August 4, Monday, Bobcaygeon (With Peter and Pam)

It’s been a wonderful day…and I have bought a bike!
Woke soon after 6, dressed and out with my camera. It was a foggy morning, so I headed to the Landing where we had been last night…what a stunning scene. There was mist down low, and as I waited it slowly lifted. Not a soul around the whole hour I was there, such a peaceful time, and got some great shots…I hope! Wandered back to camp as it was coming to life, and the mist was rising off the main lake, the brightly coloured canoes on the shore in contrast to the ethereal lake.
Got talking to the neighbors again, Jim and Jane and Dave and Susan, such friendly people. Ian happened to mention that we were thinking of buying a bike…the next thing Jim raced off, and came back riding a bike. He knew that a chap was keen to sell, it was in excellent order and he wanted $70 for it. I hopped on, road around the park, loved it, and bought it! So we tied it on the back of Ruakiwi and hit the road again.
A beautiful morning, we drove down to a few different lakes on our way out, and called in to the Parks Timber museum. Most interesting, watched a short movie on forestry in the park from the 1800’s, including how they used the lakes and rivers to move the felled logs down to the ships ready to be taken to England. Took the ½ hour walk around the museum park where they had many displays of the equipment used over the years.
On into Whitney for an internet café and as it was almost 2, decided to have lunch there as well. We stopped in Bancroft to and visited Canadian Tire, a warehouse style store, and Ian found a different style of bike seat that he hopes will be more comfortable for him.
Set Jilly with Pam and Peter’s address in Bobcaygeon and she brought us right to their door…so easily. Pam and Peter are old teaching friends of Steve and Marg Williams from Gisborne/Tarawera, and they gave us their contact. They live in a retirement community of 250 individual full sized houses, just like a standard subdivision, on the edge of Pigeon Lake. The area is very rocky, but the developers have used the rocks throughout the gardens and entrance ways for unique landscaping, making it a very attractive area. Everyone has a pride in their property with some wonderful gardens. Peter took us down to the Clubhouse, a fabulous facility for all this community to use, including dance floor, gym and equipment, library, tennis courts, swimming pool, pool tables…you name it, and it is here to be used. The marina opens out from it, where their pontoon boat is docked.
Pam and Peter have made us so welcome. They were determined for us to sleep in their house, but we are all set up, and in fact sleeping so well. It was great though, to have a full sized shower, and not have to worry about using too much water!

August 5 Tuesday Bobcaygeon

We have been thoroughly spoilt and so well looked after. Sat around chatting over coffee and breakfast, then we went to town…by boat! Pam and Peter took us down to the center of town in their pontoon boat, about 10 mins away and we tied up in the canal, which leads to the lock joining their lake with Sturgeon Lake.
I was very taken by the whole atmosphere of the town, with boats and people wandering around, all very relaxed. We walked down the main street which has a real affluent look to it, and P & P took us to see a local artist, Neil Blackwell, who is also a great friend of theirs. Neil does very detailed nature paintings, mainly of the wildlife found in the area, extremely talented. The weather couldn’t be better, clear blue skies and so warm.
Got home and Ian tried out the new seat on the bike, and he found it brilliant…so thrilled as it means we will get another bike for him and can do some exploring, can go a bit further than by foot. He also tried out Peter’s electric motor scooter….very impressed. Peter uses it to pop down to the clubrooms and the boat, as well as going into town.
The forecast was for a storm coming through, so while it was fine, we all went out in the boat again for a swim. Most welcome as it had become quite a bit warmer, just donned life jackets and swam from the boat.
Saw my first loon (like a duck), and also some osprey, which are like an eagle. This really is such a great place, and can see why P & P have chosen to retire here….there is everything that they want.
The storm came in while we had tea but it was gone by the bedtime…we seem to have been very lucky with the weather.
Peter has given us a copy of his book…memories of their incredibly interesting life, traveling and teaching around the world. I look forward to reading it.