part 2...
Then came August and the Covid-19 virus and all its awful implications were now firmly ingrained into our every thought and deed. We went nowhere without our masks and avoided people as much as possible, and when not, keeping our six feet distance. We were still safe on our mountain as the virus swept through the rest of the country but our borders remained closed and each month that passed the opening date was pushed further back. It seemed the USA remained the pariah of the world. We were still keeping the numbers of infected down in our area as the population diligently followed the health guidelines but who knew how long it would last. Planning to keep our big truck for at least another five years we had it painted earlier in the month and were very pleased with the results. Shortly afterwards we planned a trip to the Saguenay region, north of Quebec City, to look at a 28 foot pleasure craft that had caught my eye on Kijiji. I loaded the camper on the back of the truck and off we went, glad for a break and a change of scenery. We spent two days at a campground in Jonquière on Lac Kénogami, took the plunge and made an offer. Towing it home was a white knuckle drive in rain and traffic, then a night stopover in the Laurentides Wildlife Preserve. Co-owner Phil and kids came up to check it out at the boat and RV dealer in Megantic where we had left it for some minor maintenance and inspection. While here we all took a day trip up to the top of Mont Megantic to visit the Observatory (due to Covid-19 it was closed) and watch some para gliders. The following weekend we took the boat out for the first time on Lac Megantic, our closest and biggest lake, 10 miles long and 2 miles across. It was a beautiful day and everyone was thrilled. At the end of the month Marie and I drove to Embrun, Ontario to celebrate early birthdays for Damien and Declan. Christina had only invited a very few close neighbors so we all felt comfortable in their company.
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August, our new old F250
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August, the marina in Jonquière
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August, our new Sunray, Laurentides Wildlife Preserve
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August, campfire and marshmallows
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August, Amy checking out Marie's tomato plants
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August visit to Mont Megantic Observatory
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August, first attempt to put the boat in Lac Megantic
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August, cruising on the lake
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| August, two sweeties at the lake |
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August, Commodore Phil
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August, visiting Aaron and his rabbits
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August, William and Patsy
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August, birthday boy Declan
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August, cuddling up with Grandpapa
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August, happy mom with birthday boys Damien and Declan
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September on the mountain was hot and dry and it was the first time I had seen our pond completely dry up. Our frog population disappeared and we wouldn't see them now until spring. I eventually finished staining the siding for the garage and waited a few more days before our contractors began installing it. I received my Pleasure Craft Operators Card in the mail after successfully writing and passing the National Boating course and test online with 84%. I was now ready to sail around the world! Phil came up early in the month to spend a few days sailing and to sleep on board the boat with the family. The following weekend he bought up a small inflatable tender which we tried out with Amy and William on the lake, much to everyone's fun. We managed to empty the black water tank at the marina before our planned trip to Sherbrooke where we would get the boat winterized and shrink wrapped. In the meantime we had a parking area made at our lake property where we would be storing it for the winter. Winter was far from our minds though as the weather stayed warm and our tomato plants were still providing us their delicious fruit. By now the leaves were in full colour across the Eastern Townships. But the pandemic was still forefront in our minds and we continued to practice safe distancing, washing our hands constantly and wearing our masks. These face coverings were now becoming more and more personalized as they became a normal part of our daily attire. With October on the horizon bringing colder weather and flu season, fears were now mounting for a second wave of Covid. Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations were suddenly in doubt. gws
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September, another beautiful weekend on the lake
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September, our new boat parking lot
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| September, siding being up in carport |
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September, fall colours
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September, trying out the new tender
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September, and a last walk to our lake
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September, garage exterior finished!
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