Two Sore Backs

We wake up to cloud and drizzle at Elizabeth and Brad’s cottage in Prince Edward County. It’s simple and comfortable inside, but it’s obvious that outdoor activities are the focus. Wetsuits were drying in the shower, there are references to biking and windsurfing everywhere, there are paddle boards by the lakeside, and the shed outside is full of sports gear.

We’ve arranged to meet my cousin Brenndan at his nearby property, and the drizzle is a good excuse for a drive, so we decided to do some sightseeing and maybe pick up groceries for dinner.

After a quick stop at Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co. for a tasting and some appetizers for dinner, we were off to Vickie’s Veggies to see what the fuss was all about.

Needless to say, the shopping was making us hungry, so we headed to The Old Schoolhouse for lunch. It was off season, and a bit early in the day, so it was a two person operation and we were the only customers. But the food was delicious and the staff were generous with their time, giving us advice on which wineries and artisans to visit.

Then it was off to Brenndan’s with some sightseeing and wineries in between. Lighthall Vineyards was worth visiting.

A pretty modest place, but the wine was good and they also make cheese, so the tasting was excellent. We bought a bottle for dinner that night. Brenndan’s wife Tierre, who we hadn’t met yet, was working in Toronto, but Brenndan was busy clearing their land and we figured he would be game to come over.

The county is really picturesque. Brenndan and Tierre really have a gem of a property here.

They have their Airstream tucked away in a juniper grove, conveniently close to the building site.

Brenndan and Tierre are both artists – Brenndan is a musician/sound engineer/music producer and Tierre is a high end hat designer. The creativity really shows. We can’t wait to see what they build!

It started to rain, so after a nice visit it was back to the cottage to prepare the food we’d bought. We got a glimpse of the ferry from the Lake on the Mountain area.

Brenndan and Lucille both came over. Lucy was very well behaved, and the steak, veggies, salad, and wine – all locally grown – were excellent.

On our second day in Prince Edward County, we tidied and locked up the cottage, and headed over to Sand Banks Provincial Park. Little wonder this place is so busy in the summer that an advance permit is required just to enter. It would be a fantastic place to camp after the Labour Day long weekend. We might have to come back!

Then it was off to Stanners Vineyard. There was plenty to see along the way. Here is one of many small farms that we saw.

Stanners was nothing special visually, but it was our favourite for wine. We bought a few bottles and moved on to The Old Third Vineyard. The star of that show is the converted barn they use for the winery. Very cool renovation.

The sun was threatening to peek through so we drove over to Brenndan’s place to take a few golden hour photos. Here is the driveway entrance. The building area they are clearing is up the hill, just beyond the hardwoods you see here.

All of the grassy areas at the building site were overgrown with mountain ash and bushes, It’s all been cleared by hand – not easy work.

This could be an accountant vs artist meme.

After a quick tour the three of us went to Three Dog Winery which is just down the road from Brenndan’s place. The wine and appetizers were great, and hanging out with Brenndan is always awesome.

Then it was off to Kingston for a three-day visit with Mike and Nancy. It’s odd saying Uncle Mike – he’s just a few years older than me – and impossible to call Nancy my aunt. Mike and Nancy’s son Liam is the same age as our younger daughter Cailyn.

The weather was iffy, and we were travel weary, so it was mostly just hanging out. But the sun did make an appearance, so Mike and I got out for a long overdue game of golf at a nearby course called The Landings. The name comes from the regional airport it’s beside, and it’s a really fun little course, very well maintained.

It was great to meet Tierre when she and Brenndan came over to Mike and Nancy’s for a family meal.

What a terrific way to wrap up our Ontario visit!