Our 16-year history

During our many years on Hedgehog Island we would learn so much about Warren and Jean, their family and the history of the two dwellings on this small island on Charleston Lake. That first year we’d tell them that Ricky likely wouldn’t be around in subsequent years as his body was full of tumors that couldn’t be removed: this would become a standing joke in the sixteen years that Ricky would be with us. During that time Ricky would have the company of Snowy and Phoebe, both of whom he’s outlived. In addition, Warren would outlive two cats and at 90-something has a new feline companion.

We arrived for our week in 2008 where our process was to paddle over and ask Warren for a lift back to get our stuff and often this coincided with getting Jean after her work workday (she worked at the Remington Museum in Ogdensburg). I walked over to their cottage to ask Warren for his help to discover that Jean had died in early July. I recall so clearly how shocked and sad I was having shared so much with them over the years. The island had been given to Jean by her uncle and she had bequeathed it to the grandchildren. We would discover, talking to Warren, that this would become a big problem with their children and a family feud would ensue. A few of the grandchildren have visited and love it. Warren will definitely need their help to keep both buildings in good maintenance.

Each year now (since Jean’s death) we treat our going to the cottage as a gift. It’s a week of relaxation and paddling that we know at some point will come to an end. Right now, we’re looking forward to the 2019 visit next week.