Travelling Lumsdens

March was a very productive month at the camp this year… we got in multiple trips over ice/land, improved firewood stores in earnest, and we’re lucky to spend nine nights at the camp in below zero temperatures. The upgraded wood stove has opened up a whole new season and is a huge improvement in year round accessibility. So much so… we were able to spend our entire March Break at the camp.

Our time at the camp this March was notable and purposeful. Firstly, we got some great work done. By the end of the vacation, the newly renovated wood bin was “full”, with impressive supplies of hardwood/softwood in place. Further, we decided at February’s end to make a concerted effort to get well, including our physical (food, exercise) and mental health. The camp turned out to be perfect for both. We enjoyed gym-less exercise through regular hikes/outdoor work/snowshoes and planning low carb, reasonably portioned meals (salads/soups/stews) throughout the month. Results were immediate and by March end we felt more fit than we have in 10 years. We’re both excited to keep that moving forward.

To further encourage, by months end Smelt Lake was ice free and, although temperatures remained cold, open access via boat opened regular weekend visits several weeks earlier than 2020. In so many ways, in this Covid era, we’re looking forward to another booming year of camp visits, projects and improvements. Janie and I are having a real “blast” making all this happen!

No longer MIA… winter settled in quickly in February, with the obligatory change in clothing, shovelling, snow days and “fingers crossed” that enough ice would form for trips down the lake. As I get older, I really begin to appreciate as daylight begins to extend in the am/pm and the sun, however cold it might be, regains some of its potency. Although some would argue that NS doesn’t warm until June, most maritimers realize that when you get past the month of February it’s a psychological hurdle that brings thoughts of warmer days ahead.

Picking up from the last post… we did continue with our renovation head of steam by completing the porch storage, as well as the laundry and 1/2 bathroom. The whole back entry area, having been in our possession for some 18 years, was overdue for some revamping. With a few bucks and some elbow grease we tackled it in earnest and made great strides on the overall feel when entering Chez Lumsden. I’d be the last to say I’m anything near being carpenter savvy, but we were very pleased with end results and all our decisions including storage, electrical, paint and floors. Making use of the winter months to free up summertime fun!

And then there is always the camp which seems to be calling in the back of my mind. We managed two day trips a week apart at the end of February. Unsure of ice conditions, we skirted the edge of the lake and, although longer than the direct shot across, made safe return trips both weekends. Nice to check on status of building, sled out some tough to move summer items (ie. old, old wood stove), and cozy up for a meal by the fire. So content on an afternoon there… it changes my entire week. All in, I’d suggest that we made lemonade this February and, with March Break on the horizon, we are hoping to be in good shape for the work day home stretch.

January is a prime month for trip planning. One usually finds himself in that “renewal” head space, fresh off Christmas and looking to fulfill some best intention or healthy resolution by embarking on a novel adventure. I got a couple of treats for Christmas (new canoe barrel back pack / metal wood bin brackets) that I’m itching to try. Beyond that, a bonus “snow day” with the ol’ VISA and an internet connection and you’ve got yourself a trip to the sunny south or jam packed vacation abroad. Ah… but 2021 was not going to be taken advantage of so easily!

Yes… this is the time of Covid-19 era decision making. No unnecessary travel abroad, to the point where our PM stated “Now is just not the time to be flying“. Further, the “Atlantic Bubble” had burst and halted most inter-provincial movement of Maritimers. The folks tied to tourism related service industry must surely be taking a hit! Looks like I’ll be making a reservation for an all inclusive trip to Smelt Lake again this March Break (Oh well 😉). None too warm in Guysborough County in mid-March, but definitely good for the soul and filled with fresh air, dreams of spring and, as always, a deafening quiet.

The month wasn’t a total bust though, as we did tackle a chore or two this January. Most notably, renovations in our back entry took off. As part of our lower floor improvements (kitchen work completed in October), the porch saw a complete gut of cupboards, full floor refinish, new electrical fixtures and a fresh coat of white latex on anything that moved. I actually enjoyed the floor work… that was a first for me and we were happy to restore the softwood floor that had seen its share of water damage over the last 17 years. Ideas for new storage solutions and installation (wishing I had dividends with IKEA) should fill our first weekends of February.

“None of Nature’s landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild.” – John Muir

I’m a huge Ken Burns fan, hooked after having placed eye and ear on his Civil War documentary series in the early ’90’s. He’s done forays into Americana including features on Baseball, Jazz, Vietnam, and one of my favorites, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. I got the Parks series prior to our epic family tour of the US in 2012 and used it to select sites we’d visit along the way. John Muir (quoted above) was prominent in several episodes, heralded as “Father of the National Parks”. I appreciate how the quote puts word to how the rugged, boreal landscape around Smelt Lake speaks to me.

Can’t say as though I recall a December as mild as that of 2020. Without frost in the ground, and little in the way of snowfall or ice, it really felt like “spring weather”. I’m fairly sure Muir is writing hastily from the grave, knowing how much man’s influence is changing the very “nature” of where we live! Meanwhile, I took full advantage of the ice free lake spending 1/2 dozen overnights at the camp. Included was the first winter solstice we’ve ever done at Smelt Lake. In full, 2020 has been a year like no other for camp stays, and my final tally of overnight stays clocked in at 120 nights!!! Unbelievable!

