Summer at Lake Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island was different this year. Recovering from surgery on a broken hip required a few adaptations, especially when it came to swimming, one of my favourite summer activities.
Of course there are no railings on this path so I ventured forth on striders- urban ski poles in the country. A bit wobbly (and yes, scary too) but I made it. The ladder does have a railing so getting into the water was easy. I found an old water mattress in the shed, cleaned it up and voila!
Holding on to the dock with one had and the mattress on the other I made my way on the path Meg had cleared through the stones until I can throw myself backwards on to the mattress. Physio exercises are a snap in the water.
One of the many things I like about summer on Manitoulin is being able to work outside for hours on end. I work in the early morning at the picnic table outside the back door until it gets too hot
Then I move around to chairs placed in strategic places so that my eyes are not in direct sun. Only if it’s very or, or rainy do I move inside to the “everything table.” Or my strange set-up at the computer which, believe it or not, is more ergonomically comfortable than the fancier-and more expensive-set up at home. Rather dark–but at least I can see outside.
Reading at island events is a collaborative affair. This year the Manitoulin Writer’s Circle had a table at the Kagawong Book and Bake Sale–who could resist being a part of that? Writers Paula Mallea, Margo Llittle, Bonni Kogos, Marion Seabrook, Linda Willson (not in pic) and I were living proof that all those books on sale had been written by real people like us.
The Writer’s Circle, with able editor Margo Little, is putting together a book of prose, poetry and illustrations to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the war of 1812. A sneak preview reading of work completed was held at the Gore Bay Museum, where I read Quilt Trails, a poem about women’s take on the war expressed in quilts and stories along what is known as the Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail.
The weather this summer was glorious for everyone except farmers and market gardeners whose livelihoods suffered from the near drought conditions. The days often began with a breathtaking sunrise. Good hanging out the laundry to dry weather too in the strong wind that often comes with dry heat. Herbs like it hot and dry, most of the ones in my small plot thrived, although the lovage (the droopy one at the back) sulked all summer.
Saturday morning is the day to stock up on fresh produce and baked goods, and get a start on Christmas shopping at the many handicraft stalls at the Mindemoya Market. Have a coffee with one of Maria’s sticky buns, chat with friends and listen to the band play country and western at its best.
There are so many galleries on the island that only a visit to the Manitoulin Island web site can give you the full picture. One of my favourites is Scott & Dianne Cruttenden’s the Sheepish Grin Studio where I feast on weaving, jewelry and an amazing selection of beading, knitting, and spinning supplies. I could take a class if my talents led that way, and usually depart with a few gifts on my list.
A yearly special is gathering at Mairy Beam’s and Martha’s Saunders’ cottage on Freer Point for a pot luck dinner and Sacred Circle Dance on the big outdoor deck. The sun setting behind the La Cloche Mountains colours the sky and water-there’s nothing else like it that I know of! That photo was too dark to post. Here we are while it is still light.
Most of the time I hang out at the cottage.
Not being an expert at storing digital photos, some of the good ones get lost including this year’s sunset. Here are words instead:
Twilight
A different quiet
than midday’s torpid blaze
when even the ants are idle
xxxxxxxxxxand no leaf stirs
Black cut-out trees fixed
against a navy-blue sky,
a sunset lake– swimmers
xxxxxxxxxxleave no golden wake.