Port Dover in Winter

Since I was a little girl, I have known that Port Dover is a wonderful summer place. Perched on Lake Erie, it is known for its Friday the 13th motorcycle events when the whole main street shuts down to cars and visitors park outside to be bused to downtown and the many events. But Dover is known for much more, not the least of which is the huge housing boom going on right now. Imagine getting your own condo or single family mansion overlooking the harbour. Below you will see the 'new' harbour as it looks in winter.

In the parking lot next to the lake hubby and I found five fishing boats all hauled out of the lake for the winter. Looking at the lake you can see that it is frozen a good way out, but there is blue water in the distance.

This is our favorite spot to linger on a summer's day, sitting on the rocks, listening to the lapping water, loving the peace. Today I quickly jumped out of the car to get the shot freezing my fingers all the while. Those cameras can get cold! And this tree is right on the shore so you can see how much ice there is.



Back at the main beach I snapped this lighthouse shot. Usually we walk out to it but today the wind precluded that adventure.

Another famous place at Port Dover is Knechtel's, where you can get yummy perch--the lake favorite--and chips and eat in or out. Decor is not what you go here for. It's the perch!

Here you see the side of a monument built to remember fishermen lost on the lake. Hauling in that snow-covered net looked especially difficult today!

Another Dover favorite is the Sandpiper leather shop where they make great leather sandals and many other things. Those white birds you see are actually attached to the building, creating a light and pleasing atmosphere and this shop dominates the street along the main channel.

The last shot is of the main channel looking towards land. You can see a large lake boat tied up alongside the channel. On a less windy and cold day this is a lovely spot to walk, listening to the seagulls scream and watching the various craft chug or putt in or out to the lake beyond. It is a place of summer.

My earliest memory of Dover is as a wee child visiting my aunt's cottage and posing for a picture with some of my brothers in our pyjamas, our sunglasses, and gob hats! (Those are the white hats that sailors wear with the standup brim.) And just like people, Dover has had its ups and downs. Now seems to be an up time with the many new housing projects sprouting and selling fast. Indeed, for much of the year the village is bustling with activity. I do love to go there.