During my last trip of the year I reflected on what 2020 was at Smelt Lake. I perched myself outside on the rock wall and viewed the premises… I sensed a true measure of accomplishment when I pondered all the work that had been completed. Also a bit in awe of all the help I received from family and friends. If there was ever a silver lining in regard to Covid-19, the camp has to be totally encircled by it! In many ways, I may never see another year like this one but surely it has to be considered “one of the best”!

This was one of those Novembers where the weather, although damp and windy, never really reached the normal lows for the season. No measurable ice or snowfall. In essence, great camp weather! Where in 2019 I had packed up for the year in mid-November, 2020 saw “comfortable” visits throughout, green grass & all. Although a little more pressure on wood stores, we managed camp trips on most weekends in November. With no travel abroad, or even inter-provincially, in the foreseeable future, we continued to crank up the nights at Smelt Lake.

Very happy that I got to share some camp time with the lads from NB. Andy and Andrew trekked to Eastern NS mid month, and were able to spend several nights with good food, lots of outside time walking & feeding the birds, building a new boat slip, and “refreshments”! Great little reunion… we’ve missed those over the last year or so. We’ve managed some sort of visit for most of the near 30 years since my graduation. Mid trip we had a huge “roast supper” cooked in the wood stove which, either by solid ingredients or pure luck, turned out delicious. Big thanks to the men for making the journey!!!

The short daylight hours in November brought a couple of new considerations. Solar “just don’t last” when skies are grey and you’re down to less than 9 hrs of daylight! We dug out a couple of options to help, including a Mophie portable USB-C battery power station for the iPhones (which is a beast) and the LuminAid Lanterns introduced to us by our buddies from A for Adventure. A point of amusement has been photos (of which I have a lot documenting the builds and end result of summer work). In November I started playing with some pre-installed filters in iMessages that have been a blast to explore. Perhaps I’ll drop a few in upcoming blogs just for sharing!

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― L. M. Montgomery

A handsome month for weather in 2020! Although cooler, things were perfect for enjoying those outdoor moments worth waiting for. The fall colors challenge the blend of summer greens, breezes bring out the cozy flannel work shirts, casting of long morning shadows, and the welcome comfort of the wood stove lends to “all day” cooks in the dutch oven. Walks in the woods show signs of late blooming mushrooms, water levels in the lakes rise and one eyes windfalls for potential warmth in the change of season. This is October.

Tardiness found me detailing an October blog post in December, as the fall was such a blur I had to resort to the camera roll on the iPhone to recollect the month that was. Hoping I hadn’t squandered the opportunity, the pics revealed that the month was actually hopping with events. For example, we made our return to an actual live concert, getting up to see Troy at the DeCoste and front row seats to Matt A’s first concert since the Covid outbreak. Awesome show! Also put the finishing touches on our new kitchen… one never really knows how integral a kitchen sink is until “it isn’t”. Great to have that completed and we were so happy with the result! Put teaching at SAJS and StFX on top of that and you have a productive autumn!

And, of course, chores take up camp time in the fall. October saw the lifting of the main waterline, storage of items such as the raft / shower heater / batteries / clean up of brush / off-cuts from summer clearing in the fire pit / trimming of the Smelt Lake boat slip area. Underlying every work day was wood storage… with the chainsaw and splitting axe weighing heavily in each trip. By months end the larder was getting full, with plenty of dry wood to last into next summer. Each visit saw several windfalls being schlepped back for blocking, splitting and piling. Hurricanes have left the nearby woods with a bevy of trees destined to rot. Funny how what would be work at home (i.e. cutting/splitting/piling wood) is down right a pleasure in the back woods!

In essence, my ideas, notes and scribbling on this site have been based in the idea of capturing our family travels both near and far…. a repository of events, thoughts and photos. This year, however, there hasn’t been “travel” like a trip south or an excursion to another part of the province or country. Travel is not safe, sometimes prohibited, and saddled with self-isolation or quarantining. Those factors take a trip to almost anywhere out of the “fun” bracket.

With this change, I’ve had to find new things to write about. Thus, the content I’ve been sharing has shifted noticeably. Although always included, recent reliance on getaways to “The Camp” have proven to be inspirational. The old adage of “… taking a good look in your own backyard” has stood formative this spring, summer and fall. The year 2020 has proven to be both restricting and liberating. The camp has offered a “space’ that is both socially distanced and in need of some visiting. It is this year that will have been, above all others, one of the most noteworthy in regard to Camp visits, improvements and enjoyment!

When September rolled around a “right cross” of school smacked us in the face!!! Back to work (both with SRCE & StFX), Covid restrictions, kitchen renovations in Cloverville… there was lots going on and we were glad to be teaching again. Yet, weekend after weekend we managed to sneak back to the camp to enjoy NS’s most accommodating month for being outside and sucking up shortened, bug free days (aside from what has become obligatory hurricane visits – “Hello Teddy”). Gorgeous sunrises, a cold evening pillow, outside chores, warm breakfasts and coffee on the deck balanced busy work weeks. Solemn thoughts of getting ready for winter creep in at months end as the winterizing list gets formulated and thoughts turn to early frosts and preparation for the upcoming freeze!

