There is a time in early October that I look forward to with anticipation – time to pick our supply of cranberries. I don't think I can adequately convey the joy I get from the experience of picking these ruby jewels of the bog - the canoe trip up the lake to our bog, the coloured leaves, the loons and eagles, the smells on the air are all part of it. The bogs are floating on the water so we carefully choose a path to the area where Judi and I know the biggest cranberries grow. Success in this adventure is not guaranteed, since the berries are so easily damaged by spring frost. We approach the area with anticipation, not knowing if the berries are there or not. Last year was a very good year and we picked with quiet satisfaction that we were connected to the land and history as by a string running back through generations.

There is another event in early October I look forward to every year – my first grouse hunt. I know a place on our land where grouse come to feed in the later morning. The dogs know this place as well ..................... members can read the full article when signed in