Loughbreeze Bay B&B

Our resident heron

We were savouring our early morning coffee, on the waterside deck, when we were startled by some loud, deep squawks.  Looking up, following the sound, we glimpsed three herons flying, along the shoreline through the tall trees.  My husband grabbed his camera but the moment was gone, unrecorded.

Seconds later, we were delighted to see one of our resident herons circle back, awkwardly landing in on one of the uppermost branches of our Black Locust trees. Once it was balanced, it was remarkably camouflaged, for such a large bird.  The occasional squawk to it’s fellow herons in neighbouring trees, helped us locate where it perched.  Without warning, it took off.  Many photos were snapped but only one captured its flight.  I  feel so lucky to be living here.  Sharing nature’s surprises with our B&B guests is one of our favourite activities.

This summer, I am always remarking on how high the water level is in Lake Ontario.  The St. Lawrence Seaway Commission, www.greatlakes-seaway.com controls the Great Lakes water level through their series of dams and spillways.  Normally, we see a drop in the water level beginning in early summer and then tapering down to the appropriate winter level in order to accommodate winter snow and spring rains.   Our summer started out a bit cool but in August we hit the real heat of summer, coupled with very high humidity. We had to turn on our air conditioner for the first time ever.  Wow, that was the relief we needed!
Don’t forget the “Shelter Valley Folk Festival” better known as Family Weekend of Music, Juried Art, Wellness, Sustainable Living and Fine Food in the heart of Northumberland County September 4-6. www.sheltervalley.com

Last year, thanks to The Northumberland Tourism director,www.northumberlandtourism.com we learned of the Via Rail plan to operate a Bike Train,www.biketrain.ca,  to the Port Hope, Cobourg and  Kingston locations.  We immediately began planning a CYCLIST HOSTEL and this month we opened.  Now, we can accommodate up to 8 overnight cyclists in our fully furnished, three season, “Bunkie”, complete with coffee maker, microwave, small fridge and an outside BBQ on a private deck looking over the lake.  There’s a refreshing lake swim available to top off your cycling day.  Already we have had an enthusiastic reception from the Cycling Community. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Northumberland Tourism outdoor adventure map  as you plan your trip. Northumberland Tourism offers a wealth of great information for every visitor to our county including a most interesting Lilac tour.  We also recommend the following web sites in our  area www.waterfronttrust.com, www.appleroute.com, www.ontarioparks.com.

Fall is one of our most exciting seasons.  You will be welcomed at a host of roadside farmers’ markets, apples of every variety, apple cider, plus pies, apple, blueberry, blackberry and of course strawberry rhubarb, as well as traditional fresh fall farm delicacies.  Our roads, trails and forest are an awesome rainbow of magnificent colours.  Bring your camera and preserve those memories.

Looking forward to seeing YOU!