A Long Drive For A Short Ride At Long Point

Wendy and I drove down to Long Point this morning in anticipation of another hot day, (according to the weather forecast). We launched under pleasant skies at the Provincial Park launch ramp around 10:30 am and headed out on a somewhat choppy Inner Bay with a fresh 10 to 15 knot wind from the southeast.

The weather man was wrong as the temperature was having trouble getting over 70F so, for now, we decided to explore the Old Cut and get off the lake. We enjoyed looking at the motley collection of boathouses along the canal and exploring around this old resort area. It looks like the whole area is having trouble keeping up with the ravages of time, but it makes good material for my photos.

An invasive species (Phragmites) are beginning to take over the original marsh vegetation and I would suppose that soon any hope of a lake view from land will be only a memory. Too bad because the tourist industry here looks like it needs a boost. Wendy says it is "nature's way" of reclaiming the land ravaged by the worst invader - the vacationing tourist or cottager.

Our interesting excursion didn't last too long. Unfortunately this was to be the day that we finally received some much-needed rain so our ride was cut short when black, threatening clouds appeared on the northwestern  horizon.

We just got the boat out in time for a torrential downpour.

I had planned on a nice long day on the lake, exploring some of the wondrous nature to be found on this 40km spit of sand jutting out into Lake Erie. There are no roads past the Provincial Park (at least none open to the public) so a boat is the only way I can see, to get to the remote parts of this incredible 20 mile sand spit. Right at the end there is and abandoned lighthouse,

Instead of touring the natural wonders of Long Point, we had to be content with a short run up and down one rather picturesque, yet dilapidated canal. Since Long Point was developed in the early 1800's, its buildings have had a long time to ferment and mellow I guess. Oh well, the hope of returning for a more extensive tour gives us something to look forward to for another day.  You can read more about this amazing place if you CLICK HERE.
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Fire Update.

Contrary to the two emails on the previous post, it now is known the fire started in unit M209, not M208 as stated. According to Kay, who lives 2 doors away in M207, the fire cause is still not known. She said propane or electrical was ruled out but the cause will not be known until the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, no one has been allowed to move back, and won't until all the services have been stabilized. eg. sewer, electrical, water etc. She said she was allowed to visit in order to retrieve medications and there was no smoke odour in her unit. There is a cement firewall dividing the building into 3 equal segments. It would appear that most, if not all of the damage was contained in the end 12 units (closest to the Bluewater bridge) of 36 total. The people displaced from the burned out section face undetermined delays before the affected units may be re-built.

"Venetian Boulevard remains closed around the vicinity of a spectacular fire at Mariner Village condominiums Tuesday evening.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the blaze, which is said to have originated in a second storey unit on the north side of the building around 8:20 p.m. It then spread throughout the west side of the building and broke through the roof.
There were no injuries reported and all residents are accounted for, said Lambton OPP.
Point Edward Fire Rescue were at the scene and were assisted by Sarnia Fire Services.
Point Edward Chief Doug McKenzie said a combination of cedar shakes and vinyl siding made for a hot fire but the blaze was extinguished very quickly.
Those residents impacted by the fire are either staying at hotels or friends and family. Canadian Red Cross and Victim Services are continuing to assist and the OPP is maintaining security at the scene."
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Fire At Our Condo Complex

On Tuesday May 22 a fire broke out at our condo complex. The fire trucks arrived quickly but there was a lot of damage. This footage was taken by the local newspaper, the Sarnia Observer. We only found out about the fire from the newspaper so we don't really know how (if at all) our unit was affected by smoke etc. Our condo unit is quite a distance away from the fire site.

These pictures taken from my dining room. You may use or keep for your files. Paul Dusten

Since we have been busy at our home in London, ON. we only this afternoon found out about this bad fire which occurred Tuesday night at our condo complex in Point Edward.  As far as I can tell it doesn't affect our unit but the smoke was blowing that way according to the movie below.  Thankfully no one was injured. Unofficially it was speculated that a barbecue grill may have started the fire. I'll do an update when I know more.

Here's an email from our neighbors who live below our unit:

"Hi, all is well back in our area. It is confined to front building which is still out of bounds and secured.It started from208 but no cause as of yet. People saw smoke on their balcony and then they think a propane tank sent flames up to the roof-. 2 condos destroyed and 8-10 with damage. They are still assessing the situation. The condos on the south side of the building were not affected. We are getting out of the garage from the south side car wash ramp. There is nothing for you to do. We are fine---it was a shock and a scary sight for all-------------see you soon---------Carol"

And this letter from our friend George who lives near us:

Tim / Wendy

The fire caused a lot of damage to LCC#25, the North section suffered the damage from the fire, Units M108/M208/M308 are completely gutted, with extensive fire damage to the adjoining units to the south on all three floor, it also appears that the fire travelled along the roof and exited at the north gable end of the North section of LCC#25, it appears that all units in the North section of LCC#25 suffered extensive water and smoke damage. The South section of LCC#25 would have suffered extensive smoke damage but no fire damage, all residents of LCC#25 have been evaluated and have NOT been allowed back in even to retrieve their medications.

