Cottage on the Edge

I am Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:20:00 +0000

Since my last post a lot has happened... I got divorced... Opened a second business... Started teaching at both Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa....

Generally a crazy period for me! hence, no time to maintain the website....

I am going to change that....

It has been 10 years since we built the cottage... so time for some updates and maintenance ....

Stay tuned.... Cheers, Gary

A New Water Well .....

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:32:00 +0000

Like but not our Well Head

I didn't post about it last year probably because the price stung so much but I had a well put in for the cottage last august (2013). Yes I did all 188 feet and $12,000....

This is the story...
While at my annual birthday gift, a week with my grandchildren at the Cottage, the water pump in the lake stopped working early in the week. We had no water! Well actually I have a bunch of jerry cans of fresh water for just an occurrence, but it wasn't going to last an entire week.

I yanked the pump out of the lake, it looked fine. When turned on it tried for a second to pump then stopped. I called up my supplier - out of Toronto - and he suggested I try replacing the controller which is up in the Cottage. I order one through a small pump repair shop in Shawville and got it the next day (late). Sure enough I installed it an the pump works fine.

But me in my drive for perfecction decided that it was time for a well. Rationalizing that it was in the lake and could go at anytime, the water in the lake needed the UV filter treatment, and what would I do if the pump failed when I had a renter... or if we had a really cold winter and the lake froze the top of the pipe leading to the pump in the lake...

So I embarked on getting a new pump. The go to supplier gve me a quote and said the first 100 feet would be roughly $600. So I said lets do it... He told me but it didn't register that if the well was deeper there was an additional per foot charge...So as it turned out the well ended up being 88 feet deeper to the tune of over $12,000.

In hindsight, if I new what the bill would be, I would have waited as $12,000 was hard on the bank account. But it is done and I rationalize further thinking I now have a backup system (in the lake) in case the well system fails, plus the clarity of the water is much better.

I did replace and still use the UV filter, but I understand I don't need it. Just habit and comfort I guess.

Related Posts:
Installing the Water Pressure Tank - Cottage on the Edge
Frozen Water System... A Possible Diagnosis - Cottage on ...
Bringing Water to the Cottage - Cottage on the Edge
Creating Clean Water: Adding a Sediment Filter - Cottage ...
Cottage on the Edge - the DIY Cottage Blog: No Water! Our ...

;-)

Catching the Big One(s), A real Fish Story

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:48:00 +0000

Just finished my annual August birthday present to myself on Friday...

Every year, the first week in August is permanently booked for a week of grandchildren and Papa at the Cottage on the Edge... oh yes and Lucie....

This year was extra memorable as both my grandchildren caught fish, and by all accounts it seems they were the biggest they every caught.

Special thanks to Uncle Nathan for fixing the boys up with a rod and reel the eventually caught over 50... sunfish mostly but perch and bass as well...

Next year I guess I will have to learn how to fillet a fish, because everyone is looking to eat some fish...

The weather was absolutely perfect this year... nice everyday but one... and on that day we had a field trip to the falls on the Coulonge River.

We also had some unexpected excitement when a neighbor`s golden retriever paid a visit. Chelsea is her name, and she is a real water dog. Took a liking to the buoy marking the water pump - playing with it - spinning around, but unfortunately got her tail all caught up in the rope. Some quick action from Noah and I adverted a tragedy. While Noah kept her head above water I caught the rope off.

She was extremely tired and we had to help out of the water onto the dock and then up the 104 steps to the top of the stairs. Her master came to collect her and we were all pleased to have saved her life.

Oh yes! I must not forget to show you Ben;s catch... and yes he catch it all by himself!

My two little grandsons are growing fast. This year Noah demonstrated excellent canoe paddling - he is a natural! Plus he tried out the kayak for the first time. It was like he was born with a paddle in his hands...

Well it is back to the grind next week but I will be having a smile...

Adding a Doggie Ramp to the Dock

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:49:00 +0000

The doggie ramp...

My son`s dog, Delilah, is a British and French bulldog crossbreed. She is so muscular that has difficulty floating, hence, getting out of the water at the cottage is very difficult.

So I built a dogggie ramp so she could just walk out of the lake.

I recycled an old section of the dock, adding some lumber to strengthen the end to be attached to the existing dock. To attached it I used two hinges so the dock could float up and down at one end.

What do you think...

