It was a MUST STOP destination on the way into Algonquin Park for eons, with the Rae family at the helm.Just a wonderful place to stop for a snack, a light meal, a browse through the gift shop or a walk down along the river's edge. And that's just us passers-through -- they also had accommodation for those looking for something that truly spoke of the Canadian wild.
The second building, this was. The first burned years ago, taking with it the lives of a young mother and her infant son. Brian was on the fire dept. at that time, and a close friend of the victim, so it has stayed in our minds forever. It rose from the ashes, however. Life has a way of doing that.
Several years back, it sold, ostensibly to be a Fractional resort, but then everything just ground to a halt, and the lovely old log building has been sitting derelict and sad for far too long. It changed owners again, and was about to do so yet again.
Until November 20th, when at 5.30 in the morning, flames broke out. The official cause of the fire has not been released, but scuttlebutt on the street speaks to the owner camping out on the property to clean it up, combined with a malfunctioning bbq tank. Accidents happen fast.
Kudos to the fire crews, who worked hard and long, but the building was old, wooden, dry, and -- as they say -- fully involved in the fire.
We're going to miss this icon along the road to Algonquin Park. We'll have to wait and see what the newest owners build in its place.
Whatever it is, it won't be able to rise to the standards of friendly warmth and welcome the Rae family built there.
I remember the place after passing by many times. A shame things went that way.
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