Camping (again!!)

Once again we have survived that primitive pastime better known as camping. This time it was the 'end of season' family camp for all beavers, cubs and scouts. The proviso this time though was that all children had to be accompanied by a parent or they couldn't go. Fair enough. Well it was quite a good turnout. The Scouts went over on Friday evening and set things up, then it was a case of everyone else following on the saturday, pitching their tent (no girly cabins this time!) and then mucking in. The camp this time was at Smiley's Provincial Park near Windsor. A lovely park with plenty of camping facilities which is actually still closed - I think they open 1st June- but we had permission (and the key!) to go in and set up camp. Supper on Saturday night was a Pot Luck and then the Cubs were responsible for breakfast on the Sunday morning, so it was campfire egg muffins all round. Delicious.
After we arrived on the saturday, we set off on a hike up the river. The beauty of this river is the fact it is quite shallow and as it was such a warm day, the kids (and some adults) ended up walking up the river. I've posted some pictures for you to see, but most of the others contain images of other kids and we aren't supposed to post them on the internet without express permission etc. etc. so these will have to do. We foolishly only took one camera, and Matthew didn't go on the hike, so most of the pictures we have are of Emma. Oh well. She ended up swimming at one point fully clothed as she reached a deepish part and didn't want to g back. She did have her neoprene water shoes on, it was just she'd paired them with jeans, which aren't ideal river walking wear.
The picture of them both (don't they looked thrilled?) on the Cannon is at Fort Edward in Windsor - a British Military stronghold to help keep the French out. Nothing changes eh?
We actually bought a tent for the weekend as we figured that as I have no holiday this year, we'd probably just go away for the weekend and stay a night somewhere. This may get expensive, but as we now have all the gear, there'll be no stopping us on financial grounds! As you can see it's quite a smart tent - can sleep 8 apparently - (but not if I'm one of them!!) and it did us proud. It's now downstairs in it's bag in the furnace room awaiting it's next outing.
Obviously the Blackfly were my biggest dread, but as it happens they weren't bad at all. However, the mosquitoes were really bad, even during the day and we all got bitten to varying degrees. Let's hope we don't come down with West Nile Fever. Never got to use our new camping stove (bought in the sale) or our new coffee percolator. Next time though.
It has to be said though, this weekend gave us time to reflect on how quickly things change. All of a sudden the leaves are fully out and things are looking all fresh.I'll post a picture in the next week or so of the house so you see how much it has changed since all the trees came into leaf. Some of the houses on the street are half hidden. I had to cut the grass again today when we got home. I only did it 6 days ago.
The last Cub meet is on Wednesday. I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I had a projector. I said I did, but it was ceiling mounted. The reason they wanted to know was to put on the annual Cub photo display. A collection of all the photos taken from all the camps and activities they have taken part in over the past year. Well the bottom line is that our basement is playing host to the photo show. Should be interesting as the scouts, beavers AND parents have all been invited. Cosy....The pack are providing snacks though.
Well that's about all for this week. The blackfly appear to be dying out. We have some more hot days forecast, so hopefully that will finish them off!!