Camping Reflections

Camping season is officially upon us! 
Did you know that June is National Camping Month? I truly believe that spending time outdoors is good for the soul, and encourage others to get outside as much as possible and explore the beauty of Mother Nature. One way to do that is by going camping! 

Now that Morley is a bit older and enjoys being outside as much as we do, we look forward to dusting off the tent and sleeping bags and visiting our local provincial park for a family camping adventure. But until then, I will celebrate this amazing month by sharing and reflecting on To & Fro's favourite camping memories. 
From memories and recipes, to safety tips and activities, I hope these posts will inspire you to get outside and connect with Mother Nature this summer.  

Camping Memories

Favourite Camping Memories  //  I have many amazing camping memories, but these are 3 of my favourite. 
Backcountry Hike to Eagle Lake, Alaska (Summer 2011)  // Our first taste of camping in Alaska.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska (Summer 2011)  //  What a way to ring in my 25th.

Disconnecting in Algonquin (Summer 2014)  //  The start of a yearly tradition.
You'll Find Me in the Trees of Algonquin (Summer 2015)  //  Pushing them outside of they comfort zone.

Reasons to Go Camping

8 Reasons to Get Outside  //  Nature is good for the soul. Period. 
10 Reasons to Go Camping  //  You shouldn't even need 1, but here are 10 reasons to plan a trip.
5 Camping Activities  //  You've planned the trip, not what do you do?

Camping Safety

Favourite Camping Gadgets  //  Because camping wouldn't be camping without the gadgets. 
Camping With Your Dog //  Make sure your four-legged friend is safe and has fun! 
Camping in Bear Country  //  Because you can never been too careful. 

Camping Food

Tips for Planning a Camping Menu  //  The food is a top priority on our camping trips. 
Favourite Camping Recipes  //  A few of our go-to food and drink recipes. We don't mess around.
Camping Recipe: Campfire Chili Cheese Fries  //  Winner winner, chicken dinner.
Camping Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak   //  A camping trip fave.

Whether you are a seasoned back-country explorer, prefer the comfort of an RV or are a glamping pro, National Camping Month is the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family and enjoy the great outdoors!

Do you have any camping plans this summer? I'd love to hear about them!

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A Family First Camping Trip

We recently kicked off our spring/summer family adventures with a trip to one of my favourite camping destinations in Ontario - Pinery Provincial Park.

Growing up, my family and I spent many summers exploring all that the Pinery has to offer. Now, its my turn to create those memories with my little family and introduce Morley to one of our favourite outdoor activities - camping!

When it was just the two of us, the camping possibilities were endless. Camping at the base of a glacier? Check. A full day back country hike only to camp in the pouring rain? Check. Having a bear huff past your tent and not be able to sleep? Check. Taking a 6-hour ferry ride with plans to camp, only to find out there was still six feet of snow on the ground? Check, check, check. It's safe to say, we've had some pretty interesting camping adventures. But  have also made some amazing camping memories.

So, when it came time to plan Morley's first camping adventure, we figured we'd start small and play it safe with a car camping trip to the Pinery.

Located on the shores of the mighty Lake Huron, just outside of Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park is a hidden gem in the Ontario Parks' system. The 21 square kilometres of rare forests and rolling dunes offer excellent year-round outdoor recreations, including 10 walking trails, a 14 km bike trail and 38 kms of groomed ski trails. The Old Ausable River Channel, which runs the length of the park, is perfect for wildlife viewing, fishing or a relaxing paddle in a kayak or canoe.

Our long weekend at the Pinery was perfect. We spent our four days exploring the trails, the beach, the river, the dirt and just relaxing around the campsite. We couldn't have asked for better weather, or better company. With a jam packed campsite that included my parents, my brother, his girlfriend and three crazy dogs, there was no shortage of good laughs or activities going on.  Morley loved hanging out with her pups, Tity and Dooda (otherwise known as Titus and Lola), and was even introduced to a few new animal friends - raccoons, frogs and chipmunks galore. 

And even though we slept in the trailer with my parents (Morley would not even go near the tent), she absolutely rocked her first camping trip. This kid continues to amaze me, constantly adapting to every new situation we toss at her.

We can't wait to get out and create many more amazing memories with Morley this summer!

When heading out on an adventure, whether to the local park or camping, we always consider Morley’s safety first. That is why when it came time to upgrade her car seat, we chose the radian®rXT from diono. Premium materials and thoughtful safety features like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam and five-point harness put your mind at ease as your little one stays safe and sound. The reinforced adjustable head support provides additional side impact protection, and comfort when the little one crashes after a long day of adventuring. 

One of my favourite features of this car seat, which will come in handy on our trip to Alaska in the fall, is that the car seat folds flat for travel and is FAA-certified. Radian car seats fit 3-across in most mid-size vehicles, making it the perfect choice for growing families. And while we are not yet at the stage where we have to worry about that (I promise), one day down the road this will come in handy. 

