Fri, Jun 1 2007, Sat, Jun 2 2007, Sun, Jun 3 2007 - Car Camping: Killbear Provincial Park (View Original Event Details)
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Friday
The two camp sites were set against a rock face at least 9 feet high, the rock mostly covered the right site, making tent setup more interesting. Washrooms and a drinking water tap were close at hand, and the beach could be seen from the campsites. It was an optimal location.
The weary travelers arrived in four groups, several hours apart. The first group with Andrew, Justin, and Alex arrived around 6:30 pm and began setting up the tents and picnic table shelter. Justin’s 30 year old canvas tent, which no longer had an intact floor, was of particular note among the before mentioned tents, and would have particular consequences, as yet unseen. Alex showed great skill in putting up the picnic shelter tent with Justin. A job that should have taken three people only took two, and was done a lot faster than Justin ever expected. Meanwhile, Andrew used duct tape to seal a tarp to the floor-less tent. For dinner the valiant and hungry crew enjoyed char broiled burgers cooked on the grill.
The second group arrived several hours later, just before dark, comprised of Jo, Tamara, Bilal, and Cordelia with her adorable dog Simba. In an effort of team work seldom seen, the group of seven (plus Simba) endeavored to put up the final tent (Jo’s brand-new, never before used tent) before dark. Even Simba helped out, offering encouragement to the team that transcended words, using his endearing eyes. The tent was set up in good order and the group was able to relax in the tent shelter as night set in, and the mosquitoes came out in force, but more about them later.
The third group of one arrived about an hour after dark. Bill brought a plethora of camping equipment, and his guitar, which would all be put to good use later on.
About an hour or so after Bill’s arrival the final group arrived; Michelle, Anna-Maria, and Eva. Introductions were done in the dark, until the cars were properly parked. The newly completed group converged around the tent shelter on the left site. Lit by lantern light, discussions and greetings commenced. One could tell that the group had already began to gel, and that they would have a good weekend together enjoying each others company.
Already the group’s official photographer by this stage, Bilal snapped candid photos of the group and individuals at work and play. Cordelia’s Ikea chairs proved to be comfortable, but a little challenging to assemble without knowing what their desired completed state was. Bill treated the group to guitar music and song, and although he had to sing quietly due to the late hour, he had noteworthy talent, gaining several hard-core fans among the group.
Deep, existential conversation followed. Eva remarked, “Can’t we just talk about the weather?” when the conversation turned to the intense and serious.
In a staggered fashion, the group headed off to get some sleep in one of the 3 tents. By 2:30 am, everyone had turned in for the night. Bill didn’t trust the canvas tent (later to be dubbed “the mosquito trap”) and roughed it out in the picnic shelter. A racoon in search of food visited the picnic tent in the early in the morning. Bill moved to his car to get some sleep uninterrupted by mosquitos and roaming rodent bandits. Meanwhile, the duct tape on the “mosquito trap” held, and only a few mosquitos had found their way in through the door while people had entered.
Saturday
Saturday morning arrived. The “early” risers on the right site; Bilal, Andrew, Justin, and Alex began to stir, and thoughts of breakfast were sparked.
Justin got things going, and started toasting some bread and bacon. Bill took charge and cooked up a storm; making bacon and omelettes until the entire camp was sated. Andrew, meanwhile was making his trademark pancakes from scratch, which was served up with pure maple syrup.
After the breakfast dishes were properly cleaned and dried, the groups thoughts turned to hiking. Eva, Anna-Maria, Michelle, Cordelia, Simba, Alex, Bilal, Andrew, Jo, Tamara, and Justin headed out on the Lookout trail. It was an enjoyable hike, but one couldn’t stop for long in the forested areas without soon being swarmed by mosquitos. Various insect repellants were applied, some working better than others. A majestic view of Georgian bay was found atop a large rock formation. It was here that our intrepid crew stopped for a break, soaked in the perfect weather, and had light snacks.
Upon returning from the hike, the group went to the nearby beach for some swimming and fun. Simba took his first dog paddle, and Andrew gave non-swimmer Bilal an impromptu swimming lesson.
Dinner included Alex’s famous meatball’s, Bilal’s spicy chicken dogs, Jo and Tamara’s big salad, and lots of burgers and hot dogs grilled by Justin.
After this large meal, the final hike of the day, to reach the light house peninsula before sunset commenced in earnest. A census was reached that the 4 km to the start of the lighthouse trail would be done on foot, by cutting across the rock and sand beaches to reach the main park trail. After reaching the main park trail, mosquitos were found to be out in force and the sun began to slowly set. There were several drop offs, hiking in the dark being a valid concern. Lead by the tenacious Tamara, the remaining hikers; Michelle, Andrew, Bilal, Cordelia, Alex, and Justin made it to the light house as nightfall began to set in. Bilal was able to capture individual portraits of the group set against the last remains of a pink sunset. With the mosquitos continuing to hound our intrepid hikers, they all set a brisk pace to cover the 4+ km back to camp in almost total darkness.
Michelle kept the group’s spirits up by telling some jokes. The seven castaways and a very tired Simba, were rescued by the hero of the hour; Jo. Never before had the group been so glad to see an approaching pair of headlights as at that time. Jo saved the day, arriving in a Jeep Compass, mainly for Simba’s sake. The group piled into the vehicle meant for 5 persons, bringing the actual occupancy up to 8 people and one puppy.
The gang returned to the camp to give a toast to Jo, only to find the remaining three members of the group missing. Car doors had been left open, and the campfire starting to burn out. Andrew caught up with Anna-Maria, Eva, and Bill on the beach, while the rest of the group wondered where they had gone.
The campfire in full force, with the whole group now re-united, deep philosophical pondering and discussions took place. After the last of the firewood had been piled into the fire, the last of the group turned in around 3:30 am. The “mosquito trap” earned its name after the duct tape came loose from the tent “floor.” While Bill had wisely set up his tent for a “sterile mosquito-free clean room” and was able to get some sleep, Alex, Andrew, Bilal, and Justin were not so lucky. Apart from Alex, whom was able to sleep unfazed with the mosquito invaders, Andrew, Bilal, and Justin had difficulty getting any sleep.
Sunday
Bill packed it in and returned to Toronto for an important appointment. The rest of the team pitched in and put together a good breakfast. Andrew made some more of his pancakes, while Michelle and Jo cooked up some mean cheese omelets.
The chipmunks were appeased with the offerings of bread left for them on the stone “alter” behind the fire pit. After the breakfast dishes were dealt with, the tear down began. Everyone helped out, and everything was packed up better than before they had been unloaded.
Bilal lent his expert packing skills in load up the Jeep Compass and Dodge Dakota with the gear. Alex, Andrew and Justin headed out first, while the rest of the group headed for the beach to take a final swim.
What a weekend we all had!
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.