A couple of weeks ago my sister Diane and I went to Sutton in the Eastern Townships for five days. She had stayed at Auberge Schweizer there in July for a watercolour painting course and raved about the place. So she suggested a short stay for us where she would sketch and paint and I would do my photography. We timed it to coincide with the lovely fall colours.
On the Sunday afternoon when we arrived it was showering but the forecast predicted a sunny Monday so we held on to that thought. The rest of the week looked "iffy" but we wouldn't let that get us down.
We proceeded to get the news that the accommodation that was expected (a two bedroom suite over the "painting room" would not be available due to a mouse that had to be "taken care of"). The Auberge owners were stunned when we both said in unison "that's OK - we like mice". They insisted in upgrading our accommodation but I was more concerned that they not kill the mouse/mice. Well, interestingly enough considering my previous post, they had a live trap and later in the week they announced success and that the captured mouse would be released "up by the dam". We even offered to do the release which elicited more stunned looks.
In the meantime we had quite taken to our substituted living quarters. It was a very comfortable chalet with a fireplace, full kitchen and two bedrooms - each one with a bathroom attached. We ate lunches in the chalet and had our breakfasts and suppers in the dining room. The food was vegan / vegetarian (as requested) and was absolutely delicious. Most of the food came straight from their organic garden.
While everything was wonderful, the weather was not very cooperative. Each day our mantra became "I think the sky is clearing" or " there seems to be a break in the clouds". Most of this was wishful thinking and actually things got worse as tropical storm Nicole sent torrential rains and gale force winds later in the week. However, we never let it get us down and I still managed to get some interesting photos (mainly of insects). On the worst day we simply headed off to wine country and toured the local wineries and stocked up!
Here are some of the photos of the trip. You can also find many of my Sutton insect pictures here.
"Our" chalet on the hill
Some of the fall colours
Here I am doing one of my favorite things - petting "Lucky", one of the resident dogs.
Diane doing one of HER favorite things!
Some early sketches
On the Sunday afternoon when we arrived it was showering but the forecast predicted a sunny Monday so we held on to that thought. The rest of the week looked "iffy" but we wouldn't let that get us down.
We proceeded to get the news that the accommodation that was expected (a two bedroom suite over the "painting room" would not be available due to a mouse that had to be "taken care of"). The Auberge owners were stunned when we both said in unison "that's OK - we like mice". They insisted in upgrading our accommodation but I was more concerned that they not kill the mouse/mice. Well, interestingly enough considering my previous post, they had a live trap and later in the week they announced success and that the captured mouse would be released "up by the dam". We even offered to do the release which elicited more stunned looks.
In the meantime we had quite taken to our substituted living quarters. It was a very comfortable chalet with a fireplace, full kitchen and two bedrooms - each one with a bathroom attached. We ate lunches in the chalet and had our breakfasts and suppers in the dining room. The food was vegan / vegetarian (as requested) and was absolutely delicious. Most of the food came straight from their organic garden.
While everything was wonderful, the weather was not very cooperative. Each day our mantra became "I think the sky is clearing" or " there seems to be a break in the clouds". Most of this was wishful thinking and actually things got worse as tropical storm Nicole sent torrential rains and gale force winds later in the week. However, we never let it get us down and I still managed to get some interesting photos (mainly of insects). On the worst day we simply headed off to wine country and toured the local wineries and stocked up!
Here are some of the photos of the trip. You can also find many of my Sutton insect pictures here.
"Our" chalet on the hill
Some of the fall colours
Here I am doing one of my favorite things - petting "Lucky", one of the resident dogs.
Diane doing one of HER favorite things!
Some early sketches
A Viceroy butterfly (mimic of the Monarch)
This pumpkin was grown in the Schweizer's garden and is estimated to weigh 100 pounds!
This pumpkin was grown in the Schweizer's garden and is estimated to weigh 100 pounds!
My next post will show more photos of this enjoyable stay in Sutton.
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There's a Canadian mystery writer, Louise Penny, who sets her stories in the townships. One was in an inn, which is actually based on a real inn. It's not this one, but it seemed quite inviting.
ReplyDeleteHi Anvilcloud - it is interesting you mention this because Nelson has been reading her novels and plans to send me a couple. Louise Penny has also been involved in a horse rescue recently that I heard about. Another reason to want to read her books!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post and terrific photos. I especially like the butterfly.
ReplyDeleteI've read and enjoyed a couple of Louise Penny's books!
Happy Thanksgiving! Flighty xx
Thanks Flighty and a Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! xx
ReplyDelete