The Dog Days of August

We are running through this summer. It is already August and we are on our glamping trip to Lake Temagami where we welcome our Wabun campers back from six weeks in the quiet wilderness of Northern Ontario. Jack has been out on trip since June, paddling a canoe from near Thunder Bay, Ontario, where my mother’s family are from, all the way to Hudson’s Bay on the Winisk River. Oh the adventures he will have to tell us, if he will? Libby is here for her first summer and if you can believe pictures, has taken to the Wabun way with gusto. I cannot wait to see her and to hear her tales.
Margot and Hadley came up 10 days before the end of camp to go on their own camping trip. Hadley had not experienced this major part of Margot’s life so it was with great excitement that they set off for six days and nights in their wilderness with red canoe and dog. To quote them “it went off without a hitch”, their dog Brewer, loved it and so did they. Amazingly they ran into Libby’s section on their return and paddled with them for a few hours. Yup, Libby is a seasoned camper now. I hope this means we have a few more years for our annual trip to Lake Temagami.

We are staying at a hunting and fishing lodge on an island on the lake. It is remote if you compare it to North Hatley but for here it is on the main drag. The traffic is, however, boats and barges as well as canoes and the occasional sea plane. The sunsets are spectacular. The air is clean and so is the water. One can drink it right out of the lake. We pack in our food and drink and settle in with books and crosswords and Suduko. There is wifi but it is spotty and sloooow! Thus we leave the fast paced world behind for a few days and sleep, relax, visit and generally wind down. That used to be wined down for me but for now it isn’t. But, the beer is cold and tastes good at the end of the day.

This is the first year in many we have brought our dog with us. Way back in the day, we stayed at the camp and we brought our Sebastion with us. He loved it and ran free on Garden Island. Winchester is in dog heaven. It seems everyone has a dog with them and saints be praised, they are all friendly. A poodle named Cola, a boxer named Buddy, a lab named Gibson, a chihuahua named Tequila who runs the show, and now his pal Brewer. Throw in some crazy ducks who tease him and life couldn’t get any better.

Walking on the Lake

When I think of Temagami I don’t think about walking. It is a huge lake with hundreds of islands. Life is on the water or the water’s edge, not in the walking. However, much to my delight, when I asked about hiking I was told there are 20km of trails on the island of Temagami. So off Wyke and I went to explore. Please bear in mind there are bears here but we set out full of trepidation but determined. Glorious hiking. Good, not great paths, narrow and rocky through old growth forest. Well marked and just the right amount of challenge. Of course, I left my sticks at home, but I found some real sticks and am glad I did. We didn’t see any bears there but we sure did on our way into the Mine Road landing where we launched the boat. Our friends said they saw five bears on the road two nights ago. Hmmm, glad I have Wyke with me.

Cooking Not!

We bring all our food in with us in coolers. Multiple coolers. Most meals are made ahead and frozen. It is not easy to do the fresh fruits and vegetables because they don’t last. Breakfast is more apt to be eggs and bacon than yogurt or fruit. Dinner can be chicken casserole or spaghetti or lasagna. We eat a lot more meat up here but I try to bring the healthiest I can find. Of course I left the fresh vegetable plate in the fridge! I even forgot the fresh spinach artichoke dip I had made and frozen. Let the 80/20 rule abound. Back to yogurt and fruit next week.

Fun Facts about Celery

Celery has proven to be effective for boosting the immune system, hydrating the body and preventing serious illnesses. Fortunately, celery is easy to find in most grocery stores, and it is easy to prepare. Celery can be juiced, consumed as a raw snack or side dish, or celery can be easily integrated into a soup or salad. Regardless of the manner in which celery is consumed, the most important thing to remember is to always add celery to your grocery list and to try to consume celery in an organic form.

 

And They Are Back!

 

Have a wonderful week!

Love Louise