Family Retreat
Relaxing and reconnecting in a secluded setting
These photos were taken at my sister’s cottage on Lac Mer Bleue, hidden away in the Gatineau Hills of western Quebec. For many years, my mother, my six sisters and I have come here together in the fall for an extended weekend getaway. But with all of us now retired, we no longer limit ourselves to a couple of days, or short weekends stays anymore.
Over the years, we have chosen some wonderful places to visit for our annual retreat. However, as we have several times before, we often decide to go up to the family cottage because, honestly, we all love this place.
The cabin overlooks a large pristine lake surrounded almost entirely by Crown land. For that reason, there are not many other cottages in the area, which makes it a nice, quiet retreat, especially at the end of the season.
Aside from a landline for emergencies, there are no connections to the outside world here, and all our cell phones are turned o. Our time is spent relaxing and enjoying nature. Whether it be a lazy morning sipping coffee on the deck and watching the loons coast by, leisurely walking down wooded country roads, indulging in late afternoon naps on the screen porch or simply reading a good book laying down in a hammock, days seem to drift by uninterrupted.
Hours of Fun at the Lake
The cottage is also a great place for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or to take a boat out for a tour around the lake. The swimming up here is always refreshing and on those occasions when our husbands, sons and daughters join us, early morning and evening fishing are commonplace. And of course, it’s a wonderful place to reconnect and catch up with one another, while enjoying the beautiful sunset from the dock at the end of the day.
Most of our children, and many of our grandchildren, have fished in this lake over the years. Some of them have learned to swim or have had their first boat rides on this lake. Our evening bonfires are usually accompanied by a few guitars and some sing-alongs. The fire, prepared on a wood stove, often helps take the chill out of those cool fall mornings. Most evenings, the family will gather to enjoy a board game or to play cards. One thing is for sure, you can always count on having some music playing.
The four generations of family memories that have been created at the cottage are priceless and will last a lifetime. I live in the Gatineau Hills region but unfortunately not near one of our many great lakes. Nevertheless, I continue to be amazed by the incredibly beautiful scenery we have in Quebec.
I love photographing and documenting all seasons, but I would have to admit that the beautiful colours in autumn, in all their spectacular glory, make that season one my favourites.
I have taken so many beautiful nature pictures over the years, but the ones I’ve taken at Lac Mer Bleue just might be my favourites. ◼