Heavy rain all Friday night, with thunder and lightning, and then about 6 a.m., as it was just getting light and the younger Nies family was up getting ready to move to the car and depart for points south, the power went out. Surprisingly, though, for not more than a few minutes, which made the candles unnecessary and water available for washing and flushing. It could have been worse, but that was the last of the internet, and this being the long weekend, no service until possibly Tuesday. Little sleep was had that night by nearly everyone (although the girls did fine). I, being up in the garage, was substantially deafened by relentless pounding, and had to stuff the edges of sheets in my ears to even contemplate sleep.

Saturday, we groggily stowed pools, sand toys, swings and frog box away, in anticipation of next year, and then settled in for an afternoon of heavy rain.

Sunday, Sue and I both went for long rows on the Susie Pea, went grocery shopping in GorB, I had a chat with Todd about an new head in Heliotrope, we had lunch at Bouys, and we both read books. (I am reading We are adjusting to not having email, news, the New York Times, Facebook, Google News, and blogging.

Today, Monday, Labor Day in the U.S., and the third day of the long weekend and the official last day of summer here on Manitoulin, we went with John and ME on a photo expedition west and then south—Poplar Road, Union Road, Scott Road, White Church Road, Grimsthorpe Road, etc.—arriving at the fish and chip place in Providence Bay on the second-to-last day of their service. Monument Road and Jerusalem Hill Road on the way home.

After an hour's nap, Sue and I took Heliotrope out of the harbor for the first time in a long time, but, only briefly because of threatening conditions. Just a short way out in the bay we experienced wind of 30 knots, and under reefed job and mizzen were burying the rail and having to luff up (fisherman's reef) to spill the excess air. We closed the main hatch and tied off the spring line just as the rain started. Once again a tropical deluge dropping inches of rain and flooding the swales, but moving out after just a few hours. More to come, I am quite sure as the wind is still strong from the south.

Pictures to follow if and when internet service is restored.