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page 12 by Thomas Van Dusen Last week, we went back to the Opinicon Hotel -- those who had arrived there by boat in the summer on the epic cruise of the Blue Gull and reinforcements picked up at various intervening parties. Our cottage at the Rideau Lakes haven, was Cypress and leaving Shirley to ready the place for visitors, some of whom had already arrived in the shape of Major G. and his wife, | went down to the wharf to commune. The lake lay spread out in the afternoon light like the five fingers from which it obtained its name. Over the low hills crawled dark clouds like a scribble of charcoal on the sky. A wind moaned high in the ar- ching elms and maples, relics of the ancient wilderness. All was serenity, calm and peace. | A shangri-la away from home. Others arrived and_ still others. The Popes, the Stephensons, Commander C. Glaswegians never known to use the phrase '"'Hoot_mon". As dusk fell silently over the sequestered vale, we were greeted briefly but warmly by our jovial host, A.H. Cross and repaired to the dining room in the main lodge amid unequalled since the Wars of | the Roses. and his wife, former - scenes of wassail and revelry - BACK TO THE OPINICON -- A SAGA OF CHAFFEY'S LOCKS Tottering away from the groaning table, we made our way on foot to what had formerly been the miller's cot- tage when there was a_ grist mill at Chaffey's. This had been allotted to our party, presumably because it was out of hearing of the main lodge which contained a fair quota of septua- and octogenarians and a smattering of children whose tender-. ears must not be assaulted by loud political war cries and challenges wafting across the placid waters. That evening as the flames leaped up in the hearth at Cypress' cottage we held a Witenagemot in the grand old style of our remote ancestors, shedding reason and light on such sacred issues as the state of Mr. Brett's hemorrhoids as he went up to bat in the World Series and what Pierre Trudeau was really after. Next day lustre was added to the party, by the arrival of Cap'n Henry from the Blue Gull, my old skipper and in his honour I donned my sea-going headgear for the first time since last summer, causing a sensation in the dining room where at least one retired ad- miral was seen to seize up on his bouillabaisse. Saturday we occupied ourselves as best we might. I sat by the dock while the wind rasped the surface of the lake and chased the low-lying clouds across the back of the hills; The sun came out and created a path of beaten silver to my feet. The tall trees groan- ed and cracked as the wind lashed them and drove clouds of bronze leaves in its path. Here and there a pilgrim brav- ed the surge and trudged across ~ the base of the hill where I oc- cupied my time feeding peanuts to a_beige-coloured squirrel. The old lodge with its multi- ple verandas towering high over the lake-was a resort of family parties, old folks recap- turing memories of the twen- ties and thirties and foolish virgins wondering why. Following another of A.H. Cross's enormous dinners, we gathered that night in Fernbrae cottage overlooking the locks, soothed by the gentle murmur of the mill stream and re- counted tales of our activities. Some had wandered in the hills, others had slept; some had worked old. manuscripts and some had 'remained glued to the frenzied activities of the ball players portrayed in full colour via the miracle of televi- sion. Again, a spirited argu- ment developed and after a happy honing of wits on the anvil of controversy, we retired, one party to Cypress cottage, one to Fernbrae and Cap'n Henry and his wife, Noreen to their self-contained suite opening on to the Opinicon's. screened porch. These were only some of the highlights of our Opinicon weekend. oe ~ FOR THE FALLEN On Nov. 11, 1918, the British and German armies laid down their arms, and fraternized in Flanders Fields. This epochal event, marking the end of the war to end all wars is commemorated in the stark, simple memorial in Morewood Village Square. "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them." (Photo Dennis McGann). RON VEH BUILDER & DESIGNER Renovations « Additions Custom Kitchens ¢ Bathrooms - Free Estimates 445-2048 'RUSSELL | 822-1568 Open 7 Days Week h; i oa! beg APR AT + ,% y bj 4 ; 7:00 a.m. to 9:00. p.m. - GRAND RE- OPENING NOVEMBER 29 - 30TH PAGANI GROCERY GAS BAR EDWARDS REGULAR GAS NOLEAD SUPER NO LEAD LOW, LOW PRICES SPECIAL From nov. 29 To DEC. 15 1 FREE GLASS WITH EACH FILL UP OF GAS UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST. 10W30 Motor Oil -- 99¢ Litre BP Antifreeze -- $8.50 Galion FREE COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS EVERYBODY WELCOME. Nov. 29 - 30th Free Turkey Draw with each fill up " q .