Postcard to Loughborough Lake - Wishing We Were There

Postcard to Loughborough Lake

One thing is true - everything changes; and nothing stays the same.

For over 33 years, Loughborough Lake has given us so much. Sadly, that changed in 2020.

My grandfather fished the lake back in the 1940’s and his signature can still be found in the historic Loughborough Inn guest register. That’s how we, New Yorkers, discovered the lake that would add so much enjoyment to our lives. Every Spring we couldn’t wait to open the cottage, put the curtains up, attach the swim ladder, bring out the dock chairs and gaze at our beautiful lake. Summer would bring hot days, cool swims, boat rides and twilight dinners in the screened gazebo atop the boat house surrounded by the lake. At night, a full moon would shine on the water lighting its ripples made by the fish and beavers. Just as we were about to fall asleep the Whippoorwill, hiding in the nearby woods, would make sure that we would have to wait a bit longer.

Photo provided by Christine Galvin, Loughborough Lake

For so long, our friends and family found refuge at our cottage on the lake; fishing, reading, napping, or swimming and picknicking on Papoose Island. If we needed a bit of excitement, we could be in Kingston in no time, sampling the restaurants, picking up supplies, visiting shops or enjoying a festival.

Who would have thought that one day in March 2020, the border between our two countries would close… shut tight. But close it did, as COVID-19 began to lay claim to our “normal” lives and health. Little did we know that our cottage would be sadly, unwillingly, deserted for the entire summer, and for the rest of the year. What we miss most is the water, its sense of calm and freedom; its beauty. There is something magical about the way it restores the soul.

From time to time, we remotely visited the lake through photos thoughtfully shared by our kind neighbours. During the Loughborough Lake Association Annual General meeting, via Zoom, we learned that the boaters went crazy last summer and that North Shore Road was finally repaired and driveable. Now, looking to the future, even though hope springs eternal, our return this summer is hanging in the balance. All we can do is wait. If you see the flower boxes are planted at the green boathouse on the east end, you’ll know that we’re back. And if not, we’ll return as soon as the door opens.

Until then, enjoy the lake,

Christine Galvin, Loughborough Lake Association member, since 1988