STORIES+

The Witch of Wellesley Island Chapter 10 – The End . . . of the Trail

Sarah asked herself what she and Pete were thinking, coming to Canoe Point . . . willing to place themselves in danger, maybe even in mortal danger?

Marie-Anne Erki

"A Near-Fatal Case of Mistaken Identity" and a John Fielding Tribute

With all the discussion about guns in America, I started to reflect on my own close call. While I was teaching high school in Brockville in the '70s . . .

John Fielding & John Stencell

The Voracious One and Chordata, a story by Martha Grimes

Once upon an island, there was a Great Blue Heron who ruled the roost in the colony. Vorax Otiosumuno’s reputation stretched far and wide as the laziest feathered felon in the heronry.

River Dog, a short story

The place was filled with the usual crowd for a Sunday afternoon, two different games on the TVs, and the dog was at the bar. I’ll never forget the image of the dog, sitting on a stool, lapping up a beer like he was a regular customer.

Pandemic Vultures, a short story

It is now early April and we’re still in isolation. They tell us not to leave our homes. The virus, they say, is highly contagious. They’re not sure what’s causing it. But here’s the thing: it only infects people who live within 1,000 feet, basically the shoreline, of the St. Lawrence River.

A River Christmas Story

“How about I try to catch us a nice fish for dinner, Sparkle?” The old tabby cat stretched out on her shelf just above the warmly glowing potbellied stove perked her head up at her owner’s voice. “A fresh bass would make for a fine Christmas Eve.”

Tom Robbins, illustrated by Sarah Coate

The Witch of Wellesley Island, Chapter 9: Uncertain Enemies

Despite feeling a sense of dread at bedtime, she had slept remarkably well, and as a result she was a little slow to regain her senses. She and Pete had not intended to be overnight guests at the castle.

Patrick Metcalf

The Witch of Wellesley Island, Chapter 8: Edwin's Insights

"Ok . . ." said Pete. "What about this this?" He handed Edwin his phone with a picture of the amulet. "Is that blood?" asked Edwin. "Yes. Well, we think so . . ." said Sarah. "It's being tested. We think . . ." "Why?" said Edwin.

Patrick Metcalf

What’s in a Name? Trails, Channels and Golf

Those of you who know me, know I like to explore! And this summer my explorations gave me time to reflect on "What's in a Name."

Stewart Dutfield

The Witch of Wellesley Island, Chapter 7: What Lies Within

Sarah was irritated. She wasn't thrilled to be standing before a gigantic castle door on a dreary November afternoon, and she was beginning to worry about the long trip home . . .

Patrick Metcalf

The Witch of Wellesley Island, Chapter 6: No Turning Back

"We should go back in," said Pete, staring through the windshield toward the side entrance of the diner. . . "What would that accomplish?" asked Sarah.

Patrick Metcalf

Food for Thought! Part II

Destiny brought us back to the River after a little over a year, and life resumed as it had been before the great adventure. . .

The Witch of Wellesley Island, Chapter 5: Unlucky Penny

The police officer who answered Sarah's phone call was surprisingly dismissive, especially considering the fact that there was an active missing person’s case focusing on approximately the same area where Pete and Sarah had heard . . .

Patrick Metcalf