The radian rXT car seat comes in a variety of colours, but we chose black plum. It adds a pop of colour, while still helping hide the inevitable toddler spills and messes. Find the radian rXT car seat at a retailer near you.

Check out To & Fro on Instagram for more from our camping trip to Pinery Provincial Park. 

Where will your adventures take you this summer? I'd love to hear!

Disclaimer: I received product and/or compensation for this post, however, all opinions are 100% my own. I only support brands that I trust and love.

Family Camping at Albion Hills Conservation Area

Looking to go tent camping, but don't want to venture too far from the city? Check out Albion Hills Conservation Area - one hour north of Toronto in Caledon, Ontario.

Earlier this month, we had the genius (and last minute) idea to go for a fall tent camping trip. As a first for our new family of five (yes, Bear counts as a family member), we wanted to choose some place close to home in case it was an epic fail. After scouring the provincial parks within an 1.5 hour drive and discovering they were all booked up, I remembered there are also local conservation areas that offer camping. So, just an hour from home, Albion Hills Conservation Area it was.

Set in the hills of Caledon on the banks of the Humber River, Albion Hills campground offers dramatic scenery, exciting activities and excellent facilities, just an hour north of Toronto! 

We packed up the car Saturday morning, and hit the road. Check in was at 2pm, so we weren't in any rush to get there. 

When I booked on line earlier that week, the selection was limited. I picked a spot that seemed decent, but with no photos to look at, I didn't really know what we were getting. Turns out, there was a reason that spot (#22) was not booked - it was essentially on the side of the road, with no tree cover. Completely exposed, and that was not what we wanted for the impending rain storm. So, we went back to the main office to see if there were any other sites available. Turns out, it didn't hurt to ask - we got a new site just around the corner, with enough cover to put up a tarp and keep us dry. The spot we ended up taking (Humberside #79), was also along the Humber River, with path access, so the girls had fun walking around in their boots, looking for frogs. I will admit, the site didn't have a ton of privacy BUT, for one night of camping, that was ok by us. 

After the skies cleared and the sun came out, we went for a walk around the other campsites. While closed for whatever reason (assuming either covid or because the season was winding down, we didn't ask), Poplar Circle looked to be the best tent camping sites, and ones we will remember when and if we decide to go back next year. 

With plans to hike the next morning, we took is pretty easy that afternoon, sitting around the fire, reading books, playing with Bear, looking for frogs and eating our favourite camping meal - hot dogs and beans (with some cold Ontario brews for mom and dad, of course). 

After a few toasted marshmallows, it was off to bed... for all of us. I guess that's the thing when you're tent camping with little ones. When they go to bed, so do you. Or at least that was our case - making an exit from the tent is not so easy. 

Check this out >> Whether you're going camping or for a hike with the kids, check out our Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt. (Download for free and print at home for your next outdoor adventure.)

I won't lie, it was pretty chilly. While Bear was perfectly content (and probably slept the best out of all of us), I spent the majority of the night making sure Berks wasn't too cold. Her and I were sharing a sleeping bag, and on a good night at home, she is not a fan of covers. 

We woke up to a layer of frost, and after a quick and chilly breakfast, we decided to abandon our hiking plans, pack up and head home. An hours' drive from Toronto, we can always go back. 

A note about the fire pits - If you are used to camping at an Ontario Provincial Park, you will be used to a metal pit, often with a grate for cooking. At Albion Hills, that was not the case. Instead, it was essentially a large hole in the ground. The sides of the pit were fairly sloped, so I was worried to have the girls sit too close, for fear they would lean in their chairs and fall forward into the fire. A little disappointing, but also glad I brought our portable camp stove, pots and pans as backup because they came in handy for cooking dinner!

Albion Hills has 234 serviced and unserviced sites, with some pull-through sites for RVs.

Overnight rates are extremely reasonable at $37.50 + HST per night (unserviced) and $43.00 + HST per night (serviced - 30 AMP hydro service and water).  Booking fees do apply. More information can be found on the website, here. 

If you plan to go, here are some items you may want to bring:

• Tent (This is similar to the one we have.)
• Sleeping bags (Here is the sleeping bag our daughter uses.)
• Air mattress (with battery-operated pump)
• Ground sheet (for under tent)
• Tarp with string (in case it rains)
• Camp chairs (These are the chairs our kids use.)
• Camping stove with fuel
• Camping utensils (pots, pans, etc.)
• Dishes and cutlery
• Jug of drinking water
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable coffee maker
• Reusable coffee mug
• Cooler (This is the one we have.)
• Lighter and newspaper (for fire - firewood available for purchase)
• Rain boots
• Rain jackets

Camping with a dog? Here is what we recommend you bring (on top of the usual essentials):

• Collapsible silicone water bowl
• Metal group stake
• 20 foot training leash
• Extra towels
• Extra blankets

Not a camper? Not a problem - you can still visit for the day. Check out the website for the cost of a day pass, and activities available. 

