Possibly the best way to extend the summer is to spend a couple last days at the cottage. Wednesday Walking beside the lake for the last time of the year.

Driving up through the forest from home, it rained a few times so all the green at the lake was freshly watered. The little guy has so much to see and smell in his new domain. He seems baffled at how close the chickadees are flying. Someone must have sprinkled some bird seed on his back.





One of the classic cottage activities is headed to Kawartha Dairy for some fresh ice cream. Even a few weeks after the official end of summer, the line up is still substantial.



Ever since I was a kid, my favourite flavour has been Tiger Tail. Not sure if it is the sweet/licorice contrast or that it reminds me of going for ice cream with my dad many moons ago.

Later that night, the clouds cleared out to leave us with plenty of stars and a half moon coming up through the trees. Nice and cool for a warm camp fire at a neighbouring cottage.

We hopped into the canoe for a little visit with @davedickeyyall and a paddle up to the other fire. The half moon was just coming up over the horizon and shining as brightly as the lights on the dock.



After a couple beers and a couple hours, the wind died down and our paddle back was over a lake as smooth as glass. Such a strange sensation. This is what the western shore looks like at 1:30am!

Of course there was beer involved. I didn't bother to bring a keg of our beer up and opted for some of the cottage breweries selections. Haven't had this one in a while but Muskoka is about as cottage as it gets. More this #beersaturday.






As I prefer, my last steps were spent down at the shore. Drinking in the sounds and the fresh air. Topping up the rest of that battery that will have to power me through the long winter. I am being a little dramatic as we won't have snow for another couple months. Still, this last moments looking south over the lake will keep me warm until we can make it back next summer.

Thanks for sharing this year's last cottage trip.

Do you have a summer happy place?