The Story of the Red Bottom Boat
As a little girl, I spent every summer on beautiful Sag Lake in northern Ontario.  My family enjoyed everything from lazy summer days on the dock, boat rides around the lake, an evening bonfire or a good old fashioned board game!

My mom was an artist who loved antiques or items that had a story.  She could see beauty in objects that others were ready to take to the dump.  In the mid 1970’s my mom was excited to inherit an old cedar strip boat that had served its time.  I still remember the grunts and groans from those who were pulling this beautiful old boat, with a candy apple red bottom, onto its new home.. a rocky perch along our shoreline.The idea was to create a flower garden in the hull of the boat, which was to be enjoyed by all for summers to come!  Sadly, in 1978 my mom passed away and never got to see her vision completed..

 

This tired and worn cedar strip has weathered harsh winters, many summer storms, sunrises and sunsets.  It has sat on its perch as the loons have called, the fish have jumped and the frogs have sung their nightly tunes.  Its rotting bottom has given way to small saplings and lakeside weeds.  It has become a landmark that is our symbol of family, love and natural beauty!  For almost 5 decades this boat has remained on the spot it was placed and will remain there as it slowly fades, for more years to come.

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     I feel “ Tired.. But loved” is a fitting title for this photo that honours my mom and her beautiful red bottom boat ~ both are a treasure to be remembered..