By Adam Jamieson
Ontarians love to get out of the city during the few precious ‘summer’ months we have each year. I put the word summer in quotations because we have just experienced one of the worst summers weather-wise in recent memory.
When we are blessed with friends with cottages, and when the weather forecast looks promising, it’s time to head up North. Lakeside bliss is just 2-3 hours away. Before readying for a much-needed retreat from the daily grind, please take a moment to ponder the best interests of your friends and hosts. Odds are you’ve been cottage whoring (due to you not owning a cottage of your own) for years now and are well versed in proper cottage etiquette. Even though you may always be traveling to the cottages of your very close friends, visitor etiquette never goes out of style and is always appreciated.
Following some very simple dos and don’ts will ensure a successfully relaxing sojourn up North. Not a lot is needed when packing for the cottage, but bringing the right items can make a difference. Items to keep you entertained inside during a depressing downpour or outside on the dock- sitting in a Muskoka chair are key. Cards, board games, books, graphic novels, puzzles, or an ipod (be clear: this is the only acceptable personal electronic device to use during a cottage weekend) are great additions to your suitcase’s repertoire. Always ask your host if there’s anything you can bring. Whether it is bedding, towels, food, drinks, a soccer ball, or a Frisbee, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re being as accommodating as possible. Most weekend entertainers don’t like asking their guests to bring anything, but it’s important to pose the question.
Asking “Is there anything I can do?” should be articulated often. Everyone will be cooking, eating, and cleaning together. If you’re not likened to a culinary expert, offer to do the dishes when the meal is done. If you like to take a bit of control in the kitchen, make sure you get as many people involved in chopping, boiling, peeling, and setting the table. Many hands make light work, and the more people involved the better everyone feels about the communal effort that should be expended all weekend long. If the kitchen really isn’t your most comfortable environment, help out a little by chopping some wood for the evening’s fire.
Though the weekend is designed for the highest degree of relaxation, making an effort in all of your cottage exploits is of the utmost significance. It’s nice to offer to go into town when supplies are needed. Whatever you choose to smoke, don’t flick the butts into the flower beds, off the balcony, or into the water. Find an empty beer bottle or can. Bring your own beer, wine, or hard liquor and be prepared to share (cottage weekends are all about sharing). There will be enough of everything for everybody to eat and drink, but fridge space is usually at a premium. Try not to bring any unnecessary items and always run by your host anything special you want to bring.
Water usage is customarily a hot topic during cottage weekends. Many cottages have septic tanks and nobody likes a flooded toilet or running out of water. Here’s the best bathroom motto to live by – “If its pee, let it be. If it’s brown, flush it down.” Only flush when you need to and don’t take any lavish half-hour showers. Get into the spirit of the weekend by using some biodegradable soap and take a lake shower.
There are so many activities to do up at the cottage. Boating, swimming, card games, board games, fishing, and building a fire are just a handful. It is always nice to ask if anybody needs anything if you’re leaving the dock to head to the main cabin to get more drinks or some snacks. Get involved and show interest. Entertaining is a hard job, help the host out. Remember that helping out and making an effort is the name of the game during weekends out of the city.
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