First Camp: Ottawa River
The fact that winter stuck around for longer than anyone had hoped made the first camp trip of the year that much better. With the Easter weekend forecast looking good and some ice still floating down the river we decided it was time!
We are very fortunate to live in a part of Ontario where amazing camping spots are literally at our fingertips. Just a short 30 minute paddle from our home on the Ottawa River you find yourself in a maze of small islands and channels that is virtually impassable in a motorized boat.
The ice had retreated off the main part of the river but in some of the channels and around the islands the ice held on a bit longer. We have a spot we normally camp at but with the ice still in that channel we were forced to find a spot on an island we have never camped on before.
This past winter built the ice in the channels so thick enough that we could still skirt along the edge to where we knew there was a cliff that we hoped would give us a nice view to watch a sunset and have dinner.
No sunset but watching the ice float down the river was good enough for us. The night came quickly so we cracked some beers and started having fun taking campfire pictures. We always try to outdo each other! Next time we’ll have to bring the guitar but sometimes it’s nice just to watch and listen.
Campfires are the best. Period. They touch all senses and are the ultimate relaxation tool. Any time anyone can sit in the wilderness by a fire they should do it.
