Work, work, work, PLAY! September in a nut shell! When the weather cools, the bugs recede, and the days shorten I find my stride… And Guysborough County is my playground. Others are doing it too… I was horribly curious about the Gran Fondo held mid-September on Route 16 while I was making my way to the camp! I know it’s no secret… But September is prime time at my tiny camp and in all of eastern Nova Scotia.
Often desperate, September is that point where you realize last gasps of camp time slipping away. Opportunities after Thanksgiving are remote. Tasks, such as firewood, removing the waterline, schlepping supplies through the woods and down the lake, or just organizing the shed, take priority. However, still nice enough outside to enjoy the fire pit in the evening or a meal from the charcoal BBQ! Not much fishing in September either, beyond our growing population of loons, so the lake is extra quiet in the evenings and on the weekends.
I especially enjoy the movements of the sun this time of year, from rise to setting things seem extra spectacular. Beyond that… Evenings are cool and the moon shines brilliantly. This summer we were treated to extravagant bird and wildlife. Of note, amidst the Whiskey Jacks, hummingbirds, Eagles and osprey, we saw two River Otters late summer that were the highlight of the season. Never in my forty odd years of visiting had I viewed the species. I’m hoping it speaks to the health of the area and the capacity of the lake to retain and support such a visitor. I was feeling privileged to share the space.
Each fall we usually connect to share music at the camps as well. Although we haven’t had the opportunity yet, I’m hoping that it can shake out in some sort of event before the snow flies! Regardless, I count on the few weekends I have left to replenish before the next season and the grind of winter.