We went to the cottage for 2 weeks in August and it was wonderful! Though... we did have a bit of an adventure getting there. First, I have to say that the kids did great on the drive up. Nathan kept complaining that his tummy felt weird, and he was acting a little calmer than usual, but I don't think anyone can blame me for just thanking my lucky stars for that during an 8+ hour car ride with two kids.
Anyway, we did great and were making great time. We had just called Dad and Liz and her family who were anxiously awaiting our arrival that we had were just about to Perry Sound and only about 45 minutes away (so they could come pick us up at the marina) when we were detoured off of the highway. We learned that there had been a car accident that had closed down the highway and they weren't sure when it would be open again. We called Liz to let them know to stand down.
After pulling over at a beautiful look out point over the water and me making some phone calls to see if any hotel rooms were available that night in Parry Sound (there weren't) we decided to feed the natives and re-evaluate in an hour. We located a great spot (Bistro by the Bay) that looked much too fancy for our by then ornery crew, and had pizza down the street. We got back on the highway (nothing blocking us) and made another call to Liz to update her that we were back on the road with high hopes. About 20 minutes later and maybe 2 miles from our destination... we hit traffic halted to a dead stop. Brian got out and spoke with some of the other folks hanging out there. It turns out that they had been sitting there for over 4 hours, but because of the way the roads are up there, literally the only way for most people to get to where they were going, was dependent on that piece of highway. The only other option for some was a 5 hour detour.
Honestly, I think it may be the biggest act of compassion that after Brian told them our story, each of the folks expressed true sympathy for us having a 1 and 3 year old in our car. These people had been sitting there (some with, albeit older, kids of their own) and they felt for us. Brian got back in the car and relayed the news, and I made (another) call to Liz. She says at this point they had been going up and down the walkway to the boat about 4 times and were starting to concoct crazy plans of Dad running to come get us or taking the boat crazy long distances to see if we could find a spot they could pick us up. Brian got on the phone and pretty much every place in the surrounding area (even past Barrie for those who know the geography) was booked because of the accident except for ONE suite at the JW Marriot - The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. GOD BLESS HIM (and that beautiful place). We drove the additional 40 minutes there and by this point everyone was pretty tired and over the drive though both children WOULD NOT SLEEP. We got into our rooms between 10 and 11 (so far past bedtime) and both kids proceeded to have total and utter meltdowns. It was a good thing it was a suite and they had already put up a pack and play because we decided and conquered. Nathan and I were sharing a bed when at 2 am I woke up in a dead sweat realizing that Nathan was burning up. Then he woke up a short time later and threw up. The night just went on from there.
I'll wrap up this very long story that I'm really only writing for myself at this point, to say that by the time we got to the cottage the next day, we were especially glad to be there. Poor Nathan and I both didn't feel quite ourselves for about the next week, though it was a strange fever that came and went along with utter fatigue. It was really good that we stayed for 2 weeks.
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