This week I’ve decided to throw-back to my roots of heralding life on the St. Lawrence River.

After serving nearly twenty two years in the U.S. Navy, I decided to relocate my family to Ogdensburg, NY. All my colleagues thought I was crazy, moving to such a remote area. Also, New York’s northern border with Canada is noted for its harsh winters. The weather did not scare me. I was born and raised in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. I’ve always held a deep respect for Mother Nature and all her glory, including the intensity of four very distinct seasons. So, Ogdensburg it is!

I had three stipulations for a retirement home and Ogdensburg met all three:

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Despite meeting all my criteria, living in Ogdensburg still took a little getting used to. I had spent most of my adult life in the suburbs of major cities. And to be honest, I felt like this was a remote wilderness.

Moving to Ogdensburg was not like moving to a military community, where people openly accept newcomers as they transition in and out at a fast pace. It is a close knit community, with its unique set of small-town quirks. From the start, I had to be careful with comments and observations. And yes, I made a few missteps here and there. But I was lucky to make a couple of good friends to show me the ropes. Eventually my husband and I found our niche, and we’ve grown quite enamored with the place.

There are so many reasons why I love living here, too many to count. The photos say it best. Imagine having all this in your front yard:

Seaway Traffic

At any given time, there is always something fantastic to see outside our wall of windows, including Canada! We’ve seen commercial and military ships. Boats towing water skiers and water tubers are always fun to watch. Jet skis, canoes, kayaks and peddle boats are also frequently seen all summer long. We even see occasional replicas of tall ships, Viking ships and pirate ships!

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“Are You Kidding Me” Sunsets

This one aspect, alone, is all the reason I need to call Ogdensburg my home. We face true west and get to see these magnificent sunsets every day! We love to uncork a bottle and sip wine until the sun goes down.

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Waterfowl Migrations

We still run outdoors like little kids when we hear the geese flying by on their way to and from Canada. It never gets old.

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Eagles!

Bald eagles used to be migratory birds, but now they are year-round inhabitants.

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Winter Wonderland

When you are retired and have nowhere to be, it’s fun to just sit back and relish in the beauty of the winter landscape. The river freezes over completely, and we’ve seen coyotes and deer crossing over from Canada. We make a point to spend some time outside in the frosty air every day. This time of year is very restful.

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Life in the Slow Lane

So, Why Ogdensburg After Twenty Years?

Ogdensburg does not have the industrial noise and grit of some of the communities along the St. Lawrence. Also, it is not a tourist trap like some of its neighboring towns. This is a place where neighbors still care about each other. Whether enjoying a summer camp fire or shoveling out from a snowfall, it feels like a good fit.

After two decades of owning our abode on the St. Lawrence River we are still grateful that we made the transition from the rat-race. My husband and I enjoy a very peaceful and private life in a home that has become our sanctuary from all the modern day stresses. Plus, we have been blessed with great friends and neighbors!

No place is perfect; but for me, Ogdensburg comes pretty darn close!

Thank you for reading! – Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)

Feel free to reblog anything I post. I welcome all comments and discussion

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