Article by Sandy Lockhart

I’ve always been fascinated by stories of those celebrating the century mark at their family cottage. Last year, when we reached 25 years at our Bala cottage, I realized we had developed Muskoka roots.

We purchased our small Long Lake escape when the kids were aged three, five and eight. As my daughter explored the cottage on that first day, I remember her saying with excitement, “I’ve never had my very own cottage before.” After spending countless nights at my parent’s cottage, she recognized this was indeed special. She’s also the one who talks most about keeping it for her family one day.

For about a decade, we spent the entire summer at this special place. It was about time outside, on the dock and in the water. First thing in the morning, they’d be out in PJs and life jackets. It was a screen-free zone so we played games, puzzles and did crafts on rainy days. We read Archie comics, had campfires and took in all summer had to offer. Working in a bait shop and babysitting were their first summer jobs. It was a magical time for us all.

Now, sometimes we stay home so they can invite their friends or have their own family experiences. Our daughters-in-law and then our daughter held their bachelorette parties at the cottage. Skiing with a bridal veil became a new tradition. We love watching the family grow with spouses and grandchildren at our special place on the lake. Our oldest son, his wife and two grandchildren even have their own Long Lake cottage across the bay.

This summer my five-year-old grandson was playing with the same Battleship game his dad, aunt and uncle played in the same cottage decades ago. His sister was jumping off the same raft that has been here for almost two decades. The youngest grandchild is not even two and cries when the ski boat driver doesn’t go fast enough. It wasn’t that long ago I was excited the kids were finally old enough to drive that same boat and take me skiing.

There is something magical about watching grandchildren “reliving” some of their parents’ childhood. And it’s not just grandkids. Sometimes our siblings and extended family come too. When my parents sold the cottage on the north end of Lake Rosseau, we welcomed family here so they could continue the cottage experience. Last week, my nephew from England came by. He slalom skied for the first time in six years and his son had his first experience being towed behind the boat.

It’s a full circle, as Bala was my parent’s introduction to Muskoka. They lived in Toronto and spent their May 1949 honeymoon at Clovelly Inn on Bala Park Island. Despite the blackflies, they returned many times and purchased a cottage in the mid 1970s.

During the 25 years we’ve had our summer place in Bala, we have lived in Gravenhurst but moved houses several times. Our adult kids were drawn back from Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec by the lure of the cottage. Today our spot on Long Lake is more than a place to swim, ski and watch amazing sunsets. It’s a safe and welcoming retreat in an ever-changing world.

We look forward to the next 25 years with our roots growing deeper into the soil and rocky landscape of Muskoka.

Sandy Lockhart’s cottage is just 20minutes from her home in Gravenhurst. It’s  conveniently close but once she’s on the dock,
it feels very far away. She’s divided her career between journalism and non-profits. She is the communications director for Friends of
the Muskoka Watershed, a charity focused on protecting Muskoka watersheds forever.