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Perhaps not as much talking as desired...but you'll have to wait until a chattier mood is here.

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The Massasauga

We tented in Oastler Provincial Park Thursday night. Friday we paddled into the Massasauga, with one portage. Saturday we paddled out.

For Laura and Colin:
Our random guess of 22 was pretty good. The ground was really damp in most places--but the tent, being new still, was indeed waterproof underneath.

It was a breezy location, which was essential for the conditions of our visit--buggy and muggy.

(Actually, the heat and mugginess didn't bother me, since there was LOTS of water nearby.)

I am indeed fully clothed (for bugs), and not uncomfortably hot. Yay! :)


Being pregnant, I was only responsible for the children during the portage, and Philip took care of the canoe and luggage. Fair deal, I say. ;) Because it was such a short trip, we(he) even managed to do it in two trips on the way back, and three on the way in. That has got to be a record for us!


A couple days before we left, Melanie and Matthew broke out with the boogers, and both of them were quite clingy, and a bit grumpy.

But camping is all about intimate family time, isn't it?



Campfire is mandatory for a genuine backcountry outing. After all, we're not allowed to have campfires in our own backyard, so we have to do them when we can.

This fire was nestled in behind a rock wall--it was a gusty location after all.


I was not disappointed when no rattlesnake encounters occurred. I'd imagined seeing 20 or so, with one or two bites...but not even a spot to be seen. I enjoy wildlife...but I must admit that I'm not too comfortable with poisonous reptiles just yet--I guess I just need more exposure. ;) I'd probably be fearless if I could pick up the antidote at the local drug store and pack it along, just in case. ;)


Climbing over rocky terrain wasn't something Matthew was keen on, especially since everything was still so new, and he was still not quite over the cold...but he loved having something to hang on to!


Melanie enjoyed camping, but really wished we could carry her around more often. She did request to go home on Friday, but she LOVED the marshmallows.


Even Nathan got sick of the bugs by the end. Especially after the portage on the way home when he was really tired.

It sure was easy to see the age difference in the kids. Nathan had a hoot, and was easy as pie. Melanie had several moments of weakness, and felt insecure with things, but warmed up to them once they became familiar. Matthew was a LOT of work. Once his walking improves, I imagine he will enjoy it more.

Future fantastically fun Friday

Bags are packed.
We're ready to go.
When Phil gets home.

Have fun working tomorrow. :p
We'll be back Saturday.

Ahhh.

Maybe I'll post pics on Monday.

Three Thrillers for Thursday

Horror:

Defiance in a 16 month old.
(To intensify the horror, imagine what this will be like when he's 16 years old!)

Comedy:

Drama queen entertains the masses.
(Please note that humour in a two year old is generally vastly different from that in an adult.)

Drama:

Four year old struggles with a life of excess camera time.
(Times can be trying when the camera doesn't know how to listen.)

The irony of wonderfully wet Wednesday was that an hour after I posted, our water was turned off 'til sometime after lunch. I managed to get 2 inches of water in the pool for the morning round, and had it brimful in the afternoon just because I could!

Wonderfully wet Wednesday

There is nothing like wetness to fight the mugginess. Too bad our kiddy pool isn't really adult size.
But I get by anyways.

They are really chewing up our road...today they're planning to do more of the same. Either I must pull my van out of the driveway right away, or I'm locked in for the day. Decisions, decisions...

Matthew picked up a cold yesterday. Hopefully summertime colds will be a rarity this year!

Topless Tuesday

(But only the boys)

Mishmash Monday

You should read this book if you want to know how I feel about summer in Ontario. :p I shall give you a brief summary of the relevant part.

The Night Girl never saw the sun in her life...then one day she sees it.
I quote:
Anyhow, [the sun] must be death; for all her strength was going out of her, while all around her was growing so light she could not bear it. She must be blind soon! Would she be blind or dead first? ....
"Oh I'm so frightened! What is this! It must be death! ... This is terrible. I want to hide... Ah me! ah me!"

It is a sunny muggy day, with promises of many more to come this summer. Maybe we'll go camping soon--I never mind muggy weather if we're camping since I can dive in the water to cool down whenever I like.


As you can see, playing isn't as easy as it sometimes looks....


Memory is fun with two...as long as Melanie doesn't mess up the cards. Nathan was very helpful and they took turns on their turns helping each other find sets.


Waking up together

and gobbling the dry crunchy end of Daddy's breakfast loaf (that he doesn't want anyways. :p )


Hugs! These spontaneous displays of affection scare me because I always think Melanie is going to roll over or shove Matthew onto the floor. So far no major injuries...