Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a great love of Ontario lighthouses. This love developed at a very, very young age. Our family would spend each summer at our cottage on the shores of Lake Huron on the Bruce Peninsula. Every summer our neighbour - "Uncle Art" would take my sister and I for a hike to the "lighthouse". This was quite a hike for a pre-schooler, but we would pack a picnic, and off we would go. Uncle Art is long gone, and those treks to the lighthouse stopped with his passing, but it has always remained as a special place in my heart.
My own father passed away this winter, and somethings can never be recaptured. But it has made me realize that some things will remain just memories, and some memories can be relived, or re-visited.
As many people groan and complain about a long winter, my friends and I were thrilled that we could get another Sunday afternoon Ontario Snowshoe Adventure in. Chris and Beth had only heard about this lighthouse from stories that I have told them over the years, but as it is only accessible by boat, or a hike through the bush, it was a great opportunity to introduce them to this special place.
It was a walk through time as I retraced those same steps taken decades ago. I was amazed to find the same trails as I forged ahead leading the group. Small things along the way would spark a memory as I reminisced in my own thoughts amongst the solitude of the woods.
As we rounded the point and I got my first glimpse at this icon in my life, I stopped and took it all in as I waited for my friends to catch up. I was finally back at this familiar place, a place that holds a special part of my history.
The lighthouse looks exactly as I remembered it, except now is operated by solar panels. I could not resist climbing the tower as if I were five years old again.
I can't tell you how many times people have called our office at Bruce County Tourism and tell me that they vacationed in our area with their families growing up years ago and want to return to rekindle those memories, or visit those special places that held such fond memories for them.
It was great to be able to share this special place with my friends, and as we sat on the deck at my Sauble Beach Cottage afterwards soaking up the sunshine, we starting planning our next adventure. Stay tuned....
P.S. For anyone who would like to know where this "secret" lighthouse is, call us at 1-800-268-3838.
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1 comment:
Jamie
This is great! I love your blog entry.
Sounds like a neat adventure to take with the family. Please email me some details on how to find it!
BH
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