Welcome! A New Cottager

The Beginning:
As a recent new cottage owner on Leech Lake I made my first visit up from Mississauga last weekend with my family. This first thing we noticed is how much different it looks with all the trees in full bloom, shortly after we realize how many mosquitoes were around! It was a humbling experience to open the doors of the cottage for the first time realizing that this is actually ours. We have been to cottages before and camped many times but to finally own one is a different experience. Once the initial excitement subsided we started to settle in. Kids after running around picking their rooms, me checking if water is running, lights working and my wife checking the kitchen. Soon thereafter when the unpacking was finished we sat down to catch our breaths. Naturally we started talking about what needs to be done, what we can improve, what we can keep and so on. But soon we both began to realize the work involved in cottage ownership is not trivial. I’m sure all you veteran owners are having a chuckle. Either you are saying it’s a piece of cake I’ll get use to it after a few years or you’re saying it’s definitely like another child that needs love and care and lot of work. I’m sure I’ll have my own view after a few years.

A Good Cottage Citizen:
The previous owners, who had the cottage from the beginning of its life 40 years ago, were noticeably proud cottage owners as it was a well maintained the cottage. Now it was up to us to keep that pride going as well as add a few of our personal touches. As a good cottage citizen I’d like to keep in touch with my neighbours and hope this blog can be useful to introduce myself and learn of the good cottage practices that we all should adhere to.

Questions:
I am looking for help/comments on a few things.
I noticed that the mosquitoes have been in full force and probably smelled fresh blood when we arrived. I can just picture their smiling faces looking at us. As soon as I would walk out of the cottage they would be ready for me and took no time to start their feasting. How long will this last? I’ve been told by some that it will die down in a few weeks and others say get use to it as they never go away. Any tips on mosquito repellents, I’ve seen some blue light zappers on sale that claim 1 acre range and emit some sonar to repel them.
I’m looking for a canoe that will be good for family but not to expensive, budget is a bit tight. If anyone is selling or know someone who is selling please let me know.
Not all of us are at the cottages full time so I’m wondering if there is some sort of community watch program or phone list shared for emergency contacts etc.

I have read about our water test, road repairs and tree by-laws blogs and as my family and I get ready for our new cottage adventures I look forward to your comments and keeping involved with Leech Lake community.
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Par Virdee
1206 Lakeshore Rd S.