Turkey Day Camp

Well we survived and I'm here to write about it. The forecast called for rain, "at times heavy" and a wind warning was issued for East Vancouver Island just as we were packing up last Saturday for our first ever Canadian Thanksgiving-Camping Day Celebration. We were invited by some friends to join their families at a spot north of here called Qualicum Beach. Our campsite (we were the only 3 out of 30 to pitch a tent - the rest had RV's) was next to a wide, swift river, complete with early-spawning salmon and 2 seals who had followed the salmon upriver for easier pickings. Very strange site for us Vermonters to see seals splashing around in a river next to our campsite!

The first night out was a downpour but I did a fair job stringing a tarp over our tent so we stayed completely dry. Miki faired well too; we weren't sure how she would take to a cold, rainy fall night in a glorified piece of nylon, but being sandwiched between Mama & Papa seemed to make all right in the world.

On Sunday we were up early to brew tea and watch the folks prepare the turkey. A couple of old, converted light boxes (for photography) served as the main course "oven". Once stuffed and tied the bird was skewered on a rotisserie and placed above a bed of coals. For the next 6 hours everyone took a spell at turning the turkey. There was also ham; wrapped first in wet newspaper and then foil and buried in the campfire for about 5 hours. The sun came out (surprise!) about mid-day and the kids all enjoyed splashing in the immense puddles while the adults tried to dry things out and re-tie the tarps.

Dinner was late, about 9pm, but well worth it. Even Miki was keen on the feast. 4 picnic tables were arranged end-to-end, covered in tablecloths and candles. Everyone brought their own cutlery and goblets and decorations. It was really quite cozy and extravagant for a campground in October. Pumpkin pie followed, of course, and then it was straight to bed with the little ones, including this family. We all slept great, got up early and began packing everything up. Dishes were washed, the tarps folded and the cars crammed with all manner of wet camping accoutrement.

We arrived back home around noon and set about drying our gear while I started a fire in the woodstove. Once Miki woke from her nap, she joined Mama on the lawn for a small picnic. Lucky for us the sun came out again. It was a treat, towards the end of the day, to find ourselves lounging in front of the fire, sprawled out on all of the sleeping bags, just relaxing.

This camping trip has re-motivated us to attempt camping more often with Miki. In fact, we're discussing plans to try some winter camping either next month or in December...