In mid-October, I (Curt), Phillip, and Jesse went for an overnight camping trips on crownland near Gibson Lake. We camped a 100 meters in the woods, off a dead-end road. I purposely chose a spot away from the water, so that we could make our own campsite for the night, and be away from people. We did meet someone hiking, just before we left, who saw a bear not too far from where we were.
We had mostly cloudy weather, with plenty of rain overnight and in the next morning. Got a bit of water in the tent at night, but I took a thick foam mattress which soaked up most of it--and my pillow the rest! I think I need to put new waterproofing on the fly seams.
We found a good place for a site! Boys brought up equipment while I cleared the area.
Jesse made a fire.
Phillip got the biolite stove started, and helped with making dinner.
I didn't bring enough rope. Had to anchor tarp corners of tarp to the ground (logs).
Some locals washing dishes at the stream. This is the second day, after all the rain. The first day there was barely any water--some places this forest stream was hidden under the leaves. But it was enough for dishes (downstream) and a 2 foot pool upstream for drinking water (below).
A loco collecting drinking water.
Did some fishing at the nearby public dock on Gibson Lake. We were successful at fishing, but unfortunately didn't catch anything. :)
Our camp site for 2020 (on a beaver pond, across road from dock&boat launch)
Heading back to the campsite after driving around and fishing all day. Supper & packup.
Fantastic bathroom facility. Notice the foot rests. We took down all the ropes after. We weren't sure whether the ropes were better used on the tarp or the bathroom.
Toadally cool.
Stumped for a caption on this one. Actually, with all the fall rains, it was amazing how beautiful everything was, in a way I had not appreciated before (click on picture for enlargement so you can see exquisite turnings). Moss and fungous everywhere. The wood grain on exposed wood, the tree bark all stood out in vivid detail due to the moisture. The collage of leaves under the stream surface. The air was sweet. In the dark and cold of the early dusk, Phillip said the beauty was a bit "weary" and "lonely" but we certainly were thankful to God. It is amazing to think of how God re-dresses the landscape from season to season--each time filled with new beauty and wonder to admire! He enjoys it all to Himself when no one else sees. But when someone does as we did, it is because He determined to share a bit with us.
Last pic before final cleanup and heading out. We pride ourselves in ensuring nothing is left.