A Time of Great Blessings

It had been a busy week as I had scrambled to locate all of our camping gear, and do laundry and pack things up, but it had been worth it. Finally we had reached our destination. We registered at the entrance, then drove around looking for the perfect camping site. As we rounded the one bend, I noticed a good sized lot sitting up on the hill, overlooking the lake. It was surrounded by trees, and seemed to have a little extra privacy, and was only a short walk from the washroom and showers. We pulled up and checked it out, then posted our registration papers on the front pole, to let others know this lot was taken.

The kids and I started to unload the back of the van while Jason started putting the tent up. If we worked together we would have it up in no time. When the van was unloaded I sent our 12 year old son JT to help his father, while 9 year old Tracy and I went in search of some firewood for the evening. Once the tent was up, and the sleeping bags laid out, I unpacked some of the food and got the propane stove out to cook with. This evening we would have something quick and easy.  I had already prepared a pot of chili at home so all I had to do was warm it up, and get out the buttered rolls. Tracy set the picnic table for me, while the guys finished unloading the camping gear, and started a campfire. We sat down to enjoy our dinner, and to relax around the campfire. It had been along day, and we were all tired, so we put out the campfire and crawled into our sleeping bags and drifted off to the sound of people talking in the distance, but mostly silence.

I awoke to the sound of someone chopping wood, and as I laid there listening to the various sounds around me I heard a loon out on the lake. Now that was the sound I looked forward to hearing each year when we escaped on our family camping trip. There was nothing that brought me more pleasure than being away in the bush camping, and hearing the call of the loons on the lake. It wasn’t long before the others woke up, then it was a dash for the nearby outhouse. I took the pail with me and filled it with water on my way back. I needed water to make the porridge for our breakfast. It was a bright summer’s day, and held much promise for us. We were all looking forward to enjoying a variety of activities. Canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking the trails..…..

We had decided to start the day with a hike through the bush, and work our way up to lookout point. That would be a good way to see the area all around us. I took my camera with me so I could try and capture some wildlife in the area. One of the first things I saw was a red squirrel chattering away in a tree, and not far away in another tree was a couple of  blue jay that chattered back and forth with one another. Along the trail we saw several chipmunks, and a variety of birds. We also found a blackberry bush and were able to take a break and enjoy some of the big, black, juicy berries. The view from Lookout point was spectacular as we gazed out over the lake. Part of it was bordered by some rocky cliffs, while the rest was surrounded by a rolling forest of various trees and hills. I loved the smell of the huge pine trees that stood there so majestically.

After our walk we enjoyed some fresh fruit, crackers and cheese. I decided to stretch out on a blanket with my favorite book, while JT and Tracy went off to the Rec center to check things out. Jason disappeared in the tent where he was going to have a nap. We agreed to meet a few hours later to go for a swim at the beach. I couldn’t remember when I had last had some ‘me’ time, but I was certainly going to enjoy it.

The water was a lot colder than I expected, but the warmth of the sun helped and I swam back and forth for awhile trying to limber up my muscles. We all enjoyed some time tossing the beach ball around, then Jason and I took the canoe out for a ride, while the kids joined some others on the beach for a game of volleyball. The day was quiet and peaceful, and I enjoyed the time out on the water just touring around the shore edge.

That evening we decided to cook some hotdogs and roast marshmallows over the campfire, and relax under the star lit sky. It was the end of a perfect day!  

The next day we awoke early to another beautiful morning, and decided to take turns going out in the canoe and doing a little fishing. When we were done, we had a couple of large mouth bass, along with a few lake trout. They would taste good fried up in a pan along with some scrambled eggs. After things were all cleaned up, I sat back with a good book and a bag of peanuts. I sat there making noises and calling the chipmunks, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before there were also some squirrels and blue jays there looking for a treat. I loved to hold the peanuts on my hand while the chipmunks scampered up my leg, and sat on my hand stuffing the pockets of their cheeks. As one took off to dispose of his find, another would look around hesitantly then do the same. The blue jays flew overhead and perched on a branch overhead chattering back and forth. I found if I threw a peanut up in the air they would swoop down and grab it before it hit the ground. A couple of squirrels also came down from a tree, and daringly came right up to my chair. I threw the peanuts off in a distance for them, to make sure the path was clear when the chipmunk came back. This was one of the many things I looked forward to doing, and I always made sure I brought several bags of peanuts.

We had only one night of light rain, and the rest of the week was perfect. We were able to enjoy some quality family time with one another, as well as some alone time doing the things we each enjoyed. It was so nice to gather around the campfire each evening to share the events of the day, and to enjoy the solitude, and beauty of the night as the moon and stars shone above us. Out here in the bush, we could see all of the stars in the sky, and even pick out the big dipper.  I loved to just sit back and enjoy the warmth and crackle of the campfire as it slowly dwindled down. Each night we crawled into our sleeping bags, worn out from the fresh air and activities we had enjoyed, but relaxed and able to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

As the week drew to an end, I felt tired, but refreshed.  This time away from all of life’s stressful things had been greatly needed by us all. I felt at peace with the world around me, and blessed to have been given this time with my family to enjoy the great outdoors, and the many wonders of God’s creation around me. It had been a perfect holiday, and one none of us would be quick to forget!

Copyright Dawn M.

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