Roasting a Whole Chicken on the Cottege BBQ

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:18:00 +0000

I have been a pretty boring BBQ chef until just recently. While I am great at steaks, ribs, burgs, dogs and veggies, that is pretty much the extent of my BBQ skills.

Last time Jackie and Trevor were up they educated us on roasting a whole chicken. Here I am basting the chicken. Boy did it turnout GREAT!

So I am eager to break out of the routine and experiment on the BBQ!

;-)

A New Tradition for Guests

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:13:00 +0000

We instituted a new tradition last year for guests to leave something behind.

We have the obligatory guest book were guests leave up a message, and tell us of their adventures while staying at the EDGE.

But we also hope they will paint a small 'sign' of their stay. We provide all the materials. The guests provide the creativity. Here we see Trevor painting up a storm.

We nail the 'signs' that guest leave behind to the ceiling of the gazebo. So we have a growing mosaic of creativity and messages from past guests for yo to muse at while sipping a cold one on the gazebo.

;-)

Cottage Season is Here! Rent the Cottage on the EDGE

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:07:00 +0000

I have been very busy starting a new business and haven't up to the EDGE as often as last year. However, I was up two weekends ago to join my close friend Trevor who has been using the EDGE as his personal hideaway in order to get away from life and concentrate on writing his new book. I understand it is coming along nicely. (That's Trevor in the picture - obviously taking a break from writing.)

While up there I installed the dock, fixed some winter damage and did the spring checkup on the cottage. All is in order. Still I was able to rest and recharge that weekend and look forward to recharging on weekends again this summer.

All this to say the Cottage is ready for renting, and we have adjusted the pricing so take a look at the rental page.

;-)

On the EDGE, Perfect for Book Writing!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Trevor, a good friend of mine is writing a book. Getting started was becoming a bit of an issue as there were just too many distractions at home.

I suggested that he camp out up at the Cottage on the EDGE where there are none of the usual distractions... no telephone, no television, and no internet access.

He took me up on the offer, and by all accounts he is well into cracking the back of the book.

Of course there are other distractions, one of which is that it is just so nice up there. This video documents one time when he let a beautiful evening distract him.

;-)

How to Tie the Perfect Car-top Hitch

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Source: Cottage Life

I am constantly either taking something big up to the cottage, to the garbage transfer station in Otter Lake, or helping someone move a piece of furniture. Fortunately I have either a SUV or a car with a good set of roof racks but most importantly, I have always been very careful to firmly secure my load.

Most SUVs have racks on the roof but most people have no clue what is the safest way to secure their load up there. I am sure you have seen vehicles on the road with loads barely secured - accidents waiting to happen.

For heavens sake secure your loads! Here is a few tips:

1) Use a car-top rack - do not just throw it up on the roof. Most SUV come with them built in, but otherwise be safe go buy, rent or borrow a set of roof racks that (most importantly) fit your roof. Some cars have special groves in the edges of the roof to accommodate roof racks.

2) Secure the load in at least two places on top of the roof. That usually means placing the roof racks as far apart on the roof as possible and securing the load at those points. This means securing the load in two places - one as far forward and the other as far tot he back of the roof as possible. Unless the trip is short - very short - just securing to the roof racks is not secure! You need to secure the load to something solid on the car - this means to something on the vehicle that is NOT going to fall off. It may sound dumb but even running a rope through the windows and back around to the load will work. Sure it may be a bit noisy but it will be safe.

3) Secure the ends of Long and flat Loads. If the load is long and hangs over the hood/back of the vehicle ( like a canoe) then you should secure the ends of the load to the front and to the back. The bumpers are not usually good things to tie to - look for the tow hooks or underneath at the points where the bumpers are attached. This approach is a must when transporting a flat load that can catch the 'wind'. In fact anything that can catch the wind and sail away should have an extra rope or two to secure it.

4) Use the right knot. It is an unfortunate reality that the scouting movement is not attracting as many young people as in the past - hence knot making skills are a thing of the past. The key to tying down a load is to make sure (a) that the knot stays tied, and (b) that it keeps the load tightly to the vehicle. Having been a scout I use a bunch of knots but the most useful is something that is akin to a trucker's hitch. The Cottage Life magazine has a great article on how to make the trucker's hitch knot here.

So if it is taking up the canoe to the cottage, moving Grandma's rocking chair, or picking up furniture from IKEA, properly securing the load will make the trip safer for the load, for you and for everyone else on the road.
;-)

The Bunkie on the EDGE

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I really like this picture and thought it was worth sharing with you.

