As I emerge from my tent on a cool summer’s morning the fresh air hits my face and I feel renewed. Camping in the summer is one of my favourite ways to recharge. Summer in Canada feel so brief and there are only so many weekends. This year Amy and I have planned a lot of camping trips. Already in June we went up to Algonquin on a Canoe trip. Travelling over 12 Kilometers to reach our campsite. A grand glorious experience of fresh water, fire cooked food, hiking, canoeing, swimming. The great outdoors is where I love to spend my time.
Last weekend Amy and I went to Hillside on Guelph Lake. A folk music festival that I had heard about for years but this was the first time I had ever attended. I now absolutely regret not going years ago. The atmosphere of that festival is unlike anything else. This year was hot. Too hot. Taking quick dips in the lake to cool off were among some of my favourite memories of that weekend. I’m sad to say it has passed.
Tomorrow Amy and I will be heading towards our friends place near Port Elgin. Camping on their property but then driving to the lake and campgrounds nearby for day trips. A different group of friends I look forward to spending time with. I love a good campfire telling stories or discussing the issues of the day. A good meal cooked over an open flame. A crisp refreshing beer or cider. Swimming in a large fresh water great lake.
There are really only 3 maybe four months of good camping weather. Each trip is unique, each location has it’s own charming qualities. When the season is finally over and it gets too cold and too damp my thoughts turn to planning the places I would go the next year. The festivals, the campgrounds, lakes and paths I wish to visit. The tall maple and pine trees that reach into the air. The calming blue water of our fresh lakes and rivers. Loon calls and wolf howls. Winding paths through ancient forests.
When I return from a trip I quickly put away my gear and take that first refreshing shower to wash away the dirt. The amazing feeling of pressured water rinsing the dirt off. A change of clothes, a batch or two of laundry and a sense of calm to take with me for the time ahead.
