Camping Season is Closed

The last camping trip of 2010 was much needed and one of my best trips of the season. We went to Valens Conservation Area, one of our family's favorite campgrounds. Just 45 minutes north of us, it is a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
We booked two sites, one for our family and one for Papa and his puppy named Freddie. When we first arrived, the men were busy setting up the trailers. By the end of the year the set up is so routine, that it doesn't take long. After quickly setting up, we sat down to a dinner of pulled pork sandwiches. With our bellies full, we sat around the campfire. We brought lots of dry firewood, and enjoyed our biggest and best fire of the year. The next day, we cooked our traditional egg and bacon sandwiches for breakfast - yum! Just as we were cleaning up, my mother and her boyfriend arrived visit us for the day. That afternoon some of the boys went fishing for a couple of hours. The rest of us stayed at the campsite playing Kuub, tossing the football around and making gimp bracelets. When the two groups reunited, it was time for dinner. After dinner Mom and her friend left for the night. As I was washing the dishes, another guest arrived. This time it was my sister in law and her family. That night we all sat around another great fire. Even the light rain did not diminish our spirits. The last morning of our trip, my husband and I took the bikes out for a long ride down to the beach. It was a relaxing end to a wonderful weekend.
The fall camping trip allows my family to slow down, enjoy each other's company at a hectic time of year. Maybe it is because we know that we wont have the same opportunity for another eight long months. The last trip of the year reminds me just how important it is to slow down and reconnect with family.