It appears that the other corporations , LCC19, LCC22 suffered no or very little smoke damage.
As for LCC#10 for once we seem to have escape any noticeable damage, smoke or water.

It appears that the South section of LCC#25 may be allowed to return by this time next week
and this may be only to retrieve personal items as for the North section little is known because
the structure may have been compromised.

Well that's all for now.
Off to Indy tomorrow morning.

I hope that you and Wendy and the kids are well.
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Opening the Pool

Our ducks returned to enjoy the nutrient rich water covering the pool cover. I wonder what they think of a salt water pool? "Thith water ith making me thirsty - thit!"

We can't tell if these are the same ducks as last year but Wendy figures maybe one of them could be one of the ones that were born here in past seasons.

Monday. Remove the cover and hook everything back up.

Tuesday. Start the pump and vacuum up the slime

Tuesday afternoon we added 3 bags of salt and started the salt water chlorinator.

Wednesday I added the balancing chemicals - stabilizer, calcium, sodium bicarbonate etc.

Every year I say the same thing. "Look how fast the water changes from emerald green to crystal clear."
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Amazing Heat For May

Port Stanley Dinghy Ride

Lake Erie fishing boats line the banks of Kettle Creek. I whipped up a quick watercolour. You can click on it to see how it looks on textured paper. The low point-of-view shot from the middle of the creek is possible only by boat.

On Monday the weather was so accommodating  Wendy and I decided to go for a ride again in our smaller yacht. This time I aimed for Port Stanley, a little fishing village about 20 miles south of our home in London, Ontario. There was no wind and the air temperature was 77F as we launched the dinghy off the trailer at Stan's Marina. These are the kinds of trips one can make with a smaller boat. Of the many dozens of times we've been to Port Stanley Wendy and I agreed, we've never been out in a boat. Perfect!

This is a fishing shanty near the marina. Click the pic to enlarge.

After we left Kettle Creek and the harbour, we toured out along the shoreline of Lake Erie past the bluffs and Hawk's Cliff to just past the water intake station. The water was so calm we spent some time just putting along beside the rugged bluffs.

Look at the trees that rode down the cliff on the land slide and are still standing upright.

Did you notice the two people at the top?

Then we headed back past the mouth of the creek and past the Main Beach. The water was like glass, which is very rare for the late afternoon.

Not many people on the Main Beach but Mackies was open for french fries. None for us though, we're dieting I think.

Another fine day on the water. I hear it's going to be a scorcher of a summer, so we'll do this again some time.
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PART 4 - A Weekend In Orillia - John & Cheryl's 25th Anniversary Party

The Party

Theo's is an Orillia tradition. Wendy and I have enjoyed two other dinners in other years at this locally famous, Greek style restaurant.

"Theo's Eatery is an family-run Greek/Italian restaurant on Memorial Ave in Orillia that has been serving up pasta, pizza, steak, salads, veal and ribs to their guests since 1993. Reservations accepted, delivery and take out is also available."

 
You'll have to excuse me for not remembering all the names of the 40 or so people at the party. I should have been jotting them down. Most of them were John and Cheryl's relatives; this picture showing J&C's son Josh with his lovely girlfriend.

 
The statuette is a "family joke gift" that has been passed around to other family members on significant occasions.

Left is Chery's dad Al, engaged in serious looking conversation with John's brother Mike.

Barry (center) and Holly, with Donna's sister Francis, who has worked at Theo's "forever".

Cheryl's dad Al snaps a picture of his daughter and the cake. John's parents Ken and Dorothy are in the background, and also Cheryl's mom Dorothy and her brother Brian.

Pete and Al in conversation in Al's back yard after the dinner at Theo's.

Wendy and John's dad Ken who lives with his wife Dorothy beside John and Cheryl in Toronto. My dinghy is off-shot in front of the RV.

And of course you'll recognize Barry, Cheryl's cousin Davina, John's brother (and our cruising friend) Chris and John.

Lots of fun, conversation, drinks and snacks.

Barry and John.

Wendy and I; as two of the very few invited guests who were not part of the family, felt extremely privileged and honoured that we were asked to share in this celebration of 25 years of John and Cheryl's happy marriage. Here's to many more John and Cheryl.
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