August… it begins in Guysborough County with some of the warmest temps of the year, but by months end reveals with smoky sunrises on the water, breezy afternoons, and single digit overnight temperatures. A time to make hay before the day to day grind of school returns. A perfect chance to reconnect with friends and family!

Self isolating, due to Monica’s return from BC, I began August with all the supplies I could get in prior and two weeks of Janie, Monica and I picking at the addition. Peter dropped off several loads of materials (ie. Asphalt Shingles) which further supported the work. At the end of the first week the facia trim was on and painted, while the roof had starter trim, ice shield, tar paper and shingles (tarred) completed! Tricky weave of shingles blending in existing and new tabs. I was happy to cross that hurdle.

Work continued externally during our self-isolation, while I also managed a much needed coat on the camp floor! All shined up. Cladding for the addition became a topic of discussion… what to use, getting it purchased and onsite… big tasks! Fortunately, after some texting with Andrew, a solution presented itself. Andrew lives close to a business that mills eastern cedar, and was looking for a trip! What was an idea quickly became a truck with NB plates, and Andrew, Andy and Rod arriving mid-August at the parking lot with a truck load of cedar clapboard and trim! Unbelievable, as we were able to carry the materials in (Peter & Monica pitched in too), ferry down the lake, and re-stack for installation. Ales, a huge grub up and a relaxing evening rounded out a flying trip… much indebted to the whole group for the support! 🙏

But the help didn’t end there! By August 16th Dad, Curtis and I had the exterior complete, with the cedar installed and the chipboard protected. Sharp looking addition. Dad and I dropped the screen door on the building, and continued fussing with trim and tying up loose ends. Boys were great to give me a lift with this tough part of the project.

Yet another opportunity took shape on Aug 21-23rd… in the form of screens. Scott had offered his space in Port Williams to design and construct the seven screens required to enclose the space, and officially make the addition a screen porch. I grabbed Darren and off we went. It was a highly productive weekend, where we purchased materials, milled lumber, designed & constructed screens (with Scott’s new pocket jig), and primed/painted each. Huge task and impressive end product (Not to mention a great weekend away with the boys). So pleased!

It was to be a summer like none in recent memory in many ways. With school out, MtA Reunion cancelled, folk festival pushed to 2021, kids at work, and travel restricted, the tides and stars aligned for a full on summer at the camp. Oh no… I’ll have to go to the lake 😉!!! Time to make some lemonade. In particular, it seemed the conditions were right to keep moving forward, after a lengthy spring excavation, and take on the construction of a new deck. A camp extension had been a project we’d dreamed of carrying out for many years and we looked to turn the circumstances of Covid into a real positive.

Truth be told, I ended up spending every night of July at the camp. Trips out for supplies at Dave’s and the Co-op were numerous, but day to day life was at Camp Lumsden. I had my sights on building the new deck and began the laborious process of trekking in materials, tools and supplies to get the job rolling. With Dad’s help, and a day with Peter on site, we started the deck July 3rd & finished July 6th. Easy peasy… even replacing and leveling the older, existing deck.

At a critical juncture, I took a few days to figure out whether to stop at deck completion or to keep working on an addition. After several days, and picking off some smaller maintenance tasks, I decided to go all in! Dad was up for the challenge as well and we managed, I assure you no small task, to raise walls, build rafters and cover the roof by the end of July. It was quite a job, the difficulty being the schlepping through the woods (without vehicle) of building materials and connecting an extension to the many bends, swerves and swoops of a 65 year old camp! Dad’s experience in projects such as this were invaluable… and I’d like to think we worked together well as a team. In the end we were very happy with the result. Hope the pics give you an idea of the space created.

As Covid-19 adjustments to work and daily life went on, Janie and I found ourselves spending four nights a week at Smelt Lake. While loose ends at school were being tied after classes ended early, we spent most weekends tackling camp projects and planning for a potential summer addition… a deck and maybe at some point, screen porch.

Of note, lots of work done to get the wood bin back in tip top shape, including replacement of the entire roof (including boards and cladding). It goes without saying that while at the camp easy access to dried firewood, protected from the elements, is an essential. This much needed project (the old roof was leaking miserably) covered a span of two weekends. I replaced the roof covering with cedar shingles, mostly in an effort to duplicate the original design Grampy had used when it was first built. Only improvement to design was the addition of a small eight inch (8″) eave extended out over the front face for extra coverage. Looks and works great!

I was also faced with some boat maintenance. The hull of our aluminum boat (our cargo vessel) had been compromised and was leaking to the point that regular bailing was required. The addition of a new piece of metal in the bow, coated with some fibreglass cloth proved a fix and minimized the issue. One more coat oughta complete the fix at season end!

When the bugs finally hit, we changed gears and tackled chores such as brush burning and nurturing grass seed. The school year end did involve meetings and Janie’s Grad commitments so work went on. But, all in, one of the best springtimes ever in regard to camp time and improvements.