Last week, we enjoyed a big dose of Island life – not tropical, but wilderness. Being effectively cut off from all communication with the outside world for a week was a refreshing change. Adapting our daily routines to fit the scene – no electricity, limited fresh water – was a fun challenge.
The cabin on Girl Island has most of the amenities of home – but no electricity
This vacation was to Lake of the Woods, about 45 minutes by boat West out of Nestor Falls Ontario. Our hosts for the week call this 5-acre island “Girl Island”, as it’s one of the few islands on the lake with running water and a flush toilet. The island has a deep (nearly 30 feet) well, unusual in this rocky terrain, from which water is pumped (via old snowblower engine) to a 200-gallon water tower on the island. So there’s running water, but it’s not available in endless supply.
If you’ve got ice, salt, and a bunch of kids, you can make ice cream
Lake of the woods is known for its monster-sized Muskellunge (Muskies) and draw sport fishermen from all of the world in pursuit of this fish. Ours is a crazy water-loving family, and we wasted no time in storming the beach after we arrived. Our host said, “Nobody ever swims on this beach. This is one of the best Muskie beds on this end of the lake.” I didn’t tell the kids until a couple of days later, after they’d seen a few boats come in and start fishing right in their swimming hole.
Little did we know that Sjnjuhrff Rock was in the middle of prime Muskie territory!
It was very refreshing to be disconnected for a week. I didn’t miss the ‘net, or the television, or radio one bit. Now returning to civilization, I’m still kind of basking in the glow. Or maybe that’s the feeling you get when you get your head shaved.
I got a new haircut for Canada Day!
I feel like I have a more laid-back attitude, and a better perspective on what’s really important in life: family, friends, and the experiences we all share together.
Now, I just can’t wait to get back.
