A time for reflection
On Sunday, we had to winterize the trailer and close it up for the season. Today, Environment Canada reports that October is going to be beautiful here in Eastern Ontario. Temperatures will be higher than normal; it will be dryer than normal. So, it’s kind of ironic that we have to leave the source of our enjoyment during the warmer months, only to have warm weather descend upon us.
Some background…
Sharon and I have been camping since we were kids. Both of our families progressed from tents to tent trailers. When we started dating and getting serious, we camped together (in a tent to start). After we were married, camping was a big part of our summer recreation. We started a family and we camped with our kids (still in a tent).
We upgraded to a tent trailer in 1998, probably 3 years too late. By then, our daughter was 13 going on 33 and after about a year was starting to make noise about not wanting to go camping. The bed was uncomfortable, it was too cold, the bathrooms were gross. So, we saw less and less of her on our weekend excursions. She stayed with friends and later on, alone. On major vacations though, she came along and enjoyed herself immensely. She and her brother reveled in all the hokey stuff associated with camping. You know, swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and of course the ever popular roasting of marshmallows over a campfire.
When our son reached the same age, he decided that camping on the weekend was boring and he had better things to do with his time. So, we saw less and less of him as he stayed home with his sister. Around that time, we upgraded the tent trailer to a travel trailer. The kids came with us for the first little while – the newness of the trailer luring them into the abyss, as it were.
So now, Sharon and I were back to the start point. We camped together at various Provincial Parks close to home. It was great! We spent hours hiking, canoeing and just enjoying time together. Then one day, we happened upon a campground – a seasonal campground.
Imagine! We could park our trailer and go to this beautiful spot on the Rideau Lakes. No more towing. No more rushing to get ready, just pack a cooler and go. We were hooked!