Albion Hills Conservation Area is located in Caledon, Ontario at 16500 Regional Road 50, just 8km north of Bolton.

Do you go fall camping with your family? What's your favourite place to go? I would love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns To & Fro a small commission. Thank you for your support!

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8 Favourite Camping Gadgets + GIVEAWAY

Although we like to keep things simple during our camping trips, we also love the option that technology has given us. Camping wouldn't be camping without the gadgets. You could call my husband a 'gear junkie' - we have faaarrrr too many gadgets in our camping gear box. Some that we use every single camping trip without fail, and some that would be lucky to ever see the light of day. Today, I'm sharing with you some of our favourite camping gadgets.

1. Seal Line Dry Sac // Whether you will be out on the open water, or the weather is not in your favour, adding a dry sac to your camping gear will help protect your clothing, sleeping gear, food, camera, and save you added stress.
2. Spork // If you can only bring one eating utensil, make sure it is this one. Extremely inexpensive and handy for whatever is on your camping menu. 
3. Gerber Multitool // Multitools get their name because they have multiple uses - whether it is used for cutting rope when tying a tarp, removing a hook from the mouth of a fish or cracking a can of beans. Gerber is a name you can trust.
4. Energizer Headlight // When out in the wilderness, it gets dark real quick. A headlight will come in handy when putting out the fire, unwinding for the night with a good book or that bathroom break in the middle of the night. Energizer headlights come in many different varieties, with different light strengths, settings and battery lengths.
5. Gerber Knife // Whether you need to prep food for dinner, cut kindling for the fire or pass the time by whittling away at a stick, bringing a good knife along on your camping trip should be a no brainer. Like the multitool, Gerber is a name you can trust.
6. Stanley Flask // A flask is a necessity when sitting around the campfire with family and friends. This flask is small enough to be easily packed away, but has a large enough capacity to share. Stanley products are quality products.
7. Jetboil // This cooking gadget does exactly what its name states - boils water, and fast. It comes in handy when boiling water for safe drinking, making dehydrated food or brewing coffee (has a coffee maker attachment). It is extremely lightweight and compact, perfect for any backcountry camper.
8. GoPro // You will need to document your camping adventures, and this camera is your safest bet and a great investment. Not to mention it is waterproof and takes video. 

Do you go camping? What's your favourite camping gadget?

Enjoy this post? Check out more from my Camping Month series:

Favourite Camping Memories10 Reasons to Go Camping--------------------
Going camping this summer? Need some new fancy smancy gadgets? Or maybe just a new summer wardrobe? To celebrate Camping Month and the last year of my 20s, I'm teaming up with 9 amazing ladies to give you the chance to win $110 paypal cash! Good luck!

T.O. & fro  |  SCATTERBRAIN  Something Saturdays  |  How To Make a Life  |  Route Bliss  |  To Travel & BeyondThe Artistic Brunette  |  SEDiva Abroad  |  Seeking Sunshine  |  Bourbon, Lipstick & Stilettos
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5 Camping Activities

You've picked the site, you've got your gear and you've planned your menu. Next up? Planning the activities! Depending on where you will be camping, there are a number of camping activities you can take advantage of. Here are our 5 favourite camping activities.

Play games. Card games are perfect for camping and a deck of cards can be easily packed into any camping bag. Board games are also fun to pack, especially if you have a picnic table or other surface to play on. Some of our favourite games include Scrabble, when its just the two of us, and CatchPhrase, which is handheld and can be played around the campfire with a group of people.

Explore nature. Part of the excitement of camping is being closer to nature. Explore the great outdoors by grabbing your camera and going on a photo safari, creating a scavenger hunt and using the binoculars to view the wildlife. When exploring, it is important to always remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife and take only memories, leave only footprints.

Relax. One of the bet parts of camping is the escape of every day stress and busyness. Relax and let the rest of the world fade away by listening to nature, taking a nap, reading a book by the campfire, floating on the water and stargazing. 

Gather around the campfire. Sitting around the campfire is one of the most memorable parts of camping. There are plenty of activities to do around the fire both at night and during the day including, reading a book, cooking a good meal, making s’mores, singing campfire songs, playing a musical instrument and telling stories.

Get some exercise.  Get up and get moving. There are a ton of sports and physical activities that can be done while camping. For example, play bocci ball or horseshoes, cast a line or go for a hike, swim or paddle. 

What are some of your favourite camping activities?

Enjoy this post? Check out more from my Camping Month series:

Favourite Camping Memories 10 Reasons to Go Camping Favourite Camping Gadgets Celebrate Dad with Energizer Headlight Talking Camping // Sponsor Spotlight Camping With Your Dog Tips for Planning a Camping Menu Favourite Camping Recipes