Camping Thoughts

Camping was great. It was a good get away for the boys and our last shot at the great outdoors, probably, until next year. The weather was pretty amazing. We've gone Sept long weekends before and it's been raining the whole time or snowy. It's a whole different kind of camping then.

This weekend was HOT. Unusually hot. There was also a lot of wind where we were, particularly yesterday, and some rain yest AM and again last night. The boys had fun. Two rounds of golf, some fishing...their cousins came out Saturday with their seadoos and they each got a couple turns on that. They got to play with the cousins' dogs.

Not to be overlooked are the quiet camping moments. Chopping wood for the fire. Both boys are good at it now. Quiet moments just watching the mesmerizing glow of a contained campfire. The addition of copper pipe with old garden hose in it gave the beautiful 'magic campfire' colours of greens, blues and purples and are far more effective than the powers one can buy. A few games of cribbage where their mother beat them quite soundly. Peaceful moments.

We certainly ate well. Steak and veggies one night. BBQ chicken and potatoe salad another. A crockpot of chili and homemade buns was a great treat. Included in that are the usuals...hotdogs roasted over the fire...burgers on the grill. One of our favourites is the 'brunch'. Nothing beats the smell of bacon cooking outside and eggs done in a castiron pan over the fire. Pancakes and fruit to top it off with homemade chokecherry jelly.

I sure do appreciate my parents. My dad is in his seventies and mom is having her 67th bday this week. They used to camp for themselves. Now they go to give their grandkids the experiences They hold out in the fifth wheel and we go in the tent. They are pretty amazing folks and despite the annoyances my mom offers up from time to time, she truly does give from the heart and does EVERYTHING for her family. We are lucky to have them.

The costs?
camping site and pass for the weekend $90
gas to and from $60
golf was $14 per person a round
a bit for gas for the boat and some bait
the rest was munchies, as mom and dad insisted on bringing the food.

The memories?
cliche though it may be...priceless.