'The Cottage Bible' is the most important reference for a cottage owner. The expert guidance is essential for any vacation home, especially one near water with unique challenges. There is year-round advice on maintenance, buying a cottage, repairing burst pipes, and how to keep a lake healthy. The authors share their wisdom in a colorful easy-to-use kit of troubleshooting, how-to guidance, and problem-solving tips such as: . Buying a cottage . Weather prediction . Lake health and water quality . Shoreline erosion . pH and acid rain . Maintenance tips for a safe well . Aquatic organisms . Septic systems . Fishing essentials . Building a dock . Living with wildlife . Light, heat and power . Seasonal closing of the cottage . Boating essentials . Repairing burst pipes. 'The Cottage Bible' is the essential year-round handbook. AUTHOR: Gerry Mackie is the author of four books and has contributed to a dozen others. He has 40 years of experience building and maintaining a cottage in the country. Laura Elise Taylor is a journalist and photographer. 800 colour photos and illustrations