Except for the driest summers, it was possible to canoe for long stretches of the old Ausable River bed but as we did not own a canoe this was a delight we had to forego. Boating on Lake Huron was treacherous, as sudden squalls could send huge breakers crashing against the shore. But when we were old enough to be cautious and had become strong swimmers, father got us a fine cedar rowboat which gave us a great deal of pleasure. We would row close to shore several miles up the lake, put in at a favourite cove, go swimming in the nude (what bliss not to have a wet, clinging bathing suit next one's skin!) then build a camp fire, eat our beans and bacon, bread and jam, and row back to the beach in front of our tent on the bluff.