It is a picture of the Bunkie looking up from the stairway down to the lake. It helps to underline a few things:

Why we call it the EDGE

We have not taken down any more trees than we need to build the stairway, the Bunkie, the dock, and in fact, the Cottage.

It is beautiful on the EDGE

;-)

WOW! Another Deck

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +0000

My wife said "You must like building Decks!"

I guess I do, or at least that is what I am good at. I choose to build a deck ramp rather than use interlocking stone (it was a consideration) because it fit better with the look of the retaining wall, was easier, and fit with the approach used at the EDGE.

I am sure the project was much faster than learning how to do interlocking stone, likely less expensive and heck, I can do these in my sleep.

We have a bit of a water problem just outside of the bottom gazebo of the Cottage. A water problem. Not all the time as the eaves trough seem to be able to handle the volume most of the time.

But this spring and again in the summer we have had some massive rain storms which dumped more water than the eaves can handle. The result was a lot of water falling through the deck and creating a river that washes sand on to the bottom deck.

The solution was to build a retaining wall to direct the water away from the deck and to eventually place some weeping tile to direct the water.

So a couple of weekends ago I built what you see: a retaining wall and a new deck. The deck is more of a ramp from the gazebo out to the top of the stairs that take you down to the lake.

The project is not quite finished as I need to put in the weeping tile which will be installed outside of the the retaining wall and under the new deck ramp.

Coming Up:
In an upcoming post I will update you on the progress of the drainage system I put in.
;-)

New Lake Toys, and Dock Shed

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

We have had some water toys, namely the canoe, kayak and sailboat for sometime, but no place to store them away safely down at the dock.

Well the project to solve that issue began late last season.

A 'boat' shed to hold and store the water toys was began last fall and completed this spring with the addition of a steel roof (my first steel roof... BTW).

Aside: Those two black tire thingy's in the bottom right of the picture are two of the four anchors I created last fall and have yet to use (see links below).

Sailboat & Fishing Boat to come
My son Nathan and I have been refinishing a sailboat I built over 15 years ago, in our spare time over the spring and summer. It is a cute 12.5-foot gaft-rig made of mahogany (luan). He wishes to use it to fish so we have strengthened the transom so that it could accommodate an electric trolling motor. The sail boat will fit nicely under the canoe once we bring it done to the dock later this summer. (More on that project later)

Dock Shed (Not shown)
We also added a dock shed, which is to the right of the boat shed to store life-jackets, paddles, etc..

Related Posts:

;-)

A Bunkie with all the Comforts of Home

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:03:00 +0000

The Bunkie was already well appointed, for a bunkie. With the renovations and a few new additions our guests will feel right at home -- in the country.

In previous posts we mentioned the changes in the loft: a permanent ladder and railing. Here are a few of the upgrades and features of the Bunkie:

A new Sofa Bed
We have replaced the old beat up sofa bed we had with a brand new IKEA brand sofa bed. With one simple click the sofa converts in to a double bed.
Yes it is very comfortable!

Mini-Kitchen
While a new microwave is coming soon, the kitchenette, has a stereo (CDs and cassettes, radio), toaster (4 toast), coffee maker (5 cup), and all the dishes and cutlery you need. Also provided: Emergency light, candles, and cork screw (most important!).

Pop-up Table
We completed re-finished the folding table, giving it several coats of varnish. The table comes with two chairs, and folds nicely against the wall when not needed. Perfect for a cozy breakfast for two, if you must you can add another munchkin to the table to join you.

Keep Cool
While the bunkie is always cool because it is insulated well, having the door and windows open will change the climate inside. So we install a new ceiling fan to mix up the air. Not really needed but what the heck we had it lying around, might as well use it somewhere...

Plenty of Outside Space
The bunkie has two decks.

The first is right at the door step, literally! It provides wrap-around seating for like 10... and comes with a barbeque.

The second deck is a covered gazebo that can sit an army. It comes with a patio table and chairs for six.

;-)

Screen Doors are Made for Country Cottages

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:41:00 +0000

I have to say I am very happy how my latest screen door for the bunkie turned out. My previous screen door was a disaster!

But I learned from my mistakes... this time...

1) I built a porch to protect the door from the elements, and

2) I am using a composite (material) door

The previous door lasted about two seasons before it totally rotted and was not functional. This door is not only protected from the rain but also is a composite door -- meaning it won't rot! Added bonus is that the door requires no painting (aka maintenance).

