The Road in to the Point (December 7)

“The obstacle … [standing in the way of enjoying the Point that Granny] recollected most vividly was also the first she encountered: the track in from the main road. Its four or five miles meandered from one featureless patch of bedrock to the next. Granny’s previous experience [in England] had prepared her for rural byways that were hospitable even when infrequently travelled. But this path was barely distinguishable from the surrounding wilderness. Makeshift gravel backfills here and there were the only hint as to the direction to follow. Worse still, melted snow was apt to drown the route under forest pools in spring. But thinking back, she said there had in reality been very little cause for worry. The rocky substrate was so firm that their vehicle had not once bogged down…

Still, “relief swept over them once they reached the property.” Grandpa confessed to me, ‘We could hardly wait to unload the groceries and get inside together.’ I can still hear the deep sigh he invariably heaved.”

Pp. 3-4

Hardships collectively overcome are at least one component of the glue that holds many long-lasting relationships together. That factor along with youthful optimism made it possible for Granny and Grandpa to make a success of their summer retreat alongside Georgian Bay. Of course, not all families are fortunate enough to possess such a getaway. If your own clan benefited from a holiday spot of that kind, I daresay other readers would love to see it described in a Comment.

(Illustration generated by AI)