2025: Canada Day at Cedars

Описание: Several weeks ago Daniel invited me to stay with him and Ryan at Cedars, and as things evolved Canada Day turned out to be a great time for a visit. Coming right after Pride Weekeend, their neighbours would be having their annual Canada Day block party, and that I could attend as a guest.

When I arrived at Cedars, Daniel was waiting for me at the gate house. The big rain storm had just stopped, and he wanted to make sure that I was well received, and I was lucky to note that for the rest of my visit, sunny weather was predicted.

The boys laid out a lovely charcuterie platter for dinner. I brought some cheeses from Upper Canada Cheese in Niagara including their famous Niagara Gold, Nosey Goat and Buttercup. A few of their fellow seasonal campers joined us, and for most of the evening I was a fly on the wall, listening to campground stories of who has been naughty and who has been nice. Clearly good friends, they also have travelled with each other and have had a lot of history. Anne shared the story of her coming out at 17 years old, and her parents’ ultimately touching response which still makes her cry. Being that I love stories, I was happy to just listen.

Troy and Steve joined later in the evening. They had just come from their bar The Drink in the gay village, which, for over 10 days has been open until 4am to celebrate pride. It’s their busiest time of year. They were understandably burnt out and needed a rest. When I was happy to hear that it was a successful season for them!

after a late breakfast the next morning, Daniel and Ryan drove me around the campsite. Cedars is a pretty impressively huge property. Only having been there six times, I still am confused by what roads lead where, but wherever we went campers always waved and said hello. There is an overwhelming sense of friendliness.

By 1:30 pm, I joined Daniel and Ryan for the block party. Almost immediately, I ran into people I knew and fell into conversation with them. “I thought you were gonna text me if you were coming.” Paul accused. He was right, and in the insanity of the weekend before, I had forgotten. Over 20 years ago, he and I dated for about three weeks, and still remain friends. We have always gotten along well and seen each other in fits and starts over the years. Now, he has his Master’s from McMaster, and he and his partner Ricky have travelled extensively. We left the party and took a little walk as he picked up his laundry and brought it to his campsite.

Tammy came up to me. It was her birthday, and had taken some photos of her and her son Chas who she was visiting for the weekend. She expressed her gratitude. “I’m coming back Labour Day and I hope to see you then!” It’s wonderful chatting with supportive family members, and I always try taking the opportunity of grabbing photos together because I know they will have a nice memento they can keep and reflect upon.

After the sun and heat of the day, I texted Daniel and Ryan that I was heading to the pool to cool off. A couple guys I didn’t know were very, very friendly so I dallied with them for a bit before Daniel and Ryan showed up and I joined them in their cabana. At the end of my visit, Ryan dropped me home. I felt tired and happy, my heart soaked in sunlight.