Three down and one to go

On January 1st, each family member states something that he or she would like to do in the coming year. To refresh your memories, mine was go to eastern DRCongo (I know, I know), M's was speak French more often, Sophie's was learn to swim, and Sebastian chose a camping trip.

So last weekend, as autumn leaves prepared to fall, we set out on Seb's adventure. I chose Sandbanks provincial park which is a southern Ontario gem, well-worth a repeat visit. http://www.parkreports.com/gallery/gallery.php?park=Sandbanks

Most of the campground was closed as it is off-season but that still left 100+ sites about 70% full I would say. Sure, we had one neighbour who inisted on booming his boombox (I suggested we allow the chldren to go and play outside his tent as soon as they awoke on Sunday morning) but otherwise, we had privacy and peace and stars, loads and loads of stars - plus virtually no bugs in September!

We had lots of fun setting up the tent (and striking camp) and collecting pail after pail of water from the water stand, as well as cooking on the campstove (which mysteriously balked at brekkie almost thwarting our pancake tradition) and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.

Unfortunately, our camera was ill (it has since recovered) and we only had the blackberry so all snaps are a bit fuzzy.


(Just a note about Jo rockin' a Sarah Palin hairdo - I am growing my hair longer and to ensure that it doesn't stick out in all directions, I apply a lot of hair goop. Voila, Jo a la ex-Gov.).




The weather was perfect; warm in the day - indeed hot in the sun - and cool at night. The beach is just glorious. Incredibly soft, white sand that stretches on and on. Just perfect for flying our kite and building sand turtles. Sebastian is really good at both. In another part of the park, there are large sand dunes to run up and roll down.

Just some notes for the next trip:
1- remember to pack the coffee pot
2 - have an answer for "Are we on a highway?" "No". "So why is Mummy not driving?"
3 - Know how far and how long it takes to get to the destination!
4 - check that your tent poles aren't cracked after 2 years of lying unused in a shed with fluctuating temperatures
5 - be sure to have duct tape in the glove compartment of your car
6 - tie Sophie's hair up before she eats roasted marshmallows...

The one 2009 wish left? Sophie's swimming lessons, so off we go next week to re-join the YMCA and get her splashing.