Summer arrived officially three days ago, which means Muskoka is in full swing now. And if you live here year-round, like we do, you know exactly what that means.

The boats are back on the water, the roads are a little busier, and the lineup at the grocery store is significantly longer. The drive across town, which takes only a few minutes in the “off-season", now requires a little more patience and a lot less of a hurry.

We'll be honest. Every year it takes some getting used to.

There's this funny little adjustment period that happens in late June, when cottage country really kicks into gear. The locals who've had the run of the place since Labour Day suddenly find themselves sharing it again. You hear more boat motors on the lake in the morning, the bakery has a line-up out the door, the coffee shop is full by 8 a.m. and you remember: oh right. It's summer.

The thing is, we wouldn't actually have it any other way. And we really do mean that.

It's great to see everyone out on the water again.

Because every boat out on the water means someone is exactly where they've wanted to be for months. Every familiar face that walks through the door of our shop is someone we genuinely look forward to seeing. The energy that comes with this season is real, and it's good, and after a long quiet winter and a slow spring, it's actually kind of wonderful to feel the place come alive again.

So if you're heading up this season, welcome. We're glad you're here. Come find us in the shop, say hello, and know that even if the lineup is a bit longer than you'd like, Muskoka is the best place to be in the summertime.