Isn't that a cute screen door?

Now our guests can enjoy the bunkie even when it is raining -- either inside with the door open (and the screen door keeping the bugs out or sitting under the porch.

Related Posts:

;-)

Every Bunkie needs a Loft...

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

A loft makes a Bunkie a young person magnet!

There is something about sleeping up high that makes it fun for kids. And our bunkie loft is no different, so we had to make it accessible and safe.

So as part of the renovations this summer we build and installed a permanent step ladder and a guard railing.

Both were made with cedar for looks, longevity and most of all to keep maintenance to a bare minimum. Plus I like the smell!

The Ladder
It was a tight fit so the only safe alternative was a permanently installed step ladder. I built it with standard step height of 7 inches -- so it is very kind to short little legs.

Each of the steps are inlay-ed in to the stringers by a half-inch and glued. To make sure the ladder stays together I used a threaded rod to bolt the stringers together roughly a third of the distance from the top and bottom. The ladder is secured to the loft at the top.

The Safety Rail

The safety rail is pretty much a standard deck railing with the exception that it is a bit shorter. I made sure the spacing between the 'rails' met building code (<4 inches) by using a piece of 2x4 to space them.

Related Posts:

;-)

Renovating the Bunkie

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Our first living space up at the EDGE was a small bunkie with a loft. It could sleep three adults or a family of 4 with two young children.

It served us well providing a rustic place to call the 'cottage' and enjoy the lake. It also provided a very comfortable place to sleep after long days building the main cottage.

But alas it was not quite finished, and suffered from my early days of building skills. It was missing the finishing touches like baseboard molding, a railing for the loft and needed a good coat of paint.

Well that was the major task this spring and summer, and I am please it is completed and ready for visitors.

Coming Up:
In the next few posts I will explore the Bunkie and some of the renovations.

;-)

Golf at the Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Lucie and I are avid golfers, so being able to get a round in before, during or after a visit tot he cottage is always a great plus.

...and we found this great 9-hole course which is on the way up to the cottage (just off highway 148) and only a half hour from the cottage. It is in Norway Bay from which it gets its name.

World famous golf course architects Stanley Thompson and Robert Trent Jones designed this beautiful course in the 1930's and the course still reflects both their influence and the rich golf history of the era.

In May 2007, brother and sister, Linda and Jim Thompson and their families, purchased this historical golf club from the McCredie family. The course was acquired with the idea of complementing another 1930's historical resort property they have owned since 1969, called Pine Lodge in Bristol, Quebec. Since May, 2007, they have been in the process of rejuvenating and injecting new life into this "proud old Norway Bay lady" to bring it back to its original splendor.

We have played two rounds of golf, and we will be back again. If you are in the area give it a try!

On the Web you can find them at www.norwaybaygolf.ca
;-)

...and then I rested

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Finally!

The construction is done and just about all the little jobs that did not get done in the first pass are done.

I have been dreaming about setting up my hammock for years...

I finally did that task and took a rest!

And besides no one should work on their birthday!

PS, Yes it is VERY comfortable!
;-)

A Finished Photo...

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:04:00 +0000

It occurred to me that I haven't posted a picture of the Cottage now that it is completed. Well... this post is to rectify that oversight.

Here is a picture looking from the side of the cottage -- the lake is towards the left...

And a picture from the front of the cottage...

;-)

Frozen Water System... Solved

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:04:00 +0000

Whew!
The water system is working like a charm!

Clearly it was a frozen spot somewhere along the line down tot he lake. I suspect I know where it is and will put a bit of insulation over the area.

Frozen Water System... A Possible Diagnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:01:00 +0000

As I mentioned in a previous post, it appears that the water system may be frozen... the issue is where the dip is located?

I sent an eMail to Cottage Water Supply Inc, the makers of the water system we have installed, on Monday and immediately received a response. And a very positive, hopeful one at that.

It appears that the section in the pipe that is frozen is likely a dip in the water line down to the lake. It is at this dip that the water would pool rather than drain fulling back to the lake, hence freeze.

How did Adam Soszka at Cottage Water Supply determine that that is the likely culprit? It turns out the gurgling sound that we hear when the water is being pumped up from the lake is most likely caused by the air flowing through the water in the 'dip' as the water first starts pumping up to the pressure tank. A find this so amazing, but also indicative of someone who knows his products. It reminds me of my son (he is a mechanic) diagnosing an auto engine problem by listening to it through a stethoscope - yes really.

