Rondeau Cottage Ideal Getaway Posted on 2008-08-25 20:14:26 The Alfords, now of Denver Colorado, share their love and memories of Rondeau with Treveor Terfloth of the Chatham Daily News. Reprinted with permission. As evening approaches, a calm aura settles upon the Alford cottage. The somewhat cool temperatures signal that fall is imminent, which means the Denver, Colorado. couple will soon be packing up. However, they are not in the least bit of a hurry. "It's very hard to leave," Joan Alford said. "This summer has gone so quickly." Joan and Peter Alford have been spending their summers at Rondeau Provincial Park for decades. Peter's family built the cottage in 1937. Today, it still features much of the original charm, along with modern conveniences. Two storeys of rustic knotty pine interior, a fireplace and cedar deck provide a homey atmosphere for the couple, as well as their dog, Ellie. However, the unique natural area is one of the main draws. "Where else -- not just in Canada, but in the world -- do you have this Carolinian forest and open water?" Peter said. "There's no other place where you have the best of both worlds." They are among several families who travel great distances to summer at Rondeau. The Alfords, who've been married 50 years, are natives of London, but have lived in Denver for nearly 20 years. Peter, an engineer involved in snowmaking machines, remembers his earlier days at the cottage, with friends and family members visiting. "At that point in time, on the weekends it would be so crowded, we'd eat in shifts," he said with a laugh. "Those were my memories." Friends and family still come to the cottage regularly, with Peter adding there is much to do for young people. And not just outdoor activities, but also nearby amenities such as museums, he said. Joan, a music major, called it a "magical" place. "It was just always a beautiful beach," she said. "It was always a place where we felt so at home." Rondeau's wide variety of flora and fauna is a major attraction for out-of-towners. Peter said he's never been a serious birding enthusiast, but admits his passion has grown. "I'm much more appreciative of birds than I used to be," he said. "I've learned so much about nature." The Alfords also praised the tight-knit community, saying everyone helps each other out. back to main