpacked. Next order of business was to collect a bunch of smaller branches, sticks and birch bark to use as kindling. We normally keep these in a cedar chest and our supply was running dangerously low.
I appreciated the monotonous and steady rhyme of finding branches, using the handsaw to cut them into smaller pieces, and then repeating the process. My mind was free to think while the hands stayed busy. Plus it was nice to just be surrounded by nature and breathe in the fresh air. It’s always so peaceful at the cabin this time of year when all the summer cottages close down for the year. It’s just a handful of folks that live up here year round.
M most have enjoyed all the fresh air too and she didn’t fight her nap. She went down for about 2.5 hours and probably could have slept longer, if we had not woken her up. For the remainder of the afternoon we enjoyed the warmth from the afternoon sun and kept the fire going. We got the inside of the cabin up to 20°C. The goal would be to keep it around this temperature overnight when the temperature outside was supposed to drop to -3°C.
We walked back to the car in the late afternoon. We needed to drive into town to pick up a carton of eggs that we forgot to pack in the cooler. And we needed to haul in the rest of our supplies. We returned just as the sun was starting to set, which cast a golden glow through the forest as we walked back to the cabin.
The sunset was quite beautiful as it set over the lake. It didn’t take long for the light to fade completely. The time changed last weekend and we were still getting used to the shorter days which will continue to get shorter for the next month and a bit.
We made dinner (gnocchi and a salad) and spent the rest of the evening reading and entertaining our little one (or should I say she mostly entertained us).
Day 2: Menzel Centennial Provincial Park
We got up a few times during the middle of the night to throw another log on the fire. The cabin stayed reasonably warm and cozy throughout the night.
The snow arrived early with the first few flakes starting to trickle down with the morning light around 7:00am. It continued to lightly snow throughout the morning, which thwarted our plans to gather a bit more kindling before the snow. We’d be fine for the rest of our trip and could perhaps sneak in one more weekend visit during the winter. Instead I moved some wood from the outhouse to inside the cabin to replenish our supply.
After eating breakfast we headed out to Menzel Centennial to go for a hike. We’ve been a few times before, but never in the fall (or winter). It’s a non-operating park so there are no services, facilities or amenities. But it’s free to visit and there’s a single hiking trail, Oivi’s Trail (4.8km rated easy) that’s well maintained.
Menzel Centennial is a nature reserve class provincial park. It protects a rare fen, one of the largest wetlands of this type in southeastern Ontario. The park was established in 1993 during the 100th anniversary of Ontario Provincial Parks. It was made possible by a substantial donation by Mr D. Menzel (hence the name of the park). And the trail was named after his wife, Oviv to commemorate her love of nature.
It’s an out and back trail that’s relatively flat. The trail passes by eight numbered markers through different habitats including forest, wooded wetland, fields, a shrub fen and birch grove.
The golden tamaracks through the wetlands looked especially stunning this time of year and with the snow.
The trail ends at Mud Lake. The lake forms the center depression of the wetland proper and contains the deepest layers. It forms a nearly pristine eco-system, catching water from both surrounding drainage and direct rainfall. We turned around and retraced our footsteps, which were now mostly covered in snow, erasing signs that we were here.
The drive back to the cabin took a bit longer because of the snow and slippery conditions on the road. It was a good reminder that we should put on our winter tires when we get back. We ended up parking in our neighbour’s driveway as we weren’t sure we’d be able to drive out from our usual spot on the top of the road leading into the cabin.
We returned to the cabin just after noon and made some lunch. It continued to lightly snow throughout the afternoon. We took it easy for the rest of the afternoon and just enjoyed watching the snow come down and keeping the fire going in the wood stove.
The one downside to the snow was that it got darker much earlier given the grey skies.
Day 3: More Snow
It continued to lightly snow in the evening and overnight. By morning the forest had transformed into a magical winter wonderland. A fresh layer of snow blanketed the ground and every tree branches.
We were a bit concerned with what the walk out to the car would be like. I volunteered to suss things out, packing my backpack and taking a load out to the car. The snow was pretty deep and I regretted not bringing snowpants and my winter hiking boots. But I tucked my wool socks over my pants and hoped for the best. If my shoes got soaked, I could always change into my slippers for the car ride home.
Despite the deep snow, it was a pleasant walk and I appreciated the quietness and snowy scenery. The forest was calm and the temperature was a few degrees below freezing. I dropped the stuff off at the car and brushed the snow off the windows and roof. Retracing my steps, I made my way back to the cabin, enjoying the lighter load and ability to take more pictures.