I still will have to wait until the Spring thaw, but I am reassured that it is not a BIG fix.

;-)

Thank you, Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:35:00 +0000

A dear relative, and friend, Bill Rogers passed away this morning. After a painful fight with cancer, it is comforting to know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

I, as well as most of his closest loved ones, was fortunate to visit with him one last time over the last few weeks. While he seemed to be his open and caring self it was clear that he was living through bouts of extreme discomfort.

His illness, impending death and now his death, has quite affected me. At first I found this to be very disconcerting -- wondering why his death is affecting me so much greater than that of others in my life recently. At first I thought it was a sudden realization that I too am potentially closer to the end myself, but further introspection tells me I am not at all afraid of death.

Rather... I think that it is the impact that Bill had on my life and how it so changed my life to have known him that has so profoundly affected me. You see I have come to know that Bill through our long discussions (often over a glass of wine and about anything), his perspective, and nonjudgmental philosophy has opened my mind to possibilities. He gave me confidence to believe in myself.

In fact the Cottage on the EDGE, was built because Bill, whether he knew it or not, gave me the courage and strength to believe in myself... that I could do it.

Thank You Bill!
;-)

No Water! Our First Major Cottage Repair

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 21:47:00 +0000

We have been very fortunate... Until now!

Last weekend the water stopped. What I am really saying is... the water, which we get from the Lake stopped flowing. I am not sure what the problem is -- all I know is that the pump when it is turned on and the pressure gets below the lower cut-in -- it does not pump water. So we have no water in the pressure tank now, hence no water to flush toilets, drink, etc... Unless we bring it with us to the cottage.

It is winter so I likely will not be able to confirm what the problem is until Spring. It could one of the following problems:

The pipe into the lake has frozen. I have a Heat-line system which is supposed to keep the pipe unfrozen for the length of pipe that goes through the ice in the lake. However, the freezing could be happening before or after this heated length of pipe.
The Pump is stuck in the mud, hence, just is unable to pump water.
The Pump is burnt-out because of (1) or (2)
The pressure value on the tank is not functioning properly, and hence is not telling the pump to come on.

The investigation for all of these issues will have to wait until the Spring, or at least a sufficient thaw to get at the pipe and pump in the lake. Brrrrrrrr.....

I am hoping that the issue is (1) or (2) because those are easy fixes. A burnt-out pump (3) will be a real pain to replace. Replacing the pressure switch (4) will be an easier task.

Stay tuned, I will update during the investigation and repair.

Coming Next:
In an upcoming post I will describe the 'drain-back' water system we have at the cottage.

Related Posts & Links:
Installing the Water Pressure Tank
A great description of the drain-back water system we use was in the Cottage Life magazine

;-)

My Family Day Present to You...

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Hi Loyal Cottage on the EDGE followers!

In honour of the the Family Day holiday here in Ontario, and a few other provinces in Canada we have a special offer in the Store on 15 oz coffee mugs!!

From Today, February 17th to Sunday, February 20th, SAVE $3 off our 15 oz coffee mug. Hurry and spread the word before you start drinking out of someone else's coffee mug!

Go to the store here... When at the checkout use the following coupon code - 2011BRRMug.

Love,
Gary

Coupon Code: 2011BRRMug
$3 Off 15 oz. Coffee Mugs

The Fine Print:
Please enter coupon code 2011BRRMug before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the subtotal and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 2/17/2011 12:00 am to 2/20/2011 11:59 pm Mountain time.

Save 45% at on-the-EDGE Store!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Gudbranson) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:35:00 +0000

Hi Cottage-on-the-EDGE Lovers!

Today, February 5 you can save 45% off all products for 24 whole hours. It is a great time to stock up or get a one of a kind gift for Valentines Day!

Don't forget to pass the coupon and some lovin' to your family and friends. They can save 45% off the base price by using the same coupon code.

Love,
All the lovers at the EDGE

Coupon Code: FEBLUV11
45% off

Disclaimer: You must enter coupon code FebLuv11 before completing checkout. The entire subtotal may not be eligible for the discount due to varying partner commissions. The maximum qualifying discount will AUTOMATICALLY be calculated by the website. Discount does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Offer valid from 2/05/2011 12:00 am to 11:59 PM MST. May not be combined or substituted with any other promotion.