As a child growing up I was fortunate enough to have parents who loved to go camping. Although, I think one of the main reasons why we went camping so much was because we were too poor to travel any other way. I could probably count the number of times on one hand that we stayed in a motel or hotel.
Paul, also, was lucky to have had the opportunity to go camping, although not with his family - just his mother, her friend and her son. His brother, on the other hand, never had the chance to experience camping, and therefore does not take his family camping now. His father seems to dislike the great outdoors altogether, and would have to be dragged kicking and screaming out camping, unless he could stay in a swanky motor home.
Paul and I have dreamed about camping together for years now, but for some reason never made it out in Japan the whole time we were there. But now that we're basically settled into our new home here in Canada, with our 2 beautiful, healthy girls and a 4wd Subaru Outback, we've finally gone out and bought all the gear needed to get ourselves out into nature and start exploring this gorgeous province of ours.
On May 18th we drove to Costco to buy a tent. We found a fabulous 5-person dome-style one with a fly that extends into a handy vestibule for the insanely low price of $99.99! Five days later, while Paul was at work, the girls and I headed over to Canadian Tire (my favorite place to buy camping gear) and bought about $650 worth of stuff! I had an extensive list written up beforehand, and the only things I couldn't find that were on my list were proper bowls for dish washing and a decent kettle. My 2 best buys were both Woods brand items: a propane grill/stove, and camping cookware. I also picked up a couple of sleeping mats, which ended up being too uncomfortable and pricey. Actually, our sleeping arrangements didn't work out too well for any of us (except for Lily, since she can sleep anywhere) so that's one thing we're going to have to make changes to the next time (which incidentally will be next Saturday)! I'm thinking instead of 2 sleeping mats side-by-side with bedding, we have 2 separate air mattresses and sleeping bags for ourselves, and the girls can sleep in between us in their own sleeping bags on the sleeping mats.
The most extravagant item I felt the need to purchase (and also the most expensive) was my porta-potty. Paul first scoffed at the idea, but after an awkward nighttime whiz in the bush and subsequent porta-potty trial, was quickly sold on it! I've had too many nasty squatting and outhouse experiences not have my very own portable throne to use!
So we've got the gear, I've chosen a campsite (China Beach - Juan De Fuca Provincial Campground), booked a reservation online ($21.30 including the site for 1 night, reservation service charge and tax), checked the weather forecast, and done a big grocery shop...WE'RE READY TO CAMP!
The drive to China Beach only took about an hour, and when we arrived to our campsite (#70) the sun was just starting to heat things up. By the time we had the tent set up and all of our gear out of the car, the temperature had reached it's peak, which I'm guessing was over 25 degrees Celsius. After changing the girls' diapers, dressing them (and ourselves) in lighter clothing, and eating a yummy meal of grilled hot dogs and Lays potato chips (yum) we were ready for our 1km hike to the beach.
The trail we took was in excellent condition, and I am pleased to report that I did not find one piece of garbage along the way! Lucy was a little trooper and hiked the entire trail without complaining or stopping to rest even once! I was thankful to have a big, strong husband who's able to carry Lily in the Bjorn, as well as Lucy on his shoulders when he needs to.
When we got to the beach the sun was blaring down, and since I forgot to pack Lily's sun hat, and she's not quite old enough to wear sunscreen, we had to build a little lean-to with our beach towels for shade. I nursed Lily there while Paul and Lucy explored the beach and stood in the cold water up to their ankles. Paul carried Lucy most of the way back on his shoulders. We were all a bit parched and tired from our adventure, so we just chilled at our campsite (P&I with a couple of cold Pilsners) and started getting our steak, potato and corn dinner ready.
The night was a bit chilly and uncomfortable, but there's nothing like breathing in crisp, fresh ocean air while you sleep. It rained a tiny bit in the night, and I've always just loved listening to raindrops hitting the tent roof at night.
The next morning we got up, made coffee and ate toast and Raisin Bran (and leftover watermelon). Check-out was at 11:00, so we made it home right around noon.
I've already booked our next trip! We'll be staying at French Beach this Saturday night! Now the girls and I are off to Canadian Tire again to buy sleeping bags and air mattresses...
More pictures from our trip here.
I'm jealous! Your trip sounds great. When we eventually get our butts to Canada we so have to go camping together!!
Posted by: kat | May 27, 2008 at 03:26 AM
Sweet! I've always wanted to explore that part of the island (Botanical Beach - though not camp-able is on the top of my list).
MEC has some good camping stuff too, but sometimes you just can't beat a trip to good 'ol Canadian Tire! :)
Fun times!
Posted by: Mary | May 27, 2008 at 11:29 AM
sounds that you had a great time. I love camping too and thank god my husband too and this year he is going to be around for mor camping.
Posted by: Sylvana | May 28, 2008 at 02:49 PM
looks awesome! i have major camping envy, it is all slushy and cold and drizzly here, not that tempting camping-wise.....
Posted by: claire | May 28, 2008 at 09:29 PM
what a great getaway! ditto kat's comment on joining you when we visit canada. i hope we become a camping family, too!
Posted by: kirsten | May 31, 2008 at 08:29 AM