Breakfast was waiting for me when I returned – scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast and a surprise tomato from the garden that was picked several weeks earlier and managed to ripen over time.
After eating breakfast it was K’s turn to make another trip to the car. We’d manage to take the rest of the stuff out on our second and final trip to the car. While he was gone, M and I cleaned up around the cabin and gave the floor a good sweep.
We finished prepping the cabin for our departure. We’re not sure when we’ll be back. Maybe in December if the weather is mild. But if it’s a cold winter, likely not until the spring. We took an obligatory cabin family picture then made our way to the car.
Bye for now.
L
I love the obligatory cabin family picture! Thankfully, the snowy walk was manageable, and the trail looks gorgeous. Amazing cabin time for sure. Keep exploring M and family.🤩🤗
Thanks Hazel! It was neat to see the contrast in how the forest looked before, during and after all that snow. And there’s always something special about the first snowfall of the year. We had a lovely weekend at the cabin.
Wonderful to hear, Linda. My pleasure always!
Thanks Hazel 🙂
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Love and gratitude, Linda. Now it’s Monday🤩
Wow! What a fabulous weekend you had, Linda. Going to the cabin must be such a respite from everything – truly relaxing. Little M did really well hiking in for a km on her own. And your pictures are gorgeous, especially of that sunset. It’s too bad that you probably weren’t able to return again until spring but not surprising since it looked like that snow was really coming down.
Thanks Lynette! It’s always nice to head to the cabin to unplug from the world around us and just focus on the simple things in life. We’re hoping M can do a bit more hiking this summer. Even though it takes us three times as long to get somewhere, it sure beats having to carry her on our backs!
You’re right, we didn’t get a chance to return in the winter given all the snow and colder weather. Not sure we’ll be able to swing a trip this spring either before the bugs come out. So summer it is.
It all looks so lovely. Thanks for sharing.
And thanks for reading. There’s always something special about the first snowfall of the season. I couldn’t think of a better place to experience that than at the cabin. And oh boy did it really snow!
Oooooh, a three season weekend. You had a glorious November day for your arrival Linda and that sunset is hard to beat. Amazing how things slow down once you reach the calmness of nature. The new fallen snow is always so magical, as long as you are not driving. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend. Allan
It’s always neat to see how much the landscape transforms after a fresh snowfall. Im glad we were able to collect some dry kindling before the snow though. And you’re right, it’s magical so long as you’re not driving in it! Enjoy the rest of your weekend too. Linda
Nice to see the family in the last picture. Looks like a nice weekend despite going through many seasons. (Suzanne)
Thanks for your lovely comment Suzanne. We certainly had a bit of everything in terms of the weather. But it made for some nice pictures and memories. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
Wow! Beautiful places and photos! Baby M is sooo adorable! God bless your beautiful family! 🙏🏻✝️🥰
Thanks for your lovely comment, John! It was so nice to get away for a few days and just spend time together and be out in nature.
You are very welcome, Linda! 🌹
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Sure am, bike ride was excellent!
I think I’m envious that you have a cabin that you can go to spend a few days of solitude. But, I really don’t know. Maybe I’m just fascinated about the whole thing about cabin and solitude. Anyway, the snow scenes look nice.
I sometimes forget just how noisy the city can be until I’m out in nature. It’s really lovely to have the cabin to escape to every once in a while and just unplug from the world around us.
Love the sunrise and sunsets.
It’s a perfect way to start and end the day!
That is for sure.
I love the updates of your visits to your family cabin. What a spectrum of weather you experienced over a few days. Something special about the fall season. I could smell the crispness of the air from your photos.
It’s cool you can get a park named after you. I imagine if you and K ever won the lottery, you’d make a donation to a park too! A great way to leave your love of nature behind as a legacy!
Thanks Ab! We experienced a bit of everything in terms of the weather, which was pretty neat. I’m with you on how the fall is always such a special time of the year, even after all of the leaves have fallen. Everything seems more quiet and peaceful. And there are no pesky mosquitoes harassing us.
I couldn’t agree more about donating land to turn into a park is a wonderful legacy to leave behind for future generations. It’s too bad that sort of thing doesn’t happen as often anymore. But then again, the price of land today has never been higher.
I always enjoy reading your posts about the cabin – it’s almost as if I can feel the peacefulness you describe (and your photos definitely convey it). The snow-covered boardwalk among the golden tamaracks is lovely. To think a few months ago (or was it a year ago?) you had to carry Little M all the way to the cabin … and now she walks on her own! Amazing how quickly time flies – one of these days you can give her broom to sweep the cabin while you do other chores 😉.
