Jernie's Hub

Last May 18, Monday was "Victoria Day". It is a federal Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday before or on 24 May, in honour of both Queen Victoria's birthday and the current reigning Canadian sovereign's official birthday, and is also considered an informal mark of the beginning of the summer season.

We were invited by Herbert's friend Rick to spend the long weekend with them at their cottage in Severn, about an hour and a drive north of Toronto. The township of Severn is situated at the heart of the so called 'cottage country'. Initially, we have planned to spend the weekend in Montreal but the 6 hours drive going there is not so inviting. Hence, we opted to go somewhere closer. Finally, our long-time-plan to spend time at a cottage is going to happen.

I was watching the weather forecast so closely so we have an idea what we could do when we get there. It was not ideal but acceptable: Saturday - scattered showers at 18 deg C, Sunday- sunny but 13 deg C and Monday- sunny 13 deg C. On Friday, I got almost everything prepared: barbeque meat has been marinated, our favourite garlic sauce and salad sauce have been prepared, and our clothes were ready. Saturday morning we made a few calls to Germany and Philippines, then we had breakfast and off we drove. It was quite cloudy and a little bit chilly. I was so delighted to see the greenery around; the very long winter is over finally. We stopped by at the town of Coldwater to refuel. That was also a small but beautiful town. I was so amused looking at the residential houses adorned with blooming flowers.

When we arrived at the Severn Port Marina, we were met by Herbert's friend Rick. We parked our car and immediately board the boat to get to the cottage. I had a quick look around; there was a restaurant, a convenient store with LCBO and Beer Store concessioner, and a gas station. It was quite chilly and windy, far from the 18 deg Celsius I was expecting. But the beautiful sights we passed by was overwhelming, certainly a beautiful place.

Trying to cut the wood but it was too hard.

Rick and Herbert got themselves busy at the dock taking the boat into the water.



Herbert and Rick test driving the boat
That is awesome!

These are just few of the hat collection they have in the cottage.

Later that afternoon, we went across the river to meet Rick's friends, had some drinks and subsequently got into the boat and headed to the Swift Rapids lock.

Gary and Maree's cottage at the opposite side of the river.

Trillium flower I got from Gary and Maree. (Trillium is Ontario region flower)

with Stacy at the deck

Sunset shot

On our way to the swift rapids.

Herbert with his Warsteiner beer from Germany.

The Swift Rapids

It has a lift of 14.2 meters making it the highest lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Constructed in 1964-65, it replaced a marine railway which had been in operation since 1920. A vertical lift gate (2) was installed outside the lower gates during construction. This gate is high enough to keep out the water of the lower river when the lock is de-watered, inspected or repaired. The outflow valve (4) allows water to be ejected outside the lock approach area via an underground tunnel. The turbulence of the escaping water is visible in the river beside the lower entrance. The lock chamber requires only eight minutes to fill with 6,819,000 litres (1.5 million gallons) of water. Twin sets of radial gates at the upper end of the lock are an added safety feature. Should the lock gates fail, the outer gates, acting as sector gates, can seal off the Severn River. The gates can be operated through manual hydraulic pumping in the event hydraulic power fails and can be opened and closed even while a head of water roars through them.

I could really feel the power of the raging water. It was quite scary as we drove closer to the dam. From there, we drove back to the cottage and spend the whole evening. Friends and neighbours came over; we had dinner, drinks and a great time together. They are indeed wonderful, warm and fun people to be with. I was told that they have been very good friends since their childhood days, spending their summers together in this little paradise as I call it. I was so delighted to have an opportunity to experience such a lifestyle of the families in the area. I have nothing but only words of appreciation about this place. I love it. Apart from its beauty and serenity, it is not far the city. Certainly, Severn is a perfect get-away destination from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The next day the weather seemed to be better. After our breakfast, we geared-up and drove to The Big Chute Marine Railway. In the boat, it was terribly cold. I was so grateful to Stacy for lending me one of her jacket. Otherwise, I could have been frozen. I was in awe seeing those beautiful sights while cruising the Severn River. Riding the boat cruising up and down that huge river is a fantastic experience. I was constantly reminded of my beautiful hometown in Dinagat Islands, Philippines.

A nice Sunday morning at the cottage.

One of those beautiful cottages in the area.

I love this power boat.

Heading to the Big Chute Marine Railway

What a fantastic experience!

The Big Chute Marine Railway

The Big Chute Marine Railway carries boats over a 17.7m height of land on a giant travelling carriage. Boats, floated on a partially submerged car, are cradled by a variety of slings. A unique double track uses an offsetting cam principle to keep the carriage nearly level at all times, save for a slight tilt to facilitate loading and offloading. The larger Big Chute Marine Railway was installed to carry the increased size and volume of traffic using the Waterway.

The railway was closed when we got there. So we just went around for a while reading some interesting facts about it and subsequently headed back to the cottage.

In the afternoon, we met another neighbour and friends of Rick. We had a karaoke session the entire afternoon, it was so much fun. In the evening, we retreated to the deck area and had some drinks. Rick's daughter arrived with the girl friends. Though it was so cold, they seemed to be enjoying sitting on the dock. I freaked out when I saw them coming out of the sauna and going into the water. Oh no! It was so cold. But I guess they are used to it. We waited until it gets dark for the fireworks display to celebrate the Victoria Day.

Herbert's favorite spot, the grill area.

Rick our host.

at the deck

Samantha singing

At around 9pm, we went over to the neighbour’s cottage for the bonfire and to watch the fireworks display. Other families were there too. I couldn't stay away from the fire. Rick and his friend James tugged the platform to the middle of the river where they would set-up for the fireworks while the girls settled in the dock getting ready to set their fireworks too. Then the fireworks display went on, I tried to capturing it in my camera but it didn’t work. I guess it was too dark to do it. It was nice. Thereafter, we stayed for a while by the river and went back to the cottage. The girls were still very much up and awake, having their shots of tequila and had so much fun. We opted not to join them and retreated to our bed.
bonfire at the river bank

The following morning, we stayed late in bed. We prepared a good breakfast and packed our things. At around 1pm, we had to say bye to everyone and Rick drove us to the port.

I'm gonna miss this place.
the restaurant at the marina
weekend is over

It was quite busy, people started to leave the place. I took a couple more photos and we drove back to Mississauga. The weather was a lot better and the countryside landscape was so beautiful.

The Sheeps

One of those farms we passed by. Lovely isn't it?

Driving back to Mississauga

For more photos, click on this website link

http://jernietravel.multiply.com/photos/album/11

All I can say is that, it was such a wonderful and unforgettable get-away. I would love to go back to that place again, surely in the summer.