I’ve only been canoe camping once before this trip (you can read all about it here) and I knew this trip would be very different than our last trip.
We have a toddler. I was 16 weeks pregnant. This trip involved THREE PORTAGES. Basically, a recipe for chaos and stress. I was slightly anxious about how it would all play out. And by slightly I mean a whole bunch of anxious.
But ya know what?! It was actually freaking amazing. Like. I know I shouldn’t be so surprised that my two year old is a legend but he was a complete camping champion.
We left real early on Saturday morning and met up with our friends at our meeting spot so we could convoy up north together. It was a solid three hour drive to get to the provincial park + then an additional 40 minutes to get to our canoes. It was raining like crazy. I’m talking SHEETS of rain. I was totally not into it, ha.
And as we had to wake GBB up early that morning, he was super tired + he totally fell asleep 20 minutes to getting to our canoes. It was definitely not ideal. We decided to let him sleep while we unloaded the van + got all our gear down to our canoe.
The rain was letting up a bit but as I woke him up to change his diaper + get him dressed in his rain jacket, poncho, and life jacket, the rain started to torrential downpour. This was the ONLY time George was upset the whole trip. I mean, imagine waking up from a super warm and cozy nap to alllllll the rain! Yeah. No Bueno.
ANYWAY.
We got into our canoes and we made our way to our first portage which was not super long but it was muddy AF. George and I took up the rear slowly but surely. We would make one trip and wait for the others to come back from the second round of grabbing the gear. I had every intention of GBB and I wearing backpacks (or as George calls them “pack packs”) but it was so rainy that we threw them in a dry sack. George and I carried his bug net, haha, that was our contribution to portage number one.
The second portage was super easy and short and GBB + I carried our paddles and walked hand in hand the whole way. He was incredible just taking it slow but being the very best listener. He really impressed me with how attentive he was to his surroundings + how well he followed directions. When I think about it, I feel like I could cry, haha #emopreggo.
The third portage was a beeyotch. It was the longest one and it was very up and down + so many rocks, mud, and tree roots popping up all over the place. We even had to walk over a babbling brook (which was beautiful but kinda freaky when you’re 16 weeks pregnant carrying a two year old! It was much better on the way home when the weather was nicer!). At this point, everyone was so damp + just so ready to get to camp. Aaron totally fell into a quicksand hole and was quickly rescued by Jaclyn and Melissa–thankfully they were there! He was soaked but had a huge grin on his face–my camper husband makes me so happy.
We finally paddled on our last lake, Daisy Lake, where we found our site and quickly set up our tents. George needed dry clothes and fast–I mean, we all did but he was everyone’s priority. I’ve never seen such a tribe working so hard together–it was a total and beautiful example of how important it is to love + help children. We were always checking in with him and making sure he was good. He was so happy. The best was George would literally yell “Coming! I coming!” when we would get closer to the other canoes or make it almost to the end of the portage. He’s the best.
We set up camp, started a fire, and ate snacks. We were all starving! I can’t believe I didn’t end up eating my arm on our trip in–I was so hungry. My hunger had really ramped up that week + luckily I was able to scarf down alllll the s’mores + spider dogs!
We spent the first day trying to stay dry + soaking up all the beauty of Algonquin Park. The view from our site was so breathtaking. Watching the moon slowly come up over the trees was unlike anything I have ever seen. It was bright and full and so beautiful. Kinda totally inspiring.
GBB slept like a pro in the tent and I think he really enjoyed sleeping beside both his parents. He was so bundled and warm. I didn’t have the best sleep of my life but ya know, it’s ok.
I woke with George on Sunday morning bright and early. We watched the sunrise and I made him oatmeal + Uncle Jesse (who George adorably calls “Chessie”) woke early and showed GBB how to fish. It was so early and the sun was just waking up and there was this layer of mist on the water + it was literally, one of those moments where I just watched George hanging out with his Uncle and I was filled with pride. He was so content to just sit and be there with his new bestie and as a mother, I couldn’t contain my happiness–there is something so magical about watching your child create a new bond and friendship that has nothing to do with you. Does that even make sense?!
ANYWAY.
Uncle Jesse, George’s Godfather, was easily dude’s favourite person on this trip. Oh, and Uncle OD (or as GBB calls “OH DEE DEE DEE!” too). Basically, GBB just wanted to hang with the boys and cut all the firewood, go fishing with Uncle Chessie and explore the woods to find a moose and to jump on deer poop (with his Uncle OH DEE DEE DEE of course!). Auntie Jaclyn and Auntie Melissa were always on hand to help George whenever he needed anything–Hubs and I are so lucky to have such a warm and helpful village.
Sunday was a beautiful sunny day that we welcomed with open arms. Everyone (other than George and I) did a bit of swimming and we were able to hang our clothes up to dry which was incredible.I know the girls and I were thrilled. Nothing like being able to put on crunchy but dry clothes after spending a day in water and mud. The boys went on the hunt for dry wood and our darling friends took turns playing with George. He literally was not into Hubs and I, haha. He was having the time of his life being outdoors with his new friends. I also enjoyed some HOT coffee–my first cup in 16 weeks and it was exceptionally good. It was HOT and caffeinated and did I mention it was HOT? Haha.
We ate a lot of food and had drinks (gingerale and Perrier for this mama) and snacked throughout the day. George’s favourite snack was the toddler trail mix I made him. He mostly picked out the M&Ms chocolate (“kawteecaughtit”) and the mini marshmallows (“monchmallo”). He ate so many marshmallows, it’s kinda insane. The greatest thing though was how much he enjoyed the experience + he knew that it was a special camping treat. Since being back, we’re focusing on eating a lot of veggies and protein, ha. It’s all about balance!
Our friend Melissa was the resident frog catcher and George was so excited but tentative about touching them. He did eventually touch the smallest frog + even witnessed his silly dada kiss it on the lips. George told me it was “funny”.
I remember catching so many frogs with my sister when we would go camping so it was extra fun for me. Auntie Sadie would be so proud of George ;)
All in all, this was an incredibly successful trip and definitely one I will never forget and I’m so happy that I have this blog to document the wonderful memories we are creating.
We love that George enjoyed himself so much and although I think next year we may rent a cottage for our summer family trip (I will have a 6 month old and a three year old + I’m not insane), I am so happy we are setting the stage for family memories + cultivating the love of camping at a young age. It is something that Aaron and I are pleased to have the opportunity to do.
If you are interested in canoe camping with your littles, I thoroughly recommend doing so. I will say though, the less portages the better especially if you have more than one kiddo + you are going with just the family…I know, that’s what we plan on doing in our future.
And now for the photos ;)