Thanks for your lovely comment. We definitely feel a sense of ease and calmness whenever we visit the cabin and I’m glad that comes through with our writing. It’s our favourite place to visit whenever we need to take a breather or are just craving some time away in nature. It’s crazy how quickly the time flies. I must say, I’m so glad M is able to hike on her own now as she’s getting so much heavier to carry!! Funny that you mention the broom because at home she has her own little broom and mop set and will often try to help me clean up the floor whenever it needs sweeping or washing. It’s very cute. Granted, she ends up making more of a mess, but it’s the thought that counts!
Oh my, what a wonderfully relaxing weekend in a magical winter wonderland. Your photos are beautiful and I always love seeing little M; your hiker in training. 😊
Thanks! Our little M is definitely a little hiker in training! She might even enjoy being outside more than us sometimes! It was nice to get away and experience the first snowfall of the season at the cabin. I love how the snow can totally transform the landscape.
Reading this article and looking at the pictures lowered my blood pressure. It’s great to be able to commune with Nature!
Absolutely. Spending time in nature is so good for our physical and mental health. It was nice to get away for a few days, even if the weather was a bit all over the place.
I love how you pushed on through the snow without fretting about it. I’m also glad you guys found and ended up having enough kindling. The snow pictures are lovely !! Glad you had a great trip!!
It was the first snowfall of the year, which is always so magical. But oh wow was it really coming down. I’m glad we went out when we did as it got heavier throughout the day. And yes, it felt great to replenish our kindling supply as it sure came in handy given the freezing temperatures!
WoW… this was such a beautiful read. I could picture the whole trip from start to finish. The way you described the quiet, the routine, and just being out there together really stayed with me.
Those sky pictures are amazing. WoW. It looks so cold out there, but at the same time so calm and beautiful. And Baby M is precious as always. Love seeing those little moments.
This whole trip just feels real in the best way. Not rushed, not forced… just life being lived simply and fully. Really enjoyed this.
God Continue to Bless You and Keep you all in His Loving Embrace…
Thanks for your kind words Willie. It’s always so satisfying to watch the sunset at the end of the day. And it always looks so much more dramatic over the water.
You’re absolutely right about how visiting the cabin is all about slowing down and enjoying the present. It’s something we should do more often, but is often tough as there’s always so much going on. So it’s nice to leave that all behind every once in awhile.
While the weather on the first day looks really nice, there is something magical indeed with the forest covered in snow for the rest of your stay. I don’t think I can ever live in such a cold place, but it surely makes for a good story to remember and share. I love the obligatory family photo!
I couldn’t agree more, especially since it was the first snowfall of the season. It was neat to see how much different the landscape looked before, during and after the snow. The cold isn’t so bad so long as you’re dressed appropriately. The wind on the other hand, not so fun.
That sunset and the quiet of the lake seeps in with your words. I LOVE that picture with the boardwalk dusted in snow with the larch trees. Lovely family picture! Good thing M didn’t want to do the final walk out!!
Thanks Bernie. We had a lovely time at the cabin enjoying the transition between fall and winter. The golden Tamarack were the star of the show along our hike and they really stood out in the snow. And yah, I’m not sure M would have been able to hike out on her own given all that snow. And I guess it didn’t help that we didn’t bring snow pants.
Toddler M walked a km! Wow, good for her. I loved going to our cabin in Manitoba in the fall too, when no one else is there. I trust the drive back was fine without winter tires. Maggie
I must say, it was really nice not having to carry her in, even if the walk did take three times as long. I love how peaceful everything is in the fall. The drive back wasn’t so bad once we got on the highway.
So awesome post 🌷🙏👍🏻 such a wonderful nature photography and dear you and your loving family are stunning 😍 ❤️👌 happy weekend wishes dear friend 👏🌷
Thanks for your kind words. It was really nice to go away for a few days and just spend time outdoors enjoying nature. It was very peaceful and quiet.
Yes, beautiful view of yours family travels to gorgeous Countries 🌷🙏👍🏻
I’m enjoying to see your trip photos wherever I can’t visit , thank you so much dear friend ❤️🖖🌷
You are too kind. Enjoy the rest of the week!
🌷🙏❤️🌷 Thank you 😊
Aw it looks beautiful. The sunset over the lake is truly soul fulfilling, and the whole area is lovely even in the snow.
There’s always something so satisfying about watching a sunset over the water. It was neat to see the transition in the seasons between fall and winter. It was the first snowfall of the year and I couldn’t think of a better place to enjoy it than at the cabin.
Such a beautiful and serene post. Thank you so much for providing a calm and wonder-filled nature visit, from the soft sunset over the lake to the snow-filled fairyland. 🧡💙🤍
Thanks Rose! We had a bit of everything in terms of the weather. It was neat to see how much the landscape transformed after a fresh snowfall. Everything looked so pristine and pretty.
You got fall and winter all in one trip ha! It is so sweet to see M growing up at the cabin and remember how much she’s grown since the last visit.
We sure did. We had a bit of everything in terms of the weather, except for rain. I’ve always enjoyed the first snowfall of the season and it was neat to experience it at the cabin when going for a hike. You should see how much M has grown compared to when we were last at the cabin in November! I’m sure you notice it with your little one. They grow so quickly and change so much at this age.
You captured so many beautiful photos. It’s quite amazing to see the seasonal changes, dear Linda, as you go from autumn to first snow. The colourful sunset over the lake certainly ignites a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world we live in. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva! I agree, it was neat to see the transition between the fall and winter while visiting the cabin. There’s always something so special about the first snowfall of the season. And watching the sunset is always such a wonderful way to end the day. Enjoy the rest of the week. Linda
Such a happy picture ❤️
Thanks! We always have such a fun time whenever we visit the cabin. And it’s been great to share that experience with our little one (who isn’t so little anymore)!
SO much fun to see your sweet pink bundle! Impressed that she hiked to the cabin on her own – no wonder she took a long nap! Gorgeous sunsets and pictures – what a beautiful place!
Oh I know! While it takes so much longer to walk everywhere, it sure beats having to carry her on our backs! All that fresh air and exercise worked wonders for nap time. Usually it’s such a struggle.
Oh my gosh, I love those sunset photos! The sky is beautiful all on its own, but the reflections are just stunning. Sounds like a chilly but fun weekend away.
Thanks Diana! I’m convinced sunrises and sunsets are even more beautiful when you’re by the water. And it feels more peaceful too. Winter came early this year, but it was nice to experience the first snowfall of the season at the cabin.
What a beautiful, peaceful weekend! Love the family photo too!
Thanks! It’s always nice to visit the cabin later in the fall after all the cottagers have closed up for the season. It’s much quieter on the lake. It was definitely very peaceful.
It sounds dreamy.
Wish I was there right now!
I bet!!!
That first sunset photo is gorgeous! (and looks a bit like the eggs you had to pick up) M is turning into a good little hiker.
Thanks Ruth! Watching the sunset was the perfect way to end the day. It’s been so great (especially for our backs) for M to start hiking a bit on her own now. She’ll be running laps around us in no time!
What an inviting trip! And such a lovely family picture. Though I have to admit, for those of us living in 48-degree heat, ‘0°C inside’ sounds less like a cosy weekend and more like a daring survival mission. That Maple Dale cheese is a pretty good bribe to get me there, though 😊!
Thanks for your lovely comment. Thanks to the wood stove we were able to get the cabin to a much more comfortable temperature! The only issue is having to wake up a few times during the night to keep feeding the fire. A visit to the cabin wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the cheese factory!
Beautiful pictures! I love the pops of orange mixed with the snowy scenes. And the sunset pictures are stunning 🙂
Thanks!! It was neat to see the change in the landscape before and after the snow. And there’s nothing more satisfying than watching the sunset at the end of the day. We get the perfect view right from the front of the cabin.
Nice weekend enjoying the nature. It is nice to see it with the snow.
It was the first snowfall of the season, which is always very special. Any weekend in nature is an enjoyable weekend!
Would be hard to leave! I suppose the cold could influence that reality, but it is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
It’s always tough to leave. But it was nice to return back home and not have to worry about waking up several times in the middle of the night to keep the fire going for some heat!
Makes you appreciate the comfort of modern conveniences.
Absolutely!
Oh my goodness! It looks so incredibly peaceful (and I must say cold)!
While the days are shorter and the weather can be unpredictable later in the fall, it is certainly very peaceful.
Definitely a winter wonderland. Snow is magical when it’s newly laid like that but not great for every day xx
Oh I know! The first snowfall of the season is always special, but by mid-winter, I’m over it and am ready for spring!
What a beautiful sunset, but the arrival of the snow certainly signals the start of a new season.
There’s always something special during the transition of the seasons. Glad we got to experience the first snowfall of